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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is excited to launch its new license and vessel registration system, Go Outdoors North Carolina, on July 1. This enhanced system will improve both the user and customer service experience.
As we begin the transition over to the new system, please note that ALVIN, our current system, will be unavailable starting Tuesday, June 27 after 5:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 1. If you need to purchase a license or register or renew your vessel registration during this time you are encouraged to do so in advance of June 27.
As we undergo this transition our goal is to provide the best customer experience and we appreciate your patience. The information below highlights some of the features that will be available to you in the new Go Outdoors North Carolina system!
As we near the launch date, NCWRC will continue to provide you with updates on the transition to this new system and we will let you know as soon as the system is up and running.
Lifetime License Holders: Information along with a tutorial on how to obtain your seasonal information will be distributed by email in early July, as such, seasonal information will not be available prior to this.
Permit Hunt Participants: The permit hunt application system will be available in early July. Program participants will be notified by email when the system is ready, and a tutorial will be provided that demonstrates how to apply for permit hunting opportunities.
Customer Account Management
Licensing and Permit Hunts
Vessel Registration, Titling and Renewal
Collectable Hard Card License Options Available
NC Wildlife Merchandise Store
Available beginning July 1 through Apple’s App Store and Google Play, the GoOutdoorsNorthCarolina mobile app will help you have a better day on the water and in the field with capabilities to:
Blog
Vessel registration and titling
Buy a license
Renew your license
or vessel registration
ncwildlife.org
Most boating incidents reported to the Wildlife Commission last year occurred in the months of May, June, and July. 148 incidents were recorded, resulting in 20 deaths. Of those deaths 16 were not wearing a life jacket. Wherever you’re boating, wear a life jacket and follow basic safety practices to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s annual campaign to reduce alcohol-related incidents on the state’s roadways and waterways kicks off in advance of Memorial Day. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers will be teaming up with local and state agencies on and around the water. Some of these partners include NC Alcohol Law Enforcement, NC State Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, DHHS-Forensic Test for Alcohol and many others.
Trout streams and lakes classified as Delayed Harvest will open for harvest on June 3. Youth 17-years-old and younger can fish from 6 a.m. to 11:59 a.m. on opening day. All other anglers can drop their lines in at noon. Fishing rules and regulations are available online.
May thru June, family-friendly fishing events to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week will occur at fishing holes across the state, offering young anglers the opportunity to reel in a big one. Raffle prizes for participants will be available, including the opportunity to win a Sportsman Lifetime License from Neuse Sports Shop and Comprehensive Inland Fishing License Lifetime from Trout Unlimited.
Find 250 free Boating Access Areas on over 100 bodies of water using our Boating Access Area Locator. Explore over 500 publicly accessible places to fish with any of our interactive fishing maps.
This 2 min. video will walk you through the process.
Several drownings have occurred in North Carolina these past few weeks. The victims were not wearing life jackets. Safety should be a top priority when recreating on water, including wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFDs) when boating, swimming and fishing.
Wearing a PFD is just one of many safety measures to take when on the water.
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) can cause ecological harm and devastating economic impacts on our state’s waterways. Follow these four steps to prevent the spread of ANS.
Corey and Ben welcome Seth Mycko the N.C. Wildlife District 5 Fisheries Biologist to discuss why there are big Largemouth Bass in Jordan Lake.
Tune in for Bonus Podcast Episodes Just Released!
Corey and Ben spent sometime last month at REDCREST 2023 with some of the top professional anglers from the 2022 Bass Pro Tour. Enjoy!
REDCREST Special Edition #1:
Ben and Corey are at REDCREST 2023 talking with Major League Fishing founder Gary Klein and anglers Britt Myers and Marty Robinson about the sport of bass fishing and the importance of fisheries conservation.
REDCREST Special Edition #2:
Corey and Ben are back at REDCREST 2023 talking with anglers Wesley Strader, Andy Montgomery, and the one and only Kevin Van Dam about the sport of bass fishing and the importance of fisheries conservation.
The Wildlife Commission, in collaboration with partners, announced the upcoming launch of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a unique wildlife recreation opportunity that connects people to the fascinating underwater world through a series of publicly accessible river snorkel sites. Ten unique sites, spanning across western North Carolina, have been identified for inclusion in the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, which is slated to open in mid-June.
REPORT SIGHTINGS!
Commission Wildlife biologists are asking the public, particularly trout anglers, to report any sightings of hellbenders and mudpuppies. Both types of aquatic salamanders are found in western North Carolina and listed in North Carolina as species of special concern. If you spot one, note its location (physical location or GPS coordinates), snap a photo if possible, and send to Lori.Williams@ncwildlife.org. People can also call the Wildlife Commission’s NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, and provide details of the observation.
See an alligator in the wild in North Carolina? Share your observation with the NCWRC by uploading your photo to the NC Alligators Project on the free, easy-to-use iNaturalist app. Public participation increases our knowledge of local distributions of alligators, helps identify areas for education and outreach programs and connects us with a growing network of wildlife viewers.
Fishing Classes for All Ages and Abilities
Boater Education Courses
The approved season dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2023-24 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird (including doves) and extended falconry seasons have been released. Some notable changes were announced. Dates are available online and will be published in the 2023-24 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest this August.
Given the CWD positive deer in Cumberland and Wilkes counties, the Wildlife Commission has established new primary and secondary CWD surveillance areas for the 2023-2024 hunting season. Primary surveillance area counties are Cumberland, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties. Secondary surveillance area counties are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Bladen, David, Forsyth, Guildford, Harnett, Hoke, Iredell, Robeson, Rockingham and Sampson counties. In all of these Surveillance Area counties, rules will prohibit fawn rehabilitation, govern the transportation of deer carcasses and carcass parts, prohibit the placement of minerals and salt licks to congregate wildlife at any time, and prohibit the placement of bait, food, or food products to congregate wildlife outside of the hunting season.
In response to the state’s recent detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a white-tailed deer harvested during the 2022-2023 season in Cumberland County, the Wildlife Commission will host a KNOW CWD public forum in Fayetteville at the Cumberland County Extension Center (301 East Mountain Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306) on Tuesday, May 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and registration is not required. Enter the building below the sign that reads, "Agriculture Center" and go to the I.B. Julian Auditorium.
Staff will present information about CWD and CWD-specific regulations for the upcoming deer season, as well as answer questions from attendees. If you have specific questions you’d like addressed at the forum, please submit them online.
Can’t attend in person? For those who are unable to attend in person, co-host Carolina Sportsman Magazine will stream the event through Facebook Live and it will also be shared on the Wildlife Commission’s Facebook page.
For more information on CWD, visit ncwildlife.org/CWD.
Wildlife law enforcement officers have a unique job within the law enforcement community. They enforce laws that protect the public and North Carolina’s wildlife resources. Over 200 officers are committed to ‘Law Enforcement Off the Pavement’, wearing the wildlife diamond proudly and going above and beyond to risk their safety in the interest of others and our wild places. Please take a moment to remember the 11 wildlife officers who died in the line of duty.
Applications for the 60th Wildlife Law Enforcement Basic Academy will be accepted May 15 – June 30.
Find out more @ NCWildlifeEnforcementJobs.org
Contact us: 919-707-0030 or E-mail.
Learn more about a Law Enforcement Off the Pavement in this 2.46-minute video.
On the road, on the water. Don’t drink and drive.
The Wildlife Commission’s annual campaign to reduce alcohol-related incidents on the state’s roadways and waterways kicks off in advance of Memorial Day. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers will be teaming up with local and state agencies on and around the water. Some of these partners include NC Alcohol Law Enforcement, NC State Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, DHHS-Forensic Test for Alcohol and many others.
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) is being considered once again in the 2023 Congressional session to help states and tribes fully implement our State Wildlife Action Plans. As of this week both NC Senators have signed on as co-sponsors — the first state to have both Senators in support. Currently on the Senate floor (S. 1149), the bill is pending an introduction in the US House.
While NC waits for the funding opportunities RAWA could bring, the Commission is actively pursuing similar levels of funding using Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) with America the Beautiful funds through history making partnerships. However, these funds still need matching state funds.
The Commission's friends group, NC Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Foundation (NCWORF), is working hard to ensure any new grant funds secured by the agency already have the matching funds through donations. Additionally, RAWA has an expanded funding scope allowing additional conservation activities that benefit at-risk species. NCWORF is already accepting donations for these projects today, such as Southeast Bee Atlas, high school native plants outreach, and logging of terrestrial gastropod specimens to train the next biologist, and Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail through public access.
WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS WANTED!
Agency biologists ask if you see a snake, do not be alarmed, do not kill it, give it plenty of room, and if you see a pine snake or rattlesnake, report it. Sightings of these snakes in the wild can be reported in one of two ways: via a mobile app or by email. The agency partners with the HerpMapper mobile app to track amphibian and reptile species. Download the app to your mobile device or tablet and enter information about your sighting. If reporting by email send a photo (required), the date and time the snake was observed and location (GPS coordinates preferred) to pinesnake@ncwildlife.org for Northern pine snakes and to rattlesnake@ncwildlife.org for rattlesnakes.
For the second year in a row, agency biologists are asking for your assistance in helping track chipmunks east of I-95 in North Carolina. If you see a chipmunk east of I-95 participate by:
COEXISTING WITH CRITTERS
Coyote pup season is in full swing and keeping this year’s litter well-fed and healthy is top priority for adult coyotes. Coyote parents will roam large territories to find enough food — including populated areas. To help you avoid conflict with coyotes, Extension Biologist Falyn Owens offers these tips.
The Wildlife Commission reminds the public that it is illegal to feed, touch, harm, harass or poach an alligator in North Carolina. While they rarely pose a threat to humans, alligators can become a nuisance when people either intentionally or unintentionally feed them, which causes them to associate humans with an easy meal.
To avoid negative interactions with alligators, people should:
Would you like a chance to win a fabulous prize pack of outdoors gear? Then simply subscribe or renew your subscription to Wildlife in North Carolina magazine for as little as $10. Not only will you receive the Wildlife Commission’s flagship publication, but you’ll also have a chance to take home this month’s prize pack, which includes a pair of binoculars, a backpack cooler, a fillet knife set, a headlamp, a Bluetooth speaker and more!
David B. of Durham County, who followed in his grandfather and father’s footsteps as a Wildlife in North Carolina subscriber, renewed his subscription in March. It proved to be a winning decision, as David’s name was picked at random to take home March’s prize pack! “Wildlife in North Carolina has been a constant in my life, and I always look forward to the next edition,” David said after getting news of his winnings.
Don’t miss out on your chance to win! Be like David and subscribe to Wildlife in North Carolina!
Both agencies share common goals to make highways less hazardous for wildlife and reduce the impact highways have on important habitats. The partnership aims to develop effective and efficient passages for various species of wildlife to reduce highway hazards for motorists and wildlife, while minimizing habitat fragmentation.
The Commission and NCDOT have collaborated for decades during project planning to address these road safety impacts related to wildlife, resulting in 26 wildlife crossing structures across the state successfully providing wildlife passage. These wildlife crossing structures can include overpasses, underpasses, and fencing along roads and highways. Examples include a passage corridor along Cold Springs Creek and Harmon Den Road under I-40 in Haywood County as well as three underpasses on I-140 south of Wilmington in Brunswick County. NCDOT and the Commission are currently collaborating on 11 additional projects in various stages of planning, with several awaiting construction while others are still in the design phase.
North Carolina deer hunters reported harvesting 163,831 deer during the 2022-23 hunting season — a 1.8% decrease compared to the average harvest the last three seasons. In general, deer harvest remained stable in the Central and Southeastern zones, increased in the Western zone, and decreased in the Northeastern and Northwestern zones, compared to the three-year average. The 8.4% decrease in the Northwestern zone was entirely within Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Area counties, where antlerless harvest dropped more than antlered. This harvest decline may be the result of hunter concern for harvesting an infected deer.
Saturday, June 3, two lakes and 34 trout streams classified as Delayed Harvest will open to trout harvest and will remain open through Sept. 30. On opening day, from 6 a.m. – 11:59 a.m., youth anglers under 18-years-old will be allowed to fish. Harvest opens to all anglers at noon. The daily creel limit is seven trout per day with no gear or bait restrictions and no minimum size limits. Trout fishing resources are on our website.
May through June, family-friendly fishing events to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week will occur at fishing holes across the state, offering young anglers the opportunity to reel in a big one. Raffle prizes for participants will be available, including the opportunity to win a Sportsman Lifetime License from Neuse Sports Shop and a Comprehensive Inland Fishing Lifetime License from Trout Unlimited.
Watch your steps (and your dog’s too) for bird nests found directly on the sandy beaches or islands along the sound this April through August. Nests can be difficult to see since eggs and chicks blend in with the sand. Wildlife Commission biologists and cooperators have marked known areas with posts and signage, but some areas may not be marked. Extra caution is appreciated!
Tune In For Bonus Podcast Episodes Just Released!
More people are living close to or in black bear habitat, creating increased opportunities for bears to approach their property, specifically by leaving out food sources. Residents and visitors to bear country, which is over 60% of the state, are encouraged to follow the Six BearWise Basics:
Southern Alamance FFA team won the overall senior division
Bethel Middle team, from Haywood County, won the overall junior division
A high school team from Alamance County and a middle school team from Haywood County took top honors at the 2023 Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament (YHEST) on April 29. Southern Alamance FFA team won the overall senior division, scoring 3,623 points out of a possible 4,000. Bethel Middle team won the overall junior division with an overall score of 3,499. Students competed in rifle, shotgun and archery marksmanship, orienteering and a hunter responsibility exam. State tournament results are available on the Wildlife Commission’s YHEST webpage.
Construction has ended and the Wrightsville Beach Boating Access Area is now fully operational and open to the public. The boating access is located at 109 Causeway Dr. in Wrightsville Beach, N.C.
Construction crews replaced the two existing fixed docks with new concrete abutments and floating docks. They also replaced the two existing floating docks, and the wooden bulkheads and breakwater were replaced with vinyl counterparts.
“The upgrades will help alleviate potential slip hazards and future unplanned closures for maintenance repair,” said Gary Gardner, the Wildlife Commission's chief of engineering. “We are taking a proactive approach so the access area can be used to its fullest potential during the busy seasons.”
Bookmark the North Carolina Regulations Digest to quickly reference what you can hunt, fish and trap this time of year. Carefully check dates and special rules for your region.
In-season this month:
Inland Fishing
Hunter Education Courses
Trapper Education Courses
Fishing Course Highlight:
Want to get into fishing but don’t know how to get started? The Introductory Fishing For Adults is the course for you! This two-part program will be held on May 23-24, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night at the Pechmann Center in Fayetteville. Geared toward adults, this course will ease you into the world of angling with hands-on experience and loads of valuable information. From obtaining your fishing license to reeling in a fish, we’ve got you covered with all the basics to get on the water. We’ll also delve into differences in equipment and helpful tricks and hints to navigating the world of fishing. Wherever your new fishing adventures take you, you’ll walk away feeling comfortable and proficient with your fishing gear and how to use it.
What you need to know:
All materials will be provided
Wear: Closed-toe shoes, a hat with visor and some sort of eyewear (polarized sunglasses recommended)
Must be at least 16 years old to register
Learn more and register here.
North Carolina is home to two new species of crayfish found only in Wilkes and Watauga counties in North Carolina – and nowhere else in the world! The species, the Stony Fork crayfish and the Falls crayfish, are named for the small Yadkin River tributaries where they were first discovered. Wildlife Commission biologists Michael Perkins and William Russ, along with NC Museum of Natural Sciences researcher Bronwyn Williams, published the study in late April in the journal Zootaxa. North Carolina now has 51 species of crayfish known from the state.
The researchers began the work back in 2016 as part of a larger statewide effort to catalogue all the crayfish species in the state’s waters to better understand the animals’ diversity and distribution. Along the way, they collected several strange specimens that couldn’t be easily identified. The researchers decided to use a combination of morphology, genetics, and geography to figure out what exactly made these animals unique and formally describe, or “name” them.
Buy a License
Register your vessel
The wild turkey hunting season in North Carolina has arrived! Hunters of all ages can take one bird (male or bearded) per day, with a season total of two birds, one of which may have been taken during the youth season. Be sure to report your Big Game Harvest if you’re successful! Track real-time harvest counts via our Live Harvest Reports portal. Season ends May 6.
Trouble-Shooting Turkeys (PDF)
Turkey Hunting During the Pandemic (PDF)
2023 Turkey Hunting Webinars (Pre-recorded):
Biology for Hunters, Regulations, Where to Hunt, Scouting
Firearms, Ammo, Clothing, Footwear, Misc. Equipment
Hunting Techniques and Strategies
The Wildlife Commission is seeking public comments, online and during a virtual public hearing, for five temporary rules on Chronic Wasting Disease management. Among the proposed rules is delineating several new counties and parts of counties as Primary or Secondary Survelliance areas that were not designated in 2022, as well as prohibiting specific activities in these areas.
The virtual public hearing is scheduled for April 18 at 2:30 p.m. Register here. Participants can also join by phone: 833-568-8864 (webinar ID: 160 995 2306).
Comments also can be submitted by email or mailed to Rulemaking Coordinator, 1710 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission voted at an out-of-cycle business meeting on March 30 to adopt nine proposed inland fisheries rules and 11 game lands rules for the 2023-24 seasons. The adopted rules have an anticipated effective date of Aug. 1. View the full text of the inland fisheries and game lands adopted rules in the March 30 Commission meeting agenda package linked below.
Here are some wildlife encounters you may experience, and pro tips for handling each can be found here:
1. Unattended young rabbits, deer fawns, and songbirds;
2. Young squirrels fallen from their nest;
3. Foxes, skunks, raccoons or squirrels making themselves at home —in yours; and,
4. Snakes on the move.
Regardless of the wild species you encounter, seek advice from a wildlife professional, such as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, before moving or attempting to care for any young wild animal to avoid causing unintentional harm. For handling unwanted wildlife encounters, a licensed wildlife control agent may be able to help. When unsure of what to do, call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 for assistance or visit ncwildlife.org/have-a-problem for answers to commonly asked questions about preventing wildlife conflicts, injured/orphaned wildlife and more.
Approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are now open and remain open through Feb. 29, 2024. Most trout are stocked April through June, with a few streams selectively stocked in July. Overall, staff will stock nearly 964,000 trout — 96 percent of which will average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length.
Visit the agency's Trout Fishing page and click on the 2023 Hatchery Stocking Schedule to download a PDF of the current schedule. Schedule is subject to change so bookmark the page!
The striped bass harvest season on the Roanoke River Management Area will be open for harvest:
April 14 - 17
April 22 - 23
The creel limit is one fish per day. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches may be possessed at any time. The 2023 striped bass season was announced by proclamation in February. The entire Roanoke River Management Area will be open for harvest, which includes tributaries from the Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to the Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers.
Ben and Corey welcome Bob Branch, a native of Weldon, North Carolina, who grew up fishing on the Roanoke River. They discuss the history and all things Striped Bass fishing along the Roanoke River.
Every week through the end of May, electrofishing for striped bass, American shad and hickory shad will take place in the Roanoke, Tar, Neuse and Cape Fear rivers. Check the Wildlife Commission website weekly for sampling and creel survey results.
Would you like a chance to win a fabulous prize pack of outdoors gear? Then simply subscribe or renew your subscription to Wildlife in North Carolina magazine for as little as $10. Not only will you receive the Wildlife Commission’s flagship publication, but you’ll also have a chance to take home this month’s prize pack, which includes a pair of binoculars, a backpack cooler, a fillet knife set, a headlamp and more!
Greg D of Harnett County, a recently retired forester who loves to fish with his grandchildren, renewed his subscription in February. It proved to be a winning decision, as Greg’s name was picked at random to take home February’s prize pack, which included a rod-and-reel combo, a portable heater, a fillet knife set and a Bluetooth speaker.
Be like Greg and subscribe to Wildlife in North Carolina for a chance to win!
The Wildlife Commission, along with partners, is asking for volunteers to participate in the 2023 Terrapin Tally, a community science project created to collect information on status and distribution of the diamondback terrapin. The diamondback terrapin is listed as a species of special concern in NC and is the only reptile that lives exclusively in the state’s coastal marshes. Volunteers must attend one training session and one or more field data collection sessions scheduled for May 4-June 4. They must also have a smartphone, kayak or canoe and a life jacket. Learn more about the Terrapin Tally, including training dates, routes and more!
Recent positive Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus–Type 2 cases in domestic rabbits in eastern states, including Georgia and Tennessee, suggest that the virus will eventually make its way to our state. If you see a dead rabbit and the cause of death is unknown, please report it to the agency’s NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401.
Given that North Carolina is experiencing fewer long stretches of below-freezing weather, the range for nine-banded armadillos is expanding northward. Commission biologists are asking the public to report any armadillo sightings to help determine their range expansion in the Tar Heel state.
If you observe an armadillo in the wild, please participate in the NC Armadillo project by uploading and sharing your photos or download the iNaturalist app, available for iPhone and Android. Another option for reporting an observation is by emailing armadillo@ncwildlife.org and including a photo of the armadillo (if available), when it was observed (date and time), and the location where it was observed (GPS coordinates are best, but a detailed location description is acceptable).
North Carolina residents and visitors who snap photos of wild alligators can share their observations with Wildlife Commission biologists through the NC Alligators Project. Upload photos from a computer at iNaturalist.org or download the free iNaturalist app for Android and iPhone.
As trout waters open, people visiting mountain streams in Western North Carolina are encouraged to keep their eyes open for mudpuppies and hellbenders. Both species of aquatic salamanders are listed as species of special concern, and biologists want to know more about their distribution and populations. Contact Conservation Biologist Lori Williams, or call the NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, to provide details of your observations.
Tax Day is April 18. Please consider donating a portion of or your full state tax refund to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. The 2022 Annual Wildlife Diversity Report details the type of projects your donation directly supports.
Last year, as time ran out, Congress narrowly failed to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA). But this year, the Senate has taken a renewed interest in acting on the bill, with North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis at the head of introducing the bill, alongside New Mexico’s Martin Heinrich, the Democratic co-sponsor. RAWA funding will be used to implement the Congressionally mandated state wildlife action plan for North Carolina’s 1,500+ nongame fish and wildlife species and over 6,000 plant species from the mountains to the coast. The goal is to help prevent the decline of at-risk fish and wildlife species through efforts to restore habitat, remove invasive species, address wildlife diseases, reduce water pollution and mitigate climate change. Read what we're doing with nongame and endangered wildlife in our 2022 Wildlife Diversity Program Annual Report.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) mortalities have been confirmed in multiple bird species across North Carolina for a second winter. These deaths follow national trends in wild bird mortalities as HPAI continues to circulate in some migratory bird populations. Please report odd wild bird behavior to the NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401. This includes:
Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee candidate nominations due April 30.
Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award individual or business nominations due May 1.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission announces a spring Basic Trapper Education Course. The course provides new and experienced trappers information on basic and updated trapping techniques, including outdoor trapping and fur handling demonstrations. Join us on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wake County Wildlife Club in Durham. Register here. The course is free but participants must complete the online North American Trapper Education Program prior to attending the course.
Fishing Course Highlight: Family Fishing Workshops
Calling all families! Fishing is a great way to bring people together to create lifelong memories. Our workshop is designed to teach families with children the basic skills needed to go fishing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or expert angler, this workshop will help get everyone in the family on the path to creating an outdoor adventure and cherished fishing memories.
These workshops are a hands-on learning experience for all, to include fishing on the Pechmann Center’s stocked ponds in Fayetteville, and Marion Hatchery’s Fish Pond in Marion. You and your family will learn:
Turkey
The Neuse River waterdog (Necturus lewisi) is a permanently aquatic salamander. This means they only live in the water, and they keep their external gills into adulthood, which is unlike most other salamanders. Important indicators of healthy water quality, Neuse River waterdogs require large, flowing streams and rivers with many large rocks or logs to hide under, decomposing leaves for young to live in, and minimal silt in the water. Federally listed as threatened, the Neuse River waterdog is only found in the Neuse and Tar River basins in NC, so by preserving their populations, we are maintaining the ecological culture of this region!
North Carolina’s five-week wild turkey season opens in April. Review the current rules & regulations in the 2022-23 North Carolina Regulations Digest prior to heading out for the hunt.
A harvest report card is furnished with the issuance of a Big Game Hunting License, but it is only valid for only one hunting season, July 1 – June 30. Harvest report cards are free and also issued to license-exempt hunters. Be sure that your hunting license and report card are valid before grabbing your turkey call and camo.
Youth Turkey Season: April 1 - 7; Statewide Turkey Season: April 8 – May 6
The youth season is open to anyone under the age of 18. Hunters aged 16 and 17 must have hunting licenses. Youth under 16 are exempt from license requirements provided they are accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old. Youth who have licenses or a hunter education card may hunt without adult supervision.
All hunters must report their turkey harvest on a Big Game Harvest Report Card. Hunters are limited to two turkeys for the season, only one of which may be taken during the youth season.
If 2023 is anything like the last few years, it will be active. Just over 20,000 turkeys were harvested in 2022, falling short of the past two years’ record-breaking totals; however, it remains strong compared to totals prior to 2020. Wildlife biologists say the state’s turkey population remains strong despite the increased hunting pressure and harvest. Keep up with real-time harvest results via our online portal, searchable by region and county.
The Wildlife Commission manages over 2 million acres of public game lands throughout the state. Plan your hunt with our interactive game lands map. Search by county, address, or filter by species or facilities. You can also download printable game land maps by region. Please note: Some game lands require a special permit, so be sure to check specific information for the game land you plan to hunt.
Trouble-Shooting Turkeys
Hunter education is paramount for safety and an enjoyable experience. Free, in-person and virtual options are available for all ages.
Safety is a priority while hunting so be sure to heed these guidelines:
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity such as poaching or baiting may be eligible to receive a reward (up to $1,000) by reporting information that leads to a conviction to the Turn-In-Poachers program.
From 2016 – 2019, agency staff used acoustic recorders each spring to capture gobbling activity on properties where turkeys were not hunted. Over 53,900 hours of audio files revealed 113,737 gobbles. The results indicated that 25%, 60% and 15% of turkey gobbling activity occurs before, during and after the spring harvest season respectively, indicating that the current spring turkey hunting season offers hunters the chance to pursue turkeys at a time when substantial gobbling occurs. Bring on the spring!
The Wildlife Commission led a survey of state agency turkey biologists across the country to determine the impact of COVID-related restrictions on turkey hunting in the spring of 2020 and if increased hunting pressure during the pandemic impacted turkey populations.
DURING MARCH ONLY!
SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
Each subscription or renewal purchased in the month of March will be entered for a chance to win a prize pack that includes a portable heater, rod and reel combo, fillet knife set and a Bluetooth speaker!
The Wildlife Commission is working with NC State, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Louisiana State University on a three-year regional turkey ecology study to understand various turkey data, including hunter harvest pressure, nesting patterns and potential diseases.
Visit and bookmark the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s trout webpage for all things trout, including stocking schedules, stream conditions and trout handling advice.
There’s nothing like enjoying your favorite waters. Make sure your license is valid before you hang up the Gone Fishin’ sign!
Approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters will open on April 1 at 7 a.m. and remain open through Feb. 29, 2024. Most trout are stocked April through June, with a few streams selectively stocked in July. Overall, staff will stock nearly 964,000 trout — 96 percent of which will average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length.
Delayed Harvest Trout Waters continue to be stocked throughout the spring as catch-and-release regulations apply until a half-hour after sunset on June 2. Anglers may begin to harvest trout on June 3, with youth opportunities (17 years old and younger) starting at 6 a.m. and all other anglers at noon.
Explore North Carolina’s Public Mountain Trout Waters with our interactive NC Fishing Areas & Trout Waters map. View all trout waters, search for specific waters or regulatory classifications, select counties of interest, find driving directions and much more. This 2-min. video will walk you through the process!
Get to know these classification signs to know what waters you’re fishing and the associated rules and regulations, such as season dates, size and creel information.
Take advantage of our state’s numerous wild trout streams with this hatch chart, developed in partnership with the the North Carolina Trout Unlimited State Council. It was created to help trout anglers match aquatic insect hatches in western North Carolina.
Follow these four steps to help protect North Carolina’s waters from ecological harm & devastating economic impacts by preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS).
As North Carolina’s only native trout, the Brook Trout is the official freshwater fish of North Carolina. Learn more about Brook Trout by exploring:
Support Brook Trout with a
Native Brook Trout License Plate!
A North Carolina native, Brook Trout, “The wildflower of the mountains.” Corey and Ben talk with Wildlife Commission Trout Biologist Jake Rash about conserving Brook Trout and their importance to North Carolina.
The Wildlife Commission offers free fishing classes for all ages and abilities. Check out the course calendar for the variety of courses available. Here’s a highlight of the agency’s virtual Fly-fishing Basics: How to Read a Trout Stream course scheduled for March 16, 2023. Become one with the fish! Knowing how trout behave is truly one of the greatest keys to success for an angler. In this course, we’ll help you identify different parts of a stream to which trout relate for shelter, rest and food delivery. This basic information aids an angler in eliminating non-productive areas to increase his or her chances of angling success – aka, FISH ON!
In January, the N.C. Angler Recognition Program moved to an online system. Now, anglers can submit their catch info from their phone, tablet or computer to receive a downloadable, printable PDF certificate. Anglers can also share a photo of their fish with us!
Commission Wildlife biologists are asking the public, particularly anglers as opening day of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters approaches on April 1, to report any sightings of hellbenders and mudpuppies. Both types of aquatic salamanders are found in western North Carolina and listed in North Carolina as species of special concern. If you spot one, note its location (physical location or GPS coordinates), snap a photo if possible and send to Lori.Williams@ncwildlife.org. People can also call the Wildlife Commission's NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, and provide details of the observation.
Though trout might be our focus, there are plenty of other fish in mountain streams that often find their way to the end of our lines. Wildlife Commission biologists Luke Etchison and Jake Rash explain how to identify these species in the March/April issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine. “Hey, That’s Not a Trout!” focuses on the many colorful minnow and chub species in our mountain waters, from rosyside dace to bluehead chub.
The Wildlife Commission, in collaboration with partners, announced the upcoming launch of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a unique wildlife recreation opportunity that connects people to the fascinating underwater world through a series of publicly accessible river snorkel sites. Ten unique sites, spanning across western North Carolina, have been identified for inclusion in the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, which is slated to open in late spring.
Eight wildlife management 2023-24 proposed regulations presented at the Feb. 23 commission meeting were passed unanimously by commissioners. The proposed fisheries and game lands regulations for the 2023-24 seasons will be considered at an upcoming Commission meeting. The full text of the adopted rules and exhibits is available in the meeting’s agenda package.
(L to R) Monty Crump, Commission Chairman, Bill Collart, NWTF State Chapter Board member, Cameron Ingram, Commission Executive Director, Tim Draughon, NC NWTF President, Brent Phillips and Robert Smith, NWTF State Chapter Board members, Bryan Perry, NWTF President of the National Board of Directors, and Zac Morton, NWTF Director of Development - Mid-Atlantic Region.
The N.C State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently presented a donation of $78,447 from the Chapter’s Superfund Program that will help fund drone acquisition, land acquisition, training of burn crews from The Nature Conservancy and wild turkey habitat enhancement across the state.
“The NCNWTF and the NCWRC have had a strong partnership to conserve and enhance the resources of North Carolina for many years and the recent donation is just another step in continuing that partnership,” said Tim Draughon, president of NWTF’s N.C. State Chapter. “The recent funding from the NWTF Superfund for 2023 is a testament to the dedication of our local NWTF volunteers and their fundraising efforts and we are proud that we can put these funds back to ground here in North Carolina for outdoor enthusiasts of all types to enjoy. This partnership is the foundation of the NWTF mission and we look forward to many more years of the partnership.
The March/April issue of Wildlife in North Carolina features stories for all wildlife enthusiasts, from everything you ever wanted to know about turkey calls to a binoculars buying guide provided by our birding expert to learning about what else you might catch when fishing for trout in our mountain streams. Visit ncwildlife.org/WINC to check out this issue's sample article and to subscribe for as little as $10. Each subscription or renewal purchased in the month of March will be entered for a chance to win a prize pack that includes a portable heater, rod and reel combo, fillet knife set and a Bluetooth speaker!
The Wildlife Commission, in collaboration with partners, announced the upcoming launch of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a unique wildlife recreation opportunity located in western North Carolina that connects people to the fascinating underwater world through a series of publicly accessible river snorkel sites. Ten unique sites have been identified for inclusion in the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, which is slated to open in late spring.
A new webpage is now available that provides a live look at the agency’s game land management through prescribed burning. You can use the map and filter interface to view burns taking place today as well as planned and completed burns during any selected timeframe. You can also use the map tools to zoom to an area of interest and find burns that may affect that region.
In this new episode, Ben and Corey speak with Christopher Smith, District 1 Fisheries Biologist, to discuss the rise and fall of what was once a great fishery. They talk about both the biological and cultural importance of river herring to eastern North Carolina rivers. What was once abundant has disappeared — listen to find out what happened, where we are now and where we hope to be in the future.
Bog Turtle Draft Conservation Plan
Southern Hognose Snake Draft Conservation Plan
Commission Wildlife biologists are asking the public, particularly anglers as opening day of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters approaches on April 1, to report any sightings of hellbenders and mudpuppies. Both types of aquatic salamanders are found in western North Carolina and listed in North Carolina as species of special concern. If you spot one, note its location (physical location or GPS coordinates), snap a photo if possible, and send to Lori.Williams@ncwildlife.org. People can also call the Wildlife Commission’s NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, and provide details of the observation.
The Wildlife Commission will host two forums in western North Carolina where staff will provide a presentation on the current structure of the western deer season zone and how it relates to deer management objectives, followed by a proposal for a shift in season structure that could address these objectives. Both forums will be from 7-9 p.m. and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide input during the forum as well as discuss topics with NCWRC staff afterward.
March 14 in Cherokee County at Tri County Community College (21 Campus Circle Crisp Building, Murphy, NC 28906)
March 15 in McDowell County at McDowell Technical Community College (54 College Dr, Marion, NC 28752)
Wild turkey season opens next month, and if it’s anything like the last two years, it will be active. Just over 20,500 turkeys were harvested in 2022. Wildlife biologists say the state’s turkey population remains strong despite the increased hunting pressure and harvest, which is good news for youth and adult hunters as they go for their two-bird limit this season.
Season dates:
The creel limit is one fish per day. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches may be possessed at any time. The decision was announced by proclamation. The entire Roanoke River Management Area will be open for harvest, which includes tributaries from the Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to the Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers.
Starting next week through the end of May, electrofishing for striped bass, American shad and hickory shad will take place in the Roanoke, Tar, Neuse and Cape Fear rivers. Check the Wildlife Commission website weekly for sampling and creel survey results.
Register now to attend the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Weekend, April 14 – 16 at the YMCA Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge in Boomer (Wilkes County). Women 18 and older will learn outdoor skills through hands-on experiences. Tracks include archery, fishing, kayaking, outdoor cooking, muzzleloading and more. More details are available online. Registration is $275. Scholarships are available.
Nominations are now being accepted for the Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals and organizations that have made meaningful contributions that benefit North Carolina’s small game populations and/or small game habitat. This includes efforts in habitat management, education and research.
The Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee (NWAC) is a board of North Carolina citizens that provides advice to the Wildlife Commission on nongame wildlife conservation issues across the state. Nominations are now being accepted for advisory member seats.
Bat pup rearing season begins May 1, so now is the time to responsibly relocate bats living in your home. Bat scat (guano) is an obvious indication that bats may be living in your gable vents, shutters or other nooks around your home. If they are getting inside, call a Wildlife Control Agent to safely evict them.
This time of year, bears are very resourceful in finding shelter to raise their young. If you stumble upon a bear den occupied by a cub by its lonesome, the best action is to leave it alone. It’s likely waiting for its mother to return from foraging and exploring. However, sometimes cubs are orphaned, and our agency can help. If you suspect a bear cub has been abandoned, note the location, leave the cub and walk away. Once you are in a safe area, call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401, or contact your local district wildlife biologist for further guidance. If it’s determined a bear cub has been orphaned, we will safely transport it to a professional bear cub rehabilitator. Check out this video to learn more! (5 min.)
March means great hickory shad and American shad fishing in North Carolina’s coastal rivers. However, harvest regulations vary depending on the river you’re fishing. The following regulations apply to inland and joint waters:
Tar-Pamlico River, Pungo River, Pee Dee River, and their tributaries: Daily creel limit is 10 shad in combination.
Spot the Difference: How to identify an American shad versus a hickory shad.
The simplest and best way to tell is to look at the lower jaw. The lower jaw of a hickory shad will extend further than the top jaw. The lower jaw of an American shad meets the top jaw evenly.
Research shows that special hook regulations on the Roanoke River reduce injury and stress-induced mortality of released stripers. As a result, April 1- June 30, regulations require anglers to use a single, barbless hook upstream of the US 258 bridge. Replace treble hooks with only one single hook with the same total gap width.
Help protect North Carolina’s waters from ecological harm by preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species. These four steps will go a long way to ensure our waters stay free of ANS:
CLEAN equipment of all aquatic plants, animals and mud.
DRAIN water from boats, live wells and all equipment.
DRY all equipment thoroughly.
NEVER MOVE fish, plants or other organisms from one body of water to another.
Basic Fly-fishing Workshop for Women - Ready to try your hand (literally) at fly-fishing? Or perhaps need a refresher? This workshop is perfect for those with zero experience, those looking to refine their skills and everyone in between by teaching tactile and visual cues that are easy to understand. Our intensely trained and passionate volunteer instructors will guide you through the roll cast and basic cast using Joan Wulff's method of instruction. This instruction provides the beginning fly-angler with the foundations for more advanced casting. They'll also go over fly-fishing equipment, setting up a fly-fishing leader, and how to land a fish on a fly-rod during the on-the-water portion of instruction.
This early hint of spring is certainly refreshing after what seems like months of cold, damp weather. As the melodies of chorus frogs and the refrains of towhees welcome us back outdoors, many of us are sucker punched by an aggressive invader known to some as the Bradford pear and to others as the Callery pear. While a literal punch in the nose from this non-native tree would be painful, the figurative punch of this pungent smelling, early blooming exhibitionist is a concern for native plant diversity and wildlife habitat.
A sample collected from a hunter-harvested, white-tailed deer in Cumberland County has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is the first case of CWD detected outside of the current surveillance area. The agency recently received notification that a deer harvested last October, 9 miles east of Fayetteville in Cumberland County, tested positive for CWD. The testing sample was collected by a taxidermist enrolled in the Commission’s Cervid Health Cooperator Program, which allows participating taxidermists and processors to collect samples from deer brought to their facilities.
Starting this month, Wildlife in North Carolina magazine will hold a monthly drawing for any new subscribers or subscription renewals for seasonal prize packs. February’s prize pack includes a rod and reel combo, fillet knife set, Bluetooth speaker and portable heater. For contest rules and to subscribe or renew for a chance to win use the link below.
NCWRC Shooting Ranges are hosting a monthly Top Shot Rifle Challenge. Participants will get 10 shots to shoot at 10 targets; 5 targets will be at 50 yards sitting unsupported, and 5 targets will be at 50 yards sitting front supported. “Top shots” each month at each range will get their name engraved on a plaque displayed at the range and qualify for the statewide Top Shot Rifle Challenge to be held in December. Visit a range near you to enter. Good luck!
A new Public Fishing Area (PFA) is now open beside the Hwy 421 bridge on the Deep River near Sanford, which includes ADA parking and a set of stairs with a slide rail to access the river. Over 200 PFAs are managed by our agency in North Carolina. The Wildlife Commission’s proactive approach to provide access and opportunity for outdoor pursuits is part what makes our state a great place to recreate!
The recent completion of our Worthville Boating Access Area (BAA). located at 1427 Worthville Road, Randleman in Randolph County, brings our total to 250 BAAs across the state! Our interactive map can be used to find a free BAA by address, water body or accessibility:
Sign up for the Fishing and Aquatic Education Team’s weekly email if you’re interested in staying abreast of upcoming workshops and classes. This email provides a list of classes and links to registrations for the following week and often includes tips and other information of interest to anglers.
Join Corey and Ben as they discuss the highs and lows of fishing for muskie on the French Broad River in Episode 11: Muskellunge on the French Broad River: The Curse of the White Squirrel. Tune in to hear about muskie biology and fishing techniques with Tim Boyer, president of the Western NC Muskie Club and Scott Loftis, NC Wildlife Warmwater Fisheries Research Coordinator for the Mountain Region.
The Wildlife Commission can match grants using your tax refund donations, increasing the dollars it can spend on programs. For example, a $100 tax refund donation results in an additional $250 for wildlife diversity initiatives through grants. Participate by checking line 30 on your North Carolina state income tax form, or tell your tax preparer you wish to donate. If you e-file, simply enter the amount you’d like to contribute to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund when prompted. Any amount you donate goes a long way toward nongame and endangered wildlife projects.
Commission biologists recently updated the statewide fox squirrel distribution map, which hasn’t been updated since 2011. The new map shows the squirrel’s range is growing. If you see a fox squirrel, please note the GPS coordinates or address, take a photo and please call or email the Human-Wildlife Interaction hotline 866-318-2401 to report the observation.
Are you someone who enjoys spending time and creating memories with friends and family casting a line at your favorite fishing spot? The NCWRC Fishing Education Team needs volunteers to help others create their own great fishing memories. Volunteers are trained to assist staff with educational programs including instruction, program development and presentation, and material and equipment organization and maintenance.
February 17 - 18 students across the state will gather for North Carolina’s National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament in Winston-Salem. Over 1,100 students from 46 schools will compete in elementary, middle and high school divisions. Schools in the National Archery in the Schools Program teach and promote international-style target archery as part of their in-school curriculum to improve educational performance and participation in the shooting sports among students in grades 4-12.
The Wildlife Commission is accepting nominations for the 2023 Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award until Feb. 28. This award honors an individual who has made significant, long-standing commitment to, and demonstrated leadership in, promoting conservation of nongame species and their habitats in North Carolina.
Approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters will close to fishing at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28 and reopen at 7 a.m. on April 1. While fishing is closed, Wildlife Commission staff will stock the designated waters, which are marked by green-and-white signs, in preparation for opening day.
More than 3,500 students will compete in the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s 45th annual Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments (YHEST) in March. Events will include shotgun, archery, rifle, orienteering and a written hunting skills exam. Sixty teams will move on to compete at the state tournament on April 29 at the Lentz Hunter Education Complex in Ellerbe.
Major League Fishing (MLF) will be hosting its catch, weigh and immediate release REDCREST Championship, March 8-12, 2023 on Lake Norman. MLF will also host a free, family-friendly expo in Charlotte, March 10-12. All REDCREST anglers will attend the expo, including Kevin Van Dam, Jacob Wheeler and North Carolina’s Bryan Thrift, plus many fishing legends, such as Jimmy Houston, Hank Parker and Roland Martin. Commission staff will be on-hand at the expo to answer your angling questions.
The Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for its board. Nominations will be accepted through April 30, and the new terms will begin in fall 2023. For more information, visit the Wildlife Commission website.
Landowners interested in habitat improvement can ask certified burners or Prescribed Burn Associations in their areas to assist with implementing prescribed burns and to provide information on financial assistance programs that may help offset the cost of conducting burns. The Commission has Wildlife Conservation Biologists who specialize in helping private landowners improve wildlife habitat on their property through a myriad of options, including prescribed burning. Learn more about how the use of fire can help manage declining habitat in the latest blog entry below.
In the 2022 turkey season, Senior Officer Perdue, assigned to Rockingham County, apprehended six individuals with taking turkeys with the use and aid of bait and even volunteered over 20 times to change his schedule to work seven different turkey bait sites. On one occasion, Perdue, having already worked a full shift, received a report of someone hunting a bait site he had previously detected. Without hesitation, he put his uniform back on and returned to work, apprehending two additional violators for hunting over bait. He also played an integral role in spearheading a large community youth hunter safety, recruitment and outreach event. His dedication and persistence led to his selection as the 2022 National Wild Turkey Federation North Carolina Officer of the Year.
Last May, the Commission received multiple reports of a fish kill occurring in the Snow Hill to Grifton area of Contentnea Creek. Species initially observed and reported to have been affected included catfish, sunfish, Largemouth Bass and American Eel. In October 2022, biologists conducted a fish survey to determine the impacts of this fish kill. During the investigation, water quality parameters (water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and salinity) were all within seasonally normal ranges for aquatic systems in the region suggesting the impacts of the fish kill were minimal. The Contentnea Creek fish populations should provide adequate angling opportunity and no other management activities are warranted at this time. Contentnea Creek fish populations will be surveyed every 5 years or as needed, such as in the event of a fish kill, to document changes in population characteristics.
Common Snipe
Other species: Bobcat, Crow, Grouse, Opossum, Pheasant (males), Quail, Rabbit, Raccoon & Squirrel
Ongoing classes and podcasts:
Free Public Fishing Classes for All Ages and Abilities, statewide. NCWRC provides fun, high-quality educational programs geared toward a variety of audiences of all ages. Whether you are a novice or experienced angler, we have a class for you! Classes are free of charge.
Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists, new episodes drop monthly. Listen & subscribe through your favorite podcast service.
The largest tree squirrel in North Carolina, the fox squirrel is nearly twice the size of the more common gray squirrel. Although they live primarily in mature longleaf pine and open pine-oak forests in the Sandhills and southern Coastal Plain, a more recently established population exists in the northwestern part of the state, associated with open hardwood forests surrounded by pastureland or other open habitats. Fox squirrels occur in a variety of color phases though the top of the head is usually black, and they often have a white nose as well. In the Sandhills and Coastal Plain of North Carolina, they are grayish with various patches of black on the head and feet and white patches on the nose, paws and ear tips. Some are almost totally black with dark gray patches, and others are reddish or rust colored. Squirrels in the northwestern population typically have a tawny-brown or grizzled-gray color above, with a rusty or pale orange-brown color on the underside, ears and legs.
The public comment period for the proposed changes to the 2023-2024 inland fishing, hunting, trapping, and game land regulations and other regulated activities will close Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m. Comments can be submitted online, by email and by mail. Details on the proposed regulations and where to mail comments are available on our website.
Youth and Veterans/Military Waterfowl Days are scheduled for Feb. 4 and Feb. 11. Both categories of hunters must follow the rules and regulations established for those days as outlined in the Migratory Game Bird Season section of the 2022-2023 North Carolina Regulations Digest. Note: The same bag limits during the regular waterfowl season apply for the Youth and Veterans/Military Waterfowl Days. Taking of Canada geese in the NE Hunt Zone is allowed with a valid permit purchased prior to Jan. 31.
If you catch a BIG fish in 2023, you can get official recognition for your accomplishment through the N.C. Angler Recognition Program (formerly NCARP). The submission process is now available online! Anglers can submit information about their catch from their phone, tablet or computer to receive a downloadable, printable PDF certificate. You can also share a photo of your fish with us! Master Anglers will receive a patch and special certificate in the mail.
The Wrightsville Beach Boating Access Area on the Intracoastal Waterway is undergoing a major renovation over the next three months. Construction crews will replace the two existing fixed docks with new concrete abutments and floating docks. They will also replace the two existing floating docks and the wooden bulkheads, as well as a breakwater with vinyl counterparts. The Wildlife Commission’s proactive approach to modernizing the state’s boating access areas so they are safe and usable is what makes our state a great place to recreate! The agency manages 250 free public boating access areas across the state.
As you file your North Carolina income taxes this year, please consider donating any portion of your refund to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. Enter the amount of your contribution on line 30 of your tax form or click “yes” when prompted when filing electronically. Your participation is crucial to securing adequate funding for research, conservation and management of our most vulnerable species.
In November, Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk became the first recognized BearWise campus in the United States. Campus officials committed to implement new reporting procedures for bear sightings and interactions through their campus safety website, to secure attractants around campus and to educate staff and students about being BearWise.
Each winter, a series of prescribed burns are conducted across the state on land owned by the Wildlife Commission to restore and maintain wildlife habitat. Approximately 35,000 acres of land will be burned this January through July. Don’t be alarmed if you see smoke on a game land. It’s most likely intentional and a community alert will be shared via the NextDoor app.
The Wildlife Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award. This award honors an individual who has made significant, long-standing commitment to, and demonstrated leadership in, promoting conservation of nongame species and their habitats in North Carolina. The nomination deadline is Feb. 28.
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) was not included in the omnibus budget bill passed by Congress in December. The National Wildlife Federation has pledged to keep working with its state and territorial affiliates, as well as allies in the nonprofit and private sectors, to pass RAWA into law. We’ll keep you updated.
Wildlife in North Carolina’s Photo Competition closes Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. Amateur and professional photographers who subscribe to the magazine may submit entries. There are two youth categories as well. The grand prize is $200 and your photo featured on the July/August 2023 cover of Wildlife in North Carolina. Competition rules are available online.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has now been detected in seven North Carolina deer across three counties: Stokes, Surry and Yadkin. These counties are located in the Surveillance Areas established this past hunting season. Although deer hunting season has concluded, samples will continue to be tested for the always-fatal neurological disease. A CWD tracker is available on the CWD webpage, as well as links to hunter- and cooperator-submitted test results.
Congrats, you’ve harvested a deer! Complete our short, online survey for a chance to win an Outdoor Edge Knife with replaceable blades.
This month, 20 wildlife law enforcement recruits from across the country began Wildlife Basic Training. As one of the top training systems in the country, the Wildlife Basic Training provides recruits with over 1,100 hours of instruction over 29 weeks, including North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), driving, boating, swimming, firearms, TASER, ASP, fish identification, waterfowl identification, constitutional law and game and fish law.
Best wishes to the Class of 2023!
Bookmark the North Carolina Regulations Digest online to quickly reference what you can hunt, fish and trap this time of year. Carefully check dates and special rules for your region.
Bear
Brant