RALEIGH, N.C. (June 28, 2011) – In the rush to get on the water, don’t get in the way, don’t get upset and don’t get in trouble. Wildlife Officers with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are reminding everyone to practice proper boat ramp etiquette this summer, be patient with others and obey regulations set for public boating access areas. Their recommendations: Pre-Launch at Home File a float plan with a responsible person. Make sure you have all required safety equipment onboard. Check the charge on fire extinguisher(s). Check that your registration and decal is up-to-date and your registration card is onboard. Make sure all running gear, lights, etc., are working and the drain plug is in. Pre-Launch at Staging Area Remove covers and straps before you get in line. Have gear and equipment already stowed onboard. Disconnect any wiring between your trailer and boat. Remove the tarp and straps that secure your boat

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 23, 2011) – This weekend is Operation Dry Water, a nationwide initiative to keep waterways safe and raise awareness among boaters about the dangers of operating a boat while impaired. Held each year during the weekend before the July 4th holiday, Operation Dry Water is coordinated by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard, with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, assisted by partner law enforcement agencies, leading the North Carolina campaign. This year in North Carolina, Operation Dry Water will be incorporated into an ongoing “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign, which combines law enforcement resources to help everyone travel safely on highways and waterways during the summer months. “We want people to enjoy their boating experience,” said Maj. Chris Huebner, the state boating safety coordinator. “That means prev

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 7, 2011) – Law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies will be out in force June 24-26 for Operation Dry Water, an annual campaign focused on the detection and enforcement of boating while impaired. A secondary objective is to raise awareness among all boaters that it is unsafe, as well as illegal, to operate a boat under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. This year in North Carolina, Operation Dry Water is incorporated into the state’s “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign. “Impaired boat operators pose the same risk for injuries and fatalities as does impaired drivers,” said Maj. Chris Huebner of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the state boating safety coordinator. “No matter what you drive, be responsible. Penalties for boating while impaired can include fines up to $1,000 and jail, but the greater peril is having an accid

RALEIGH, N.C. (May 31, 2011) – More than 35 free, family oriented fishing events get under way this weekend, as part of 2011 National Fishing and Boating Week. Supported by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, in cooperation with Neuse Sport Shop, North Carolina State Council of Trout Unlimited, Bass Pro Shops and the U.S. Forest Service, these fishing events provide opportunities for young anglers to learn fishing basics, such as casting, knot-tying and tackle selection. They also let young anglers try their luck at reeling in a variety of freshwater fish, many of them stocked by the Commission, including trout in the mountains and channel catfish in the Piedmont and Coastal regions. Participants registered at any listed event will be entered into a statewide, random drawing to win more than 150 fishing-related prizes. The grand prize is a lifetime sportsman license, which includes fishing in freshwater and saltwater, as well as hunting, donated by Neuse Sport Sho

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (May 26, 2011) – Cumberland County residents who want to cast a line in Glenville Lake but don’t have the necessary equipment can now fish without owning a rod and reel, thanks to a new partnership between the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation. Glenville Lake, which is located in Mazarick Park, recently joined the Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program, which provides loaner rods and reels free of charge to anglers of all ages, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program works like a library. Anglers register at the park office, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to receive a tackle-loaner identification card that lets them check out one of 20 rod and reels for the day. While the program is geared toward children under 16, anyone interested in fishing can participate. Anglers under 16 must have a parent or guardian complete the registration form.  After retur