North Carolina to Allow Hunting Feral Swine at Night

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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North Carolina Wildlife Commission Adopts Rules Allowing Feral Hog Trapping

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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North Carolina Waterfowl Hunters Need to Practice Boating and Hunting Safety

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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North Carolina Wildlife Commission Adopts Fishing, Wildlife Management Proposals

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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North Carolina Hunter Education Program: Hunt Like the Future Depends on it

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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Tree Stand Safety Should be a Top Priority for North Carolina Hunters

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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North Carolina Wildlife Commission Responds to Decision in Deer Seizure Case

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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Students Rebuild Blinds Destroyed by Hurricane Irene in North Carolina

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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‘Experimental’ Status Lifted on Smoky Mountains Elk

Missoula, Mont.–Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have notified the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation that the “experimental” status of the park’s restored elk herd has been officially lifted, clearing the way for permanent management of elk in and around the park.

RMEF is the largest financier of the park’s 10-year elk restoration project, with more than $800,000 in contributions.

Kim Delozier, RMEF conservation program manager, said, “This is important because it’s a formal federal declaration that our elk restoration efforts in the North Carolina section of the park have been deemed a success.”

Prior to joining the RMEF staff, Delozier was the longtime supervisory wildlife biologist in the park. He worked closely with RMEF and others to make reality of a common dream–returning a wild elk herd to the native but long-empty habitat of the Great Smoky Mountains. He says that without the efforts of RMEF, especially its volunteers, wild free-ranging elk would not be in North Carolina today.

Elk were extirpated from the region some 200 years ago.

“Local RMEF members approached me about elk restoration as far back as 1990, so this has been a long process and a tremendous amount of work by many people,” said Delozier. “During my time in the park, we had a number of restoration projects for other species. Some were controversial. Others were relatively quiet. But the elk project was really a people project. This was an effort and animal that everyone wanted to support. The people made it happen. People love to see large wild animals and elk fit that need.”

In an “experimental release,” the first elk were reintroduced into Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001. Today the herd is healthy at about 140 animals.

Elk have been a popular addition to the park and are associated with significant economic benefits through tourism. Cataloochee Valley, where elk were originally released, now receives approximately twice the visitation than it did prior to elk restoration.

The herd’s experimental status was lifted when National Park Service officials on Oct. 20, 2011, approved a “finding of no significant impact” of the environmental assessment on a proposed plan for managing a permanent herd of elk in the park. Research indicates that the population is sustainable, has minimal impacts on the park’s resources and the human-elk conflicts are manageable.

Going forward, the park’s objective is to maintain a permanent elk population within park boundaries that is self-sustaining and allows only acceptable impacts to park resources.

The park’s elk plan also transitions elk management responsibility outside the park to the appropriate tribal, state or federal agency with jurisdiction over wildlife on lands where elk occur. Delozier said some elk do currently inhabit areas outside of park boundaries. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has started discussions on developing its own elk management plan, which could bring limited elk hunting opportunities to the state in the future.

David Allen, RMEF president and CEO, said, “The possibility of additional elk hunting opportunities for the public in the eastern U.S. is one more reason to celebrate. The more people can connect through hunting with the land, elk, other wildlife and their habitat, the more folks we’ll have on board to help sustain America’s conservation movement.”

Allen added that RMEF has pledged continued support for area conservation agencies involved in elk management or habitat stewardship.

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A Warning To Outdoor Users About Echinococcus, From Worms

by

Tom Remington

This is a warning to outdoor users about a potentially deadly biological event that could result from one’s curiosity to poke at and kick through scat from wolves, coyotes and foxes. Of course not everyone knowingly does this but many hunters, trappers and simply the curious, want to know what these animals have been eating.

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