 |
| bot
fly larvae |
What
you are likely observing are bot fly larvae (genus Cephenemyia).
These larvae are very common in white-tailed deer. The
larvae originate from the deer's sinus cavity, nasal passages
and/or
pouches in the throat region. When a deer’s body
cools down, these larvae sometimes migrate into the throat
region.
The larvae then typically migrate down the throat and into
the open body cavity of a field-dressed deer. It is here
that unsuspecting hunters often find the larvae. The larvae
are sometimes found in the mouth or nasal region of the
deer. Hunters who wait several hours before field dressing
and/or
butchering the carcass are more likely to find the larvae
due to the time it takes for the carcass to cool down and
the larvae to migrate out of the sinus, nasal and/or throat
region(s).
The larvae
typically cause little or no harm to the deer, except for
some minor discomfort associated
with irritation of the sinuses and nasal passages.
The larvae do not in any way make the carcass unfit for human consumption.
For those that are concerned about bot fly larvae, immediately removing
the harvested deer’s head will keep the larvae
from coming into contact with edible portions of the
carcass.
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I harvested a deer
that has a few wart-like growths on its skin. The growths
are dark in color and appear to be associated only with
the deer’s skin. What are these, and do they make
the meat unsafe to eat?
 |
| deer with cutaneous fibromas |
The wart-like growths
are most likely cutaneous fibromas. Cutaneous fibromas are
caused by a virus, and they are relatively common on white-tailed
deer. The growths can range in size from a fraction of an
inch to several inches in diameter. Infected deer typically
have five or fewer tumors, but more than 200 tumors have
been observed on some animals. Although the tumors can be
found on any area of the body, they are found most commonly
on the head, neck, shoulders and forelegs. The tumors typically
do not cause any harm to the deer, and they usually regress
and eventually disappear with time. The virus that causes
them to grow in white-tailed deer does not infect other wild
animals, domestic animals or humans. Cutaneous fibromas are
confined to the skin and are removed when the deer is processed
for consumption. Unless there is evidence of secondary bacterial
infection in the underlying tissues, the animal can be skinned,
butchered and consumed as normal. Although the tumors may
be grotesque in appearance, they do not affect the quality
of the meat.
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Has Chronic Wasting
Disease been found in North Carolina?
No, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has not
been found in North Carolina. Until the spring of 2005,
the nearest case to North Carolina was in northern Illinois.
In April 2005, New York wildlife officials reported CWD
in two captive herds and among wild deer nearby. In September
2005, wildlife officials from West Virginia reported that
CWD had been detected in a wild deer from the northeastern
portion of their state.
The
Wildlife Commission has been conducting surveillance
for CWD since 1999. More than 1,800 samples have been
submitted for testing. For more information
concerning CWD, visit the CWD page and
http://www.cwd-info.org/.
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Bears
What are the top bear weights?
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What is North Carolina’s
bear population?
7,000 on the coast; 4,000
in the mountains. See bear
facts page here.
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Where can I get information about
bear/human conflicts?
Check out "Living
in Black Bear Country".
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Where can I get information
about North Carolina bears?
Check
out the bear documentary, “The
Bear Facts, The Story of a North Carolina Treasure”. Order
the documentary online! Call (919) 707-0050 to
request a copy of the black bear brochure,
released annually by the Wildlife
Commission’s bear biologist.
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Deer
How many deer are
in North Carolina?
The Wildlife Commission is able to
track white-tailed deer population trends using age and
sex data collected
from hunter-harvested deer. Population
models show that approximately 1.1 million deer reside in the Tar Heel
state. Approximately 620,000 deer reside in the Coastal Plain,
while 420,000 deer
live in the Piedmont. The population estimate for the mountain region is
60,000 animals. The Wildlife Commission’s population
modeling efforts have indicated that we have stable or
decreasing population trends across most of the state.
These trends developed in the early- to mid-1990s when the Wildlife Commission
increased opportunity to harvest doe (female) deer across much of the state.
However, there are localized areas in the state where populations are increasing,
mostly urban/suburban areas where hunting opportunity, our state’s
primary management tool for managing deer populations, has decreased or
has been lost
altogether.
See
deer facts and NC deer distribution map here.
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How common are albino and piebald
deer?
Piebald deer
are deer that have blotches of white coloration on portions
of their hide that are usually dark in color. Albino deer are deer that lack
pigmentation and have a completely white hide and pink eyes, nose and hooves.
Piebald deer are much more common with some studies showing the trait may
show up in one in 1,000 deer. Albinism is much rarer and
may only be observed in
one in 30,000 deer. There is also a very rare melanistic condition that causes
a deer’s coloration to be extremely dark and sometimes black. This
condition is much rarer than albinism.
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When does the rut occur?
The
majority of breeding activity occurs in a 3- to 4-week period
across the state. The peak breeding periods by region are:
Lower Coastal Plain
(last week of October); Upper Coastal Plain (first week in November); Piedmont
and foothills (third week in November); and mountains (first week of December).
Does are typically in heat and receptive to mating for a 24-hour period.
Does that are not bred during the first rut may come into estrus again
approximately 28 days later. This phenomenon is often referred to as the
second rut. It is possible that a doe may come into estrus multiple times
before being bred.
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Are any programs available to help landowners manage
deer populations?
Yes! The Deer
Management Assistance Program (DMAP) offers
landowners or hunt clubs options in managing deer herds
on their property or leases. Visit the DMAP page for
more information and to access an application.
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Disabled
Sportsman
Does the handicap
permit allow me to go anywhere on the game land?
Yes,
but the seasonal weapon restrictions apply. Access
is limited to open roads and those designated for
disabled-hunter access on certain
game lands as listed in the Regulations
Digest.
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How do I get a key to U.S.
Forest Service gate (disabled)?
Contact the appropriate
U.S. Forest Service district office.
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Equipment/Facilities
When can I rent the Field Trial Facility?
Contact
the Sandhills Wildlife Depot at (910) 281-3917 for an application
to use the facilities.
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Feral Hogs
Does the Wildlife Resources Commission regulate feral hogs?
Outside of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties, feral hogs are not considered to be wild boars and our agency does not regulate them. Therefore, the Wildlife Resources Commission does not set bag limits, season restrictions, or times when feral hogs may be taken.
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Can feral hogs be hunted on Sunday, at night, year round, or with dogs?
Feral Hogs cannot be hunted on Sunday. They can be hunted at night and year round. Also, dogs can be used to take these animals.
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Are there any exceptions when hunting feral hogs on game lands?
There is an exception on our game lands, where hunters may only take feral hogs during open seasons of game animals while using a legal manner of take for the game species with the open season. Also on game lands, dogs may only be used for hunting feral hogs if dog hunting for deer and/or bear is lawful. On such game lands, dogs may only be used for hunting feral hogs during the applicable deer and bear seasons.
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Game
Land/Impoundments
What is CURE,
and what can I hunt on Game Land CURE areas?
The Game Land CURE
(Cooperative Upland Habitat Restoration and Enhancement) areas are approximately 5,000 acres and are
managed intensively for early-successional species, including quail,
rabbit and songbirds. They are open to hunting all legal
species except quail and
woodcock.
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Do you have a better map of the game
lands?
The Game Lands Map Book is the most detailed
and comprehensive collection of maps that we have
available to the public. Access
the maps online or call 1-888-2HUNTFISH (1-888-248-6834)
to request a copy.
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Do I need a game land license to fish in
game land lakes/ponds?
No. The Game Lands Privilege License
applies to hunting and/or trapping only. The game lands
license is
not required to fish in any
waters on game
lands.
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What is the status of your impoundments?
How much water? Are there any ducks? Where should
I go?
Contact the appropriate
wildlife management depot for current impoundment
information.
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What public lands are available
to hunt in North Carolina? Are there any controlled
hunts or
permit hunt opportunities?
Please refer to the
Game Lands Map Book and the Permit Hunting Opportunities publication.
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Habitat
How
do I stop a logging operation or housing development from
going in the wooded area beside my house?
Environmental legislation such as
wetland regulations or the Endangered Species Act was not enacted as
a way to stop projects, and we should not try
to use them as such. Within reason and zoning laws, all landowners should
have the right to use their land for all lawful purposes.
Development projects and
logging operations are required to have permits or at least maintain best
management practices that help assure that natural resources
are protected. That said,
if you have information on specific violations of wetlands regulations or
federally endangered species you should contact either the
regional DENR office (N.C.
Division of Environmental Management) or the Raleigh Fish and Wildlife Service
office respectively.
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Why are you burning?
Prescribed
fire is one of the most effective means of improving wildlife
habitat.
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What are regulations for controlling beaver populations?
Beaver dams may be removed or breached to restore normal
water level and stream flow. It is not legal to disturb
a beaver lodge, where the beaver lives. The lodge is
a separate structure from the dam.
A depredation
permit is not required for beaver population control.
Shooting and trapping of beavers is legal year-round
by the landowner or with the landowner’s permission
when depredation has occurred. Snares are a legal means
of trapping beavers.
The landowner must have a depredation permit only if
beaver parts are to be sold from beavers taken outside
of trapping season. A hunting and trapping license is
required for someone assisting the landowner only if
they sell beaver parts.
See Beaver
Management in North Carolina for more information.
Does cutting trees harm wildlife?
No. In fact, carefully planned timber harvest is an important tool for creating important wildlife habitats. When areas are cleared or thinned, sunlight hits the ground and many species of plants beneficial to wildlife begin to grow. The resultant grasses, shrubs and seedlings (early successional habitat) offer many critical habitats for many different wildlife species. Game species like deer and quail rely on habitats created by disturbances, and several species of songbirds now in decline also depend on them. It is important to note that early successional habitats for these species are not being provided on private lands (pastures, residential developments, etc.).
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Hunting
Where
are the best places to hunt doves, deer, turkey and quail?
For
best results, use the Game Land Map
Book and scout the
area. Dove field locations can
be found here. General
recommendations may be available from the appropriate wildlife management
depot.
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Can you give me
the time and place of the next hunter safety class?
Visit
the Hunter Education page for a list of
classes offered by county.
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Can you post the area around
my house as a safety zone?
No. Adequate safety
is provided by the current regulations that prohibit
the use of weapons within 150 yards of any residence adjacent to game lands,
except archery equipment may be used in that zone on Butner-Falls and Jordan
game lands.
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What is the smallest caliber rifle I can hunt with?
We
do not, by statute, define what type of rifle you can
hunt
with. .22 caliber rifles are legal for taking
big game by state law, if they conform to federal firearm
guidelines. You cannot use rifles to take/hunt migratory
birds or wild turkey. Some local laws also prohibit or
may have restrictions on rifle use. Please see the Local
Laws section of the Regulations Digest for further
information.
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Can I hunt on Sunday in North Carolina?
No. Hunting seasons are closed on Sundays, except on
some military installations under the exclusive jurisdictions
of the Federal government.
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Hunting
Records
Does the Wildlife Commission maintain a trophy list
of white-tailed deer? If so, what is the state record?
No,
the Wildlife Commission does not maintain a list of “trophy” deer
taken in the state. However, the Wake County Wildlife Club (sponsor of the
annual Dixie Deer Classic) does maintain a list. This list can be found at
http://www.dixiedeerclassic.org/hroll.html.
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What is the record in North Carolina
for the largest bobcat, coyote, beaver, raccoon, etc.?
There
are no records for furbearers, non-game or small game animals.
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Posting Private Property
What do I need to get my property "Posted" for no trepassing, hunting, trapping
or fishing?
If someone wants their property “Posted” where no person can be on there property trespassing for any purpose they need to call their local Sheriff’s Department. They can provide the information on how to properly “Post” the property where it will be legally binding.
How do I register my property through the N.C. Wildlife Commission to allow hunting, trapping or fishing with written permission?
The Registered Land Program is offered by our Wildlife Enforcement division to assist with people that disregard landowner’s rights. Through the program, landowners, landholders and leasees can request the assistance of local wildlife enforcement officers to enforce trespassing for hunting, fishing and trapping. The local officer will determine if the person has permission to hunt, fish or trap the property and charge persons that do not have this permission. The landowners must follow specific guidelines for posting property and issuing permits. Wildlife officers do not enforce general trespass on these lands.
You may write or call for an information packet at:
Address:
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Division of Enforcement
1717 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1717
Phone:
919 707-0030
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Registration/Licensing/Report
Card
My boat registration has
expired. How do I renew it?
For information
pertaining to vessel registration and titling,
call (800) NC-VESSEL, (800) 628-3773, or go to
the Vessel Registration and Titling
page for more information.
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I have a lifetime license, but I haven't
received my big game tags yet. What should I do? Can I still
hunt?
Possession of a harvested bear, deer, wild
boar or wild turkey without a validated "Big Game Harvest
Report Card" (formerly known as "tags")
is unlawful. Each spring our license section mails out a post card to lifetime
license holders. On this post card you can request your big game harvest report
card, HIP certification (federal Harvest Information Program) and/or Regulations
Digest without having to go to a wildlife service agent to do so. You can also
update your address if necessary. An online authorization number is provided
on the post card to request these items online. If you did not receive this
post card, there may be a problem with your address information in our system.
Call (888) 2HUNTFISH, (888) 248-6834, M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to check
the status of your information and request the items you need.
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My son/daughter is under age 16 and
is hunting off my license. Do I have to use my tags on their
harvested animals?
No. Your son/daughter must request
a free license-exempt big game report card (formerly
known as "tags") at a wildlife
service agent near you or by calling 1-888-2HUNTFISH (1-888-248-6834),
M-F, 8 a.m. – 5
p.m.
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I hunt on my own property and
don't need a license. Do I have to tag my harvest?
Yes.
Possession of a harvested bear, deer, wild boar
or wild turkey without a validated "Big Game Harvest
Report Card" (formerly known
as "tags") is unlawful. You can request a free
license-exempt big game report card (formerly known as "tags")
at a wildlife service agent near you or by calling (888)
2HUNTFISH, 888-248-6834, M-F, 8 a.m. – 5
p.m.
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Where can I get information on trapping
in North Carolina?
You can check out the
trapping regulations here. For addition information
you can contact the N.C. Trappers Association, however they do not yet
have
a Web site
and
the officers periodically change.
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Turkeys
How
do I get turkeys stocked on my farm? Where can I buy turkeys
to stock? How much land do I need for a turkey stocking?
Since
we finished turkey restoration over the 2004-05 winter, turkey stocking
has been completed. We now have turkeys in all 100 counties in sufficient
numbers that should fill in any suitable but unoccupied habitat on their
own, and additional stocking sites are no longer needed nor will they be
considered.
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Wildlife Commission
Practices
Can
I get some seed from you for planting on my land?
The
Wildlife Commission no longer provides planting materials
to the public. See
commercial sources of planting materials.
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Why
did the Wildlife Commission release cougars and coyotes?
The
Wildlife Commission has never released cougars or coyotes
and has no plans to do so.
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