RALEIGH, N.C. (June 21, 2010) – Fish for free in all public waters — including coastal waters — on July 4 from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. While everyone, residents and non-residents, can fish in public waters on this date without a license, all other fishing regulations, such as length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions, apply. Authorized by the N.C. General Assembly and started in 1994, North Carolina’s annual free fishing day, which always falls on July 4, was created to promote the sport of fishing.   The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission manages recreational fisheries, stocks fish, and provides free access to fishing sites across the state.  And, while many sport fisheries in North Carolina are self-sustaining, the Commission annually stocks a variety of fish in public, inland waters — from trout in the mountains to striped bass in Piedmont reservoirs and channel

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 17, 2010) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has received a $200,000 grant to expand its Green Growth Toolbox, a tool designed to help communities implement habitat-friendly practices into development plans. The grant will pay for the integration of the Wildlife Action Plan – the Commission’s blueprint for enhancing and conserving the state’s fish and wildlife species and their habitats – and its priorities into local land use planning. The Commission will partner with the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, Sustainable Sandhills, and the Land of Sky Regional Council to offer Green Growth Toolbox technical guidance to counties and municipalities in most areas of the state. Currently, the Green Growth Toolbox training is only offered in the Piedmont region. ”We are thrilled to have received this funding from the Wildlife Conservation Society,” said Jacquelyn Wallace, Urban Wildlife Biol

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 17, 2010) – With the rise of media reports across the state about black bear interactions with humans, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding citizens that they can take a few simple steps to avoid conflict with bears. Residents should avoid feeding bears, whether intentionally or unintentionally, as it accustoms the bear to human food. Feeding a bear rewards it for approaching people and their homes and makes it more likely to approach again. While black bears are rarely aggressive toward people, they can become bold when accustomed to feeding on human-provided foods, such as garbage and bird seed. Often, they lose their fear of people, and bears that are too comfortable with people are more likely to cause problems. In addition, if a bear visits a residential area, people should remain calm and leave it alone. A crowd will unnerve the bear, causing it to act unpredictably. Crowds should disperse and allow the bear to move on undist

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 15, 2010) – Dale Caveny, a 25-year veteran wildlife enforcement officer, has been promoted to the top wildlife enforcement post in North Carolina. Beginning today as colonel, Caveny now leads the Division of Law Enforcement of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. He will direct 200 wildlife officers who enforce hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation laws, and boating regulations; offer hunter and boater safety courses; and investigate hunting and boating accidents. “I consider wildlife officers to be some of the most professional and dedicated of all law enforcement officers,” said Caveny. “It is a great honor to continue serving in this new role with those men and women. The strength of the division is sound, the resolve of its officers is unwavering and we will continue to diligently manage and protect the resources and ensure public safety.” The post was held by Kenneth Everhart, who recently retir

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 15, 2010) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding beach-bound anglers, particularly those headed to the coast for the popular and busy July 4 week, to purchase their saltwater fishing license before they leave home and avoid potential long lines at tackle and bait shops, sporting good stores and other wildlife service agent locations along the coast.   Anglers can purchase a license by: Calling the Wildlife Resources Commission at 1 (888) 248-6834. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week;  “Purchase License” page. Visiting a local Wildlife Service Agent. Most are located in bait-and-tackle shops, hunting and sporting good stores and larger chain stores. Licenses can also be purchased at one of six Division of Marine Fisheries offices located along the coast. For locations, visit the agency’s website, www.ncfisheries.net. A Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is r