Delayed Harvest Trout Waters Open Oct. 1
The Wildlife Commission will implement delayed harvest regulations on 36 trout waters in 20 western North Carolina counties on Oct. 1. Before Oct. 1, hatchery supported regulations apply to these waters. Under delayed harvest regulations, no trout can be harvested or possessed from these waters between Oct. 1 and one-half-hour after sunset on June 2, 2017. No natural bait may be possessed, and anglers can fish only with artificial lures with one single hook. An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell. More
Wildlife Commission Offers Family Events on Sept. 24 to Celebrate National Hunting & Fishing Day
This Saturday, the Wildlife Commission is hosting or supporting seven family-friendly events to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day. The events, all of which are free except for two, focus on activities that highlight the state’s rich hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation heritage. Activities and exhibits vary for each event; however, all provide opportunities for participants to improve their outdoor skills and increase their knowledge of wildlife in North Carolina. For more details, including a list of events and locations, visit the National Hunting and Fishing Day page.
Gov. Pat McCrory Proclaims Sept. 24, 2016 as Hunting and Fishing Day in North Carolina
Gov. Pat McCrory has proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 as Hunting and Fishing Day in North Carolina, recognizing both the economic and conservation contributions of sportsmen. “Hunting and fishing helps improve the health of North Carolinians by providing alternative outdoor activity and supporting the state’s economy by directly impacting an estimated 29,000 jobs and $1.7 billion in income,” the proclamation states. More information including the entire proclamation.
Youth Deer Hunting Day is Sept. 24
The Wildlife Commission is holding an archery tournament for girls and women on Sept. 24 at the Ely Range in Yadkinville. Registration starts at 8 a.m., with the tournament beginning at 9 a.m. Participants will be separated into three age groups and will compete in field archery with a 40-cm target and five arrows at different distances. More
Alligator Forums Held in Early November
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the N.C. Alligator Task Force are holding three public forums in early November to receive public input on management of American alligators in North Carolina.Task force members will consider this input as they develop an alligator management plan. Commission staff will not present any proposals for changes in regulations governing alligator hunting. The forums, which run from 7 to 9 p.m., will be held Leland, Swansboro and Manteo. More information and dates.
Free Waterfowl Hunting Seminars Offered this Fall
The Wildlife Commission, along with Ducks Unlimited, is offering seven waterfowl hunting seminars in October and November. The seminars are free and are designed for new and experienced hunters. Topics include waterfowl identification, hunting methods, decoys and calling, firearms and ammunition selection and more. Dates, locations and registration information.
Hunters who want to help farmers and feed hungry families in their communities can drop harvested deer off at participating deer donation sites through a program established by the N.C. Wildlife Federation and supported by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and the Wildlife Commission. The Farmers and Community Manage Deer Program brings farmers, sportsmen, deer processors, and community groups together to limit deer damage to crops, increase local farm and community revenue and provide harvested venison to food pantries. All deer must be legally harvested and donations are free for hunters. More information, including a list of deer donation locations.
Hunters: Practice Tree Stand Safety During Hunting Season
Before heading to the field or the woods, hunters should take simple precautions when using a tree stand to prevent injuries and ensure they return home safe. The Wildlife Commission's Home From The Hunt™ campaign recommends: · Checking your tree stand for belts, chains, bolts and attachment cords for damage before using. · Using a full-body safety harness properly every time. · Bringing an emergency signal device, such as cell phone or whistle. · Maintaining three points of contact when climbing up or down a stand. More recommendations
The Wildlife Commission will have its annual exhibit at the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh, which is scheduled for Oct. 13-23. Take your best shot at the air rifle range, get a close-up view of some native raptors and learn about the fascinating world of freshwater mussels. Pick up a free freshwater mussel button (right) at the new Wild Store and purchase a matching mussel t-shirt funded by Neuse Sport Shop of Kinston, with all proceeds going to the Wildlife Diversity Program. Sign up or renew a subscription to Wildlife in North Carolina for a chance to win a 64-qt. Yeti® cooler and register for a chance to win one of three fishing trips with Carolina Outdoors host Joe Albea.
Wildlife Commissioner, Officer and Volunteer Receive Conservation Achievement Awards
The Wildlife Commission was well represented at the 53rd Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards banquet on Sept. 10, in Cary. Tom Berry, a wildlife commissioner, Isaac Hannah, a Wildlife Enforcement Officer and Link Grass, a hunter education instructor, were honored for their unwavering commitment to conservation and resolve to protect the state’s precious natural resources. Berry, of Greensboro, received the Land Conservationist of the Year Award. Hannah, of Cleveland County, took home the Wildlife Officer of the Year award, and Grass, of Denver, won the Hunter Safety Educator of the Year award. More
12-Year-Old Angler Sets Newly Established Spotted Sunfish State Record
Elijah Crabtree, 12, set a newly established state record when he landed a 7.7-ounce spotted sunfish in Big Swamp in Robeson County on June 25. Elijah, who is the son of Kevin and Amanda Crabtree of Bladenboro, caught the fish using a green beetle spin as a lure. More
Get a Jump on Your Holiday Gift Giving!
The holiday season will be here before you know it. Terrific wildlife-related gifts are only a click away from our N.C. Wild Store. The 2017 Wildlife Calendar and the 2016 Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print make the perfect holiday gifts. Shop today before they're gone!
More Events
Pechmann Center Offers Three Free Fishing Courses in October
Free Programs Offered at Pisgah Center in October
Free Smartphone Photography Workshop Offered in Brevard on Oct. 15
Free Hunting How-To Workshop Offered in Brevard on Oct. 8
Other News
Community of Todd Joins Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program
Wildlife Commission Opens New Public Fishing Area on Fisher River
Wildlife Commission Will Host Wildlife and Water Quality Workshop on Sept. 29 in Bladen County
Wildlife Commission Releases End-of-Summer Numbers for On the Road, On the Water Drink and Drive Campaign
As Archery Season Approaches, Keep Your Eye on Safety
N.C. Wildlife Update
Upland Gazette
WRC Rulemaking