RALEIGH, N.C. (March 21, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open approximately 1,100 miles of hatchery-supported trout waters in 25 western counties at 7 a.m. on April 2. The season will run until one-half hour after sunset on Feb. 28, 2012. While fishing on hatchery-supported trout waters, anglers can harvest a maximum of seven trout per day, with no minimum size limits or bait restrictions. Hatchery-supported trout waters, marked by green-and-white signs, are stocked repeatedly from March until August every year. Many of these waters are stocked monthly, although some heavily fished waters are stocked more frequently.  Due to continuing work to repair the dams on Lake James in Burke County, the hatchery-supported section of the Linville River, located downstream from the dam, will not be stocked this season. Likewise, Balsam Lake, which was drained by the U.S. Forest Service to repair a leak in the spillway, will not receive stockings thi

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 18, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is partnering with the North Carolina Entrepreneurship Center at UNC Greensboro to host a series of seminars on protecting family land during estate transition. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is hosting one of several “Ties to the Land” seminars on April 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education in Raleigh. The workshop will include information on the Wildlife Conservation Land Program, which allows landowners who want to manage their land for protected species or priority habitat to apply for a reduced property tax assessment. Other scheduled seminars are: April 2, N.C. Arboretum, Asheville April 9, UNC Charlotte, Belk School of Business, Friday Building, Rm. 17 April 23, Tryon Palace, New Bern April 30, NC Entrepreneurship Center at UNCG Advance registration is $50. Registration the day of the event is $75. For more i

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 17, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has completed construction on the Astoria Landing Boating Access Area on the Roanoke River in Jamesville, which will open to the public Friday, March 18. The access are has two launch ramps with handicapped accessible docks, gravel parking and stormwater treatment facilities. The site, which was paid for through funds from the Sport Fish Restoration Program and motorboat registration receipts, also has a handicapped accessible fishing pier. “The Roanoke River is popular for both both boaters and anglers, and we are excited to provide this increased access to this treasured resource, said Erik Christofferson, chief of the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services. “We expect this site to draw sportsmen and women from across North Carolina to Jamesville to launch boats and cast lines.” For more information on boating in North Carolina, including an intera

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 3, 2011) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has completed renovations on the Ocean Isle Beach Boating Access Area, which will reopen to the public Friday, March 4. The Commission has expanded and paved the parking lot and also added additional stormwater treatment facilities. “Our coastal region continues to be a popular destination for boaters across North Carolina, said Erik Christofferson, chief of the Commission’s Division of Engineering Services. “These renovations will make Ocean Isle a more convenient spot for boaters, and we are pleased to provide this improved access to our state’s waters.” For more information on boating in North Carolina, including an interactive map of free, 24-hour boating access areas, visit Boating Maps/Locations.

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 2, 2011) – Home from the Hunt, a statewide safety campaign, encourages everyone to enjoy their time outdoors in North Carolina, by being prepared and taking the proper precautions, especially with firearms. Firearms safety is an element of the Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. North Carolina requires all first time hunting license buyers to have first completed a hunting education course. More than a gun safety class, hunter education courses include instruction in hunter ethics and responsibility, conservation and game management, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, and specialty hunting. Hunting Educators advise that safety directly pertains to how you handle firearms of any type: Treat each firearm with the respect due a loaded gun. Point a firearm in a safe direction at all times. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning