RALEIGH, N.C. (October 18, 2010) – There is still time to pledge to mentor someone new to hunting during the 2010 hunting season. Sign-ups for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Hunting Matters! “Hats On” Mentoring Campaign end Nov. 1. Those who sign up by the Nov. 1 deadline will receive a free hat and bumper sticker. “We’re asking hunters to join the more than 3,000 people who have already promised to introduce someone new to hunting, a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world we live in that can not be found elsewhere,” said Walter “Deet” James, the Commission’s Hunting Heritage biologist. “If you enjoy hunting, consider sharing the experience with someone who is interested in the outdoors and otherwise may not have the opportunity to learn about the activity.” The Commission’s Hunting Heritage Program is based on the premise th

RALEIGH, N.C. (October 15, 2010) – Youth visiting the Wildlife Commission’s exhibit at the State Fair on Monday, Oct.18, can participate in several activities designed to educate and entertain, including interacting with conservation educators and biologists to learn answers to wildlife questions and earn a wildlife sticker. The day has been designated Youth Day by the N.C. Department of Agriculture, and participants can test their shooting skills at a free air rifle range, learn to identify animals by their scat, handle animal pelts and see live amphibians and reptiles. Through the duration of the fair, visitors can see the Commission’s “Take it Outside” exhibit, which provides an indication of the many hunting, fishing, boating, watching and learning opportunities provided to the public by the Commission. Visitors can check out a 12-foot, interactive map to find places to hunt, fish, boat and wildlife watch within 50 miles of wh

RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 15, 2010) – Fred Rorrer, a longtime hunter education specialist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission who taught thousands of North Carolinians about respect and enjoyment of the outdoors, died unexpectedly Monday, Oct. 11. He was 52 years old. Services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 16th, at the Fair Funeral Home, 432 Boone Road, Eden. The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service at Fair Funeral Home. “Fred Rorrer was the caliber of man who, whether personally or professionally, represented conservation and this agency in the best possible way,” said Col. Dale Caveny, chief of the Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement, which administers the state’s Hunter Education Program. “He was an avid outdoorsman and a great ambassador for hunting and fishing. His passing leaves a void and, for those who knew him, a real hurt.” As a hunter education

RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 14, 2010) – Human dimensions in wildlife conservation – the “people aspect” of nature – will be the topic for the Oct. 27th Fisheries and Wildlife Seminar at the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education. The seminar, titled “Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management: What is it and Why Should You Care?” will be presented by Dr. Nils Peterson and Kerry Linehan at 4 p.m. following a networking session with refreshments, which begins at 3:30 p.m. An assistant professor at N.C. State University, Dr. Peterson researches the relationships of human actions and natural systems. He examines how factors from land use policies to household dynamics affect the environment and endangered wildlife populations. He will relate how this research and its applications can benefit conservation measures. As a human dimensions biologist for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Linehan conducts and coor

RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 7, 2010) — “Take It Outside” at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s N.C. State Fair exhibit this year to learn more about the many outdoor opportunities offered by the agency. The exhibit, located downhill from the Village of Yesteryear, is open to the public from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Oct. 14, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 15-24. The ‘Take It Outside’ exhibit provides an indication of the many hunting, fishing, boating, watching and learning opportunities provided to the public by the Commission. Visitors can check out a 12-foot, interactive map to find places to hunt, fish, boat and wildlife watch within 50 miles of where they live. “We want everyone who visits our tent to know that there are likely several places near their homes where they can wet a line, go hunting or boating, or simply watch wildlife,” said Penny Miller, communications director for the Commission.