March • April 2021

CONTENTS
A Liking for Piking
written by Mike Marsh
Old school and new school anglers share a passion for catching redfin pickerel.
The Ides of March
written by Thomas Harvey I illustrated by Gary Palmer
Some days on the river are about more than fishing.
March Meanderings in the Woods
written by Bruce Ingram I photographed by Melissa McGaw
A simple stroll turns into a learning experience for the author and his grandsons.
A Sting of Fire
written by Adrian Smith
Everything you ever wanted to know about fire ants, without getting stung.
Measures of Success (PDF)
written by Walter "Deet" James
Even the most experienced turkey hunters encounter a challenging season, but they don't let it define them.
Going to the Dogs
written by Mike Zlotnicki I photographed by Thomas Harvey
Buying a hunting dog is not an easy (or cheap) decision, so here are a few tips to consider before making a purchase.
In the May • June Issue
Let's Go Fishing
Interested in fishing but not sure how to get started? Our introductory guide has you covered on everything from baiting a hook to picking out a rod and reel.
A Familiar Snake
The copperhead is the most common of the six venomous snakes in North Carolina. Coexisting with it remains a challenge for many residents.
On Call
For several years, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission biologists have been answering your wildlife problems and concerns while staffing our Wildlife Helpline. It's been an informative, educational and sometimes entertaining experience.
written by Sydney Brown | illustrated by Liz Bradford
Learn the laws that help protect animals in need by placing them in one of three categories.
written by Ann May | illustrated by Amy Friend
Shoreline plants help protect ponds and lakes while providing food for critters that live there.
written by Sydney Brown | illustrated by Anne Runyon
Ducks are almost EVERYWHERE in North Carolina, yet not all ducks are the same.
written by Sydney Brown | illustrated by Liz Bradford
From tiny ants to medium-sized mammals, all sorts of creatures prefer to make their homes in burrows beneath the surface.
written by Sydney Brown | illustrated by Anne Runyon
Insects like ants, butterflies and wasps use tricks to keep predators away.
written by Liani Yirka | illustrated by Amy Friend
Waterfowl species like snow geese migrate south every winter to warm places like North Carolina.
Table of Contents for 2021 Spring Outdoor Guide

Editor’s Note
photographed by Melissa McGaw
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission staff members dig into their tackle boxes for a favorite fishing lure.
Mountain Trout Map
North Carolina Freshwater Fishing Records
Fish Identification Chart
Satisfying a Fishing Curiosity Along the Cane River
written by Geoff Cantrell | photographed by Melissa McGaw
After years of passing the mountain river by, this angler stops to wet a line.
Coastal Boating Guide
Coastal Boating Access Areas
Getting Current on River Largemouths
written by Mike Zlotnicki | photographed by Thomas Harvey
Two expert anglers share their tips for how to fish rivers effectively.
2020 Reported Spring Wild Turkey Harvest
Upland Gazette
Table of Contents for 2020 Fall Outdoor Guide

Editor's Note
A Helping Hand
written by Mike Zlotnicki | photographed by Melissa McGaw
You don't need to be an expert to be a mentor.
Index to Game Lands
North Carolina Hunting Seasons
written by Mike Zlotnicki | photographed by Melissa McGaw
A group of N.C. State students get an outdoors education while participating in the Commission's Getting Started Outdoors workshop.
Regulations for Warmwater Game Fish
Regulations for Mountain Trout
Bear Season Map
Deer Season Maps
Hunting Regulations and Information
When Hunting is Permitted
written by Josh Leventhal
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's permit hunting program brings opportunities to life.
2019-20 Big Game Harvest Reports
The Upland Gazette