The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has set the schedule for the 2012 Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments, marking the 34^th year for the popular statewide shooting sports events.

The Commission will conduct nine district-level competitions in March, with hundreds of middle school and high school students taking part:

• March 3, Alamance Wildlife Club near Graham, Alamance County (District 5)
• March 10, New Hanover County Law Enforcement Officers Association Range in Castle Hayne, New Hanover County (District 2 )
• March 17, Camp John J. Barnhardt in New London, Stanly County (District 6)
• March 17, Catawba Valley Wildlife Club in Hickory, Catawba County (District
• March 17, Polk County Gun Club near Columbus, Polk County (District 9)
• March 24, Rose Hill Farms near Nashville, Nash County (District 3)
• March 24, Hunting Creek Preserve in Harmony, Iredell County (District 7)
• March 28, Coharrie Shooting Range near Clinton, Sampson County (District 4)
• March 31, Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia, Tyrell County (District 1)

Competition is conducted on senior (high school) and junior (middle and elementary schools) divisional levels, with overall team and overall individual awards based on aggregate scores in all events.

The tournaments represent opportunities for participants to showcase outdoor skills learned through the Commission’s Hunter Education Program. There are events in rifle, shotgun and archery marksmanship, as well as an orienteering challenge and a wildlife knowledge test.

Teams are organized within public and private schools, while home-schooled students and teams representing organizations such as 4-H or FFA also can compete, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

Winning teams will advance to the state championship tournament, which will be held at the Millstone 4-H Center near Ellerbe on April 28.

“These events are a demonstration of skills covered through instruction by the Hunter Education Program and are instrumental in securing the future of the hunting tradition,” said Travis Casper, state hunter education coordinator. “To pass this heritage along, we need to hunt like the future depends on it and share the enjoyment and fulfillment of shooting sports and conservation.”

While the Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments are for students 18 years old and younger, the Wildlife Commission offers free hunter education courses and advanced hunter education on a regular schedule for all ages. Successful completion of the course is required for all first-time hunting license buyers in North Carolina.

For more information on free hunter education courses, the Home From The Hunt safety campaign or youth programs offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, call 919-707-0031 or click here

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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has replaced two pedestrian bridges, allowing for an easier, safer walk for hunters traveling to the waterfowl impoundment on the White Oak River Game Land in Onslow County.

Two old wooden bridges, which had been in active use, have been replaced with aluminum floating bridges, allowing them to rise and fall with the water in the impoundment. The new bridges were strategically placed to allow hunters — who mainly arrive by boat — to cross the canals surrounding the impoundment and access prime waterfowl hunting areas.

“The new bridges that we installed are a great improvement over the old wood structures.  These bridges are able to float up and down along with the water level, and will improve access for hunters using the impoundment,” said Chesley Ward, a technician with the Commission’s Division of Wildlife Management. “Because the bridges are aluminum, we anticipate maintenance in the brackish water to be very low.”

The old wooden bridges routinely became waterlogged, and were in constant need of repair. They also suffered hurricane damage. The new aluminum bridges are sturdier and will hold up better over time.

“The White Oak River Impoundment offers a great opportunity for waterfowl hunters to harvest a wide range of waterfowl species,” Ward said. “The management we do in this impoundment, or all of our impoundments, is not only beneficial to the hunter but probably even more so to the waterfowl.  Before, throughout, and well after the seasons they provide critical habitat for migrating and wintering birds, and not just game species.”

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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will allow hunting of feral swine at night with the aid of light, by special permit, beginning Dec. 29, 2011.

Under this policy, archery and firearm hunters with a Commission-issued permit in addition to a hunting license may hunt feral swine after normal shooting hours (½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour past sunset) where local law allows; except by firearms on Sundays. The permits are valid through March 31.

Free permits to hunt feral swine at night with aid of light are available through the Commission’s online services at www.ncwildlife.org.

The permit does not grant access to any property. Landholders must grant permission to enter private or public property lawfully. The permit does not grant access to take feral swine on state game land.

As of Oct. 1, 2011, all hogs in the wild became classified and managed as feral swine, with no closed season and no bag limits. The intent is to make it easier to remove feral swine from the landscape, as these exotic non-native animals compete with native wildlife and pose significant threats to the environment and agricultural operations.

When hunting feral swine at any time, hunters must have a valid hunting license unless otherwise exempt and wear hunter orange as required for appropriate seasons. Hunters should reference the N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for all rules associated with hunting feral swine during normal hunting hours.

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Raleigh, NC – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has adopted temporary rules that allow the trapping of feral hogs with no closed season and no bag limits.

Under the new rules, trappers must have a Commission-issued permit (available free at www.ncwildlife.org) in addition to a hunting or trapping license; feral hogs may be live-trapped using only corral or box traps, constructed in such a way that a non-target animal can be easily released or escape without harm; permit numbers must be placed on all traps; and feral swine must be euthanized while in the trap and may not be removed alive from any trap.

Self-issued permits will be available at www.ncwildlife.org after Dec. 29, when the rules go into effect.

Under previous rules, feral swine could be trapped only under a depredation permit, which requires an economic justification, threat to human safety or documented overabundance.

Permanent rules will be adopted at a later date.

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Raleigh, NC  –The Home from the Hunt campaign of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding waterfowl hunters who hunt from a boat to practice boating safety and hunting safety.

“Statistics show more hunters die from hypothermia and drowning than gunshot wounds,” said Maj. Chris Huebner, the state boating safety coordinator. “Hypothermia is the loss of body heat and, left untreated, can prove fatal. Exposure to extreme cold, such as being in cold water or wearing wet clothes in cold conditions, can increase the chance of hypothermia.”

Boating safety tips include:

• Always wear a life vest.
• Don’t overload the boat, especially with passengers.
• Keep hunting dogs prone in the center of the boat.
• Never move about the boat with a loaded firearm.

In the event of capsizing or swamping, stay with the boat. It will still provide some flotation and will be the initial focus of a rescue attempt, said Maj. Huebner.

Waterfowl hunters should handle shotguns in a safe manner. Be aware of muzzle direction at all times. Never shoot while standing in an unsecured boat. Wear protective clothing and watch the weather. Let someone know where you are hunting and an approximate return time.

To hunt waterfowl in North Carolina, individuals must possess various licenses, permits, stamps and certifications. All first-time hunting license buyers must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course, offered free across the state. Go to www.ncwildlife.org to consult the online version of the 2011-2012 N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest or call 919-707-0031 for more information.

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Raleigh, NC – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has approved proposed changes to the state’s hunting, fishing and trapping regulations for 2012-13.

Following a process of reviewing public comments received online, by letter and at public hearings across the state, the Commission voted on the proposed regulation changes at its Nov. 10 meeting.

Changes include lengthening the bear hunting season in Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Martin, Northampton and Pitt counties and opening a bear hunting season in Edgecombe, Harnett, Johnston, Nash, Stokes, Vance, Warren, Wayne and Wilson counties. Bear seasons in Yadkin, Iredell, Alexander and Catawba counties have changed, and portions of Cleveland, Burke and Surry counties that are currently closed to bear hunting will be opened.

The Commission also has increased the general statewide minimum size limit for smallmouth and spotted bass, and increased the minimum size limit for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in Public Mountain Trout Waters and waters in and west of Madison, Buncombe, Henderson and Polk counties. These changes establish a general statewide minimum size limit of 14 inches for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass.

The remaining proposals presented at the public hearings in September were adopted by the Commission with a few minor changes, which included:

• Modifying the downstream boundary on Cane Creek in Mitchell County at the request of the landowner, therefore retaining an additional 0.3 mile as Public Mountain Trout Waters
• Withdrawing a proposal to increase the minimum size limit for striped bass and their hybrids in B. Everett Jordan Reservoir and maintaining the current 20-inch minimum size limit and 4-fish daily creel limit
• Withdrawing a proposal for grass carp in Lake Tillery. Protection is not currently warranted given the level of invasive aquatic vegetation control and potential negative impacts to native vegetation
• Postponing action on proposed primary nursery areas for further evaluation of the process for designating primary nursery areas in inland waters
• Postponing a vote on captive cervid proposals until the Commission can determine the financial impact of those proposals.

For a complete list of the 2012-13 proposals as presented at the public hearings, download the “Public Hearings Booklet.” For more information on the Commission’s rulemaking process, see “From Proposal to Regulation.”

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Raleigh, N.C.  Nov. 22, 2011 – The Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is urging sportsmen to encourage others to hunt, while many hunting seasons are under way, with a slogan of “Hunt Like The Future Depends On It.”

“For the future of conservation, the next generation needs to hunt. It’s that important,” said Travis Casper, state acting hunter education coordinator. “We need to mentor youth and present a positive image of hunting to everyone.”

The Hunter Education Program teaches – and sportsmen practice – stewardship of natural resources. Sportsmen also provide the economic backbone for habitat conservation, wildlife research and resource protection.

“Call it nature or the environment, but hunters are an invaluable part of it,” Casper said. “If it weren’t for hunters, endangered species and nongame species wouldn’t fare as well. Hunters get the credit for the resurging populations of numerous species of game animals in North America.”

Tips for mentoring and youth involvement in the outdoors are provided by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, with many conservation programs that foster learning, such as Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, youth hunts, disabled sportsmen and mobility-impaired hunting and fishing opportunities, and a fishing tackle loaner program. The Hunter Education program offers Youth Hunter Safety Skills Tournaments for students to compete and improve skills in team and individual competition, and the National Archery in the Schools Program, extended through physical education classes for grades 4-12 in public schools.

In North Carolina, all first-time hunting license buyers must complete a Hunter Education Course successfully, available for free across the state. Go to www.ncwildlife.org to consult the online version of the 2011-2012 N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest or call 919-707-0031 for more information.

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Raleigh, N.C. Nov. 18, 2011 – Tree stand-related injuries are almost always avoidable, according to the Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, yet more people are hurt in tree stand falls than any other category of hunting incidents.

The Home From The Hunt safety campaign has made tree stand safety a top priority in North Carolina for the 2011-2012 hunting season. Hunter Education Program instructors will emphasize proper use of tree stands and elevated hunting platforms. Wildlife Officers have investigated two fatalities in connection with tree stand falls already this hunting season.

“Following some basic guidelines can prevent injuries and won’t interfere with a successful hunt,” said Travis Casper, the state’s acting hunter education coordinator. “Maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down; wear a full body safety harness at all times; and check belts, chains and attachment cords before use. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.”

Other recommendations include:

• Never carry anything as you climb – use a haul line to raise and lower an unloaded gun or other equipment once you are safely seated in the tree stand.
• Have an emergency signal (cell phone or whistle) and let someone know where you plan to hunt and when you plan to return.
• Select a healthy, straight tree and don’t exceed maximum weight settings.

Tree stands should be inspected prior to use, especially if you have left your tree stand up for an extended period of time. Exposure to the elements will damage straps, ropes and attachment cords, and potentially lead to breakage and failure.

“Take the time to thoroughly check the stability of the stand and the tree it is attached to before you climb up,” Casper said. “Your life could depend on it.”

In North Carolina, all first-time hunting license buyers must successfully complete a Hunter Education Course, offered free across the state. Go to www.ncwildlife.org to consult the online version of the 2011-2012 N.C. Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest or call 919-707-0031 for more information.

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RALEIGH, N.C. Nov. 17, 2011 – The District Attorney’s Office for Randolph County today dismissed charges against a man charged with holding deer illegally.

The case stems from charges against Clifton Wayne Kindley on Sept. 20, when a warrant was served on his unlicensed deer pen in Randolph County, resulting in nine deer being seized and euthanized.

According to North Carolina law, it is illegal to hold or confine deer, elk or other cervid animals in the state without a permit or license, with strict requirements necessary to safeguard the health and safety of wildlife resources, livestock and humans. In this case, Kindley had been notified repeatedly of these important requirements as far back as 2003.

“We recognize the district attorney’s authority to dismiss this charge; however, our actions in this matter, although unpopular, were directed towards safeguarding North Carolina’s wildlife resources,” said Gordon Myers, executive director of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “Mr. Kindley’s actions created a lose-lose scenario putting statewide wildlife populations at risk. We simply cannot gamble with our wildlife.”

“Cases like this one are difficult for everyone involved,” said Col. Dale Caveny, chief of the Wildlife Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement. “It is illegal for anyone to possess deer unless they have a proper license or permit and comply with its conditions. Otherwise, the animals are considered contraband and their continued possession is illegal. Further, since 2002, except for fawns taken to licensed rehabilitators, it has been illegal to transfer deer between facilities. These measures have been in place to prevent introduction and spread of wildlife diseases including chronic wasting disease (CWD).”

According to Dr. David Cobb, chief of the Wildlife Commission’s Division of Wildlife Management, CWD is a serious threat to captive and wild deer and elk in North Carolina.

“Unfortunately, there is no CWD test that can be used on a live animal,” said Cobb. “Without knowing whether they harbored or had been exposed to disease, the deer that were being held in this pen could have transferred CWD or other diseases to other animals had they been moved to another location.

“From a biological perspective, once these animals were held in captivity in disregard of the requirements necessary to safeguard wildlife resources, the only, although unfortunate, course of action was to euthanize these animals.”

More information on the effects of CWD and other wildlife diseases is available from the Wildlife Commission at www.ncwildlife.org, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/cwd/ and the national CWD Alliance at www.cwd-info.org.

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Currituck, N.C. Nov. 15, 2011 – When Hurricane Irene took down two of the four waterfowl blinds in Currituck Sound on a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission game land, the biologists and technicians knew exactly who to call.

And it wasn’t seasoned carpenters or longtime experts.

They called Jeff Rhodes, and his woodshop students at Currituck High School. The decision to call Rhodes was natural – his students had made several blinds for the Wildlife Commission in the late 1990s. The students also have built blinds for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The well-made, high-quality blinds had withstood hurricanes and tropical storms for more than a decade when two blinds fell before Hurricane Irene’s fury in August.

So the Wildlife Commission asked Rhodes if his students could quickly build a couple of replacement blinds – in time for the hunters who would soon flock to the Currituck Banks Game Land for waterfowl season. Rhodes easily said yes.

“A lot of my students are hunters or outdoorsmen,” said Rhodes, who is in his 16th year of teaching at Currituck High School. “I like to get them involved in a project that not only helps the community, but also piques their interest. It’s easier to get them excited that way.”

Rhodes said many of the students had helped to build waterfowl blinds for their families. And for students needing to develop carpentry skills, building the blind will prepare them for their more advanced project – constructing a three-bedroom house.

However, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, and the waterfowl hunters who use the blinds in the Currituck Sound, may benefit the most. With short notice, the students have provided two blinds to replace the ones the hurricane destroyed.

“They have provided a real service to all of our constituents,” said Dale Davis, a biologist with the Commission. “They have a local connection to the Currituck Sound, and hunt on the sound and have contributed to the continued use of the Wildlife Commission blinds by all sportsmen.”

Use of the blinds in the Currituck Sound adjacent to the Currituck Banks Game Land is by permit only. For more information, see Permit Hunting Opportunities.

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