As amended, the second temporary rule will extend the time that bears can be taken with the aid of unprocessed food as bait to the entire open season with the exception of the western part of the state.
The Commission will allow baiting for the first segment of the western bear season (Oct. 17 - Nov. 19), but not at all during the second segment (Dec. 12 - Jan. 2).
Nothing in this rule changes the ability for dog hunters to release dogs in the vicinity of unprocessed food products during the entire open bear season.
Ryan Kennemur 919-707-0186 ryan.kennemur@ncwildlife.org