Displaying items by tag: NC Wildlife Resources Commission

RALEIGH — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host an Introduction to Falconry Workshop presented by the North American Falconers Association on Sept. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its headquarters located at 1751 Varsity Dr. Raleigh, NC 27606.

PINEHURST — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Division will swear in 18 new wildlife law enforcement officers at a graduation ceremony tomorrow, July 20, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Pinehurst located at 7373 Hwy. 211 in West End.

FAYETTEVILLE — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville has released its July class schedule, which includes an introductory Surf Fishing Workshop on July 16. Participation in the class qualifies attendees to join an optional field trip to the North Carolina coast later in the year.

RALEIGH — Results from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s 2021 Wild Turkey Harvest Summary report show that hunters statewide recorded the second highest harvest total on record with 21,974 birds. This total falls just short of the all-time record set last year of 23,341 birds.

RALEIGH — This time of year, alligators are moving around a lot on the southeastern North Carolina landscape. They are looking for food and mates after spending the winter in brumation —a long period in which they don’t eat and seldom come out of their dens.

RALEIGH — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will participate in a nationwide campaign July 2–4 called Operation Dry Water. The mission of the nationally coordinated effort is to promote sobriety while boating and educate boaters about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

RALEIGH — This Independence Day, anyone in North Carolina, regardless of age, will be able to fish for free.

Free Fishing Day, which runs from 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on July 4, offers residents and out-of-state visitors the opportunity to fish without having to purchase a license; however, all other fishing regulations apply, such as length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions.

North Carolina’s annual free fishing day was authorized by the N.C. General Assembly in 1994 and sponsored by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. It always falls on the July Fourth holiday.

“Free Fishing Day was created to promote the sport of fishing and is a great opportunity for families to try a new outdoor activity,” said Christian Waters, the agency’s chief of the Inland Fisheries Division. “Fishing is relatively inexpensive recreational sport that anyone, no matter what their age or skill level, can enjoy. It’s an excellent way to enjoy quality time together in a relaxing setting on the water.”

Waters added that the Commission’s website, ncwildlife.org, is a value resource for tips about where and what to fish, and the state’s Tackle Loaner Program.

“The interactive fishing and boating maps on the agency’s website list more than 500 fishing and boating areas, many of which are free, that are open to the public. Also, to give anglers a better chance of catching fish, the Commission stocks a variety of fish in waters across the state. Stocking information can also be found on the website.”

Anglers should remember that boating areas likely will be crowded over the busy holiday weekend. Wildlife officials urge boaters to be patient, courteous and follow the boating etiquette tips below:

• Be patient and remain calm until an open parking space is available.
• Wait your turn in the launch line. Don’t block or cut off others.
• Park your vehicle and trailer while someone moves the boat away from the ramp.
• Recruit someone to move the boat away from the ramp while you retrieve your vehicle and trailer.
• Observe no-wake zones and be cautious.

While anyone can fish for free on July 4, a fishing license is required for people age 16 and older on all other days of the year. This includes both public and coastal waters in North Carolina. Purchasing a license online is quick and easy. Other ways to purchase a license are:

• Call the Commission at 888-248-6834. Current hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Visit a local Wildlife Service Agent. 
• For more information on fishing in public, inland waters, visit the agency’s fishing webpage.

RALEIGH — Foxes are known to be sly, but that doesn’t necessary mean not seen. It’s breeding season and young foxes, called kits or pups, and their parents are spending more time outside of the den, making sightings more likely.

RALEIGH — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will release its 2021 waterfowl print and stamp on July 1.

RALEIGH — Results from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s 2020 annual bear harvest summary show that hunters statewide recorded the highest harvest total on record at 3,748 bears — an 8% increase compared to the previous season.