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Two new public access areas in Ashe County are now open for use on the South Fork New River. The Hartzog Ford Public Fishing Area and the New River Park Public Fishing Area southeast of Jefferson are the result of collaborations among Ashe County, Dept. of Transportation and state governments, and the New River Conservancy, our staff at NCWRC, and generous donations of land (Maryann Mueller and Diana Travis), and labor and equipment (Vannoy Construction).
For locations of publicly accessible fishing piers, boat ramps, and canoe/kayak launches, and places that provide bank and wade fishing opportunities and fish attractor sites visit:
Where to Fish (ncwildlife.org)
Where to Boat (ncwildlife.org)
It’s that time of year when we experience an increase in wildlife encounters as spring brings new life and species come out of hibernation. We offer helpful guidance when encountering some of the most common wildlife as they become more visible this time of year.
Turtle lovers and coastal area kayakers, this is right up your alley! We are seeking volunteer kayakers to help collect data on the diamondback terrapin. They’re listed in North Carolina as a species of special concern and a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. They live near the coast in brackish and saltwater marshes, estuaries and tidal creeks, so kayaking is the perfect way to get up close and collect important data about this species.
North Carolina residents and visitors who snap photos of wild alligators can share their observations with our biologists through the NC Alligators Project. Upload photos from a computer at iNaturalist.org or download the free iNaturalist app for Android and iPhone.
Anglers' alert! Hatchery supported trout waters open for the season on April 6, and NCWRC is asking the public to report sightings of hellbenders and mudpuppies to Lori.Williams@ncwildlife.org, include a physical location (GPS coordinates preferred) and a photo or video, or contact the NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, and provide details of the observation.
Heading to the beach? Watch your steps (and your dog’s too) for bird nests found directly on the sandy beaches or islands along the sound, April through September. Nests can be difficult to see since eggs and chicks blend in with the sand. Our staff biologists and cooperators have marked known areas with posts and signage, but some areas may not be marked. Extra caution is appreciated.
Want to learn more about the work our Wildlife Diversity Program staff are conducting on behalf of nongame and endangered wildlife in North Carolina? If so, check out the 2023 4th Quarter Wildlife Diversity Report, along with quarterly and annual reports dating back to 2007!
They’re about as hard to spot as the Easter Bunny itself! We don’t know much about Appalachian cottontails, but we do know there are factors that may be impacting its population and we are working with a research group to learn more so this mountain-loving rabbit remains a species to appreciate in N.C. It will provide data that may be useful if a deadly and fast-spreading disease called RHDV2- makes it way to N.C. Both Georgia and Tennessee have reported positive cases of the disease to include pet rabbits.
Nominations for our Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee (NWAC) are being accepted through April 19. NWAC comprises North Carolina citizens who use their scientific, academic and habitat expertise to provide recommendations on nongame wildlife conservation issues for the state’s most vulnerable wildlife populations.
Just as these majestic birds were making a comeback from a 1970s battle with pollutants (DDT), a recent increase in rock climbing became a potential threat to the falcons nesting in our state. So, the U.S. Forest Service, Wildlife Commission and Carolina Climbers Coalition came together with a solution that was agreeable to the climbers while keeping these birds of prey safe.
Staff are stocking over 600,000 trout in hatchery supported waters—96 percent of which will average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length.
Please note, the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery will undergo a major renovation beginning in 2025. Setzer produces over 75% of trout for the agency’s trout stocking program. Trout stockings will not be impacted in 2024. However, there will be a reduction in trout stockings during the 2025, 2026 and potentially 2027 trout stocking seasons. We will continue to update the public during this important process, which ultimately ensures the sport of trout fishing will robustly continue in North Carolina for future generations.
The popular weekly Coastal Rivers Fisheries Reports are now available in video form. These reports can all be viewed throughout the season. While you’re there consider subscribing to our channel and turning on notifications, so you won’t miss out on new content as it’s posted.
Our two bald biologists, Ben and Corey, talk spring shad fishing with N.C. Wildlife biologist David Belkoski. No shad topic is safe. They will cover the biology of shad and fishing for them throughout the N.C. coast. Listen in to glean tips to better shad fishing and understand why shad migrate from the Bay of Fundy to our back yards.
Wild Turkey Spring Season April 13 – May 11 (bearded or male turkey only)
Wild Turkey Youth Only April 6 –12 (bearded or male turkey only)
Download or bookmark the 2023-24 Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations Digest for quick reference.
Inland Fishing
No closed seasons on inland game fishes, with exceptions
No closed seasons for nongame fishes taken from inland waters, with exceptions
Biology for Hunters, Regulations, Where to Hunt, Scouting
Firearms, Ammo, Clothing, Footwear, Misc. Equipment
Hunting Techniques and Strategies
Safety Reminders
Safety is a priority while hunting so be sure to heed these guidelines:
We conduct and partner with other groups on numerous wildlife-related educational classes and workshops, events and certification programs. Many of the programs are free or require a nominal fee.
Egrets, terns, oystercatchers, pelicans and a variety of other waterbirds rely on the dredged material islands, managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, as key nesting habitat. Wildlife in North Carolina magazine takes a close look at these islands, their history and their annual migratory visitors in the March/April issue. Check out the article and the stunning photographs! (flipping book) Subscribe now for as little as $10 to receive the award-winning magazine!
Purchase A License
Renew/Register A Vessel
Take A Class
Shop "New" NC Wildlife Merchandise
ncwildlife.org
Visit and bookmark the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s trout webpage for all things trout, including stocking schedules, stream conditions and trout handling advice.
Buy or renew a license online, at a Wildlife Service Agent office or call 833-950-0575 , 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
We encourage you to purchase or renew your license online for faster service. For existing customers, you will need your WRC ID # available to log into your account.
Review the 2023-2024 N.C. Regulations Digest, available in print at your local Wildlife Service Agent, or download a copy (flipbook/PDF) from our website, or view the regulations online. You can also access the regulations digest on the Wildlife Commission's new mobile app, which is available for iPhone and Android. The guide provides important information about season dates, hunting licenses, game lands, regulations and more.
Approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters will open on April 6 at 7 a.m. and remain open through Feb. 28, 2025. Most trout are stocked April through June, with a few streams selectively stocked in July. Overall, staff will stock nearly 600,000 trout — 96 percent of which will average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length.
Visit our Trout Fishing page to download a PDF of the 2024 Hatchery Trout Stocking schedule. Check back on a regular basis since the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Delayed Harvest Trout Waters continue to be stocked throughout the spring as catch-and-release regulations apply until a half-hour after sunset on May 31. Anglers may begin to harvest trout on June 1, with youth opportunities (17 years old and younger) starting at 6 a.m. and all other anglers at noon.
Explore North Carolina’s Public Mountain Trout Waters with our interactive NC Fishing Areas & Trout Waters map. View all trout waters, search for specific waters or regulatory classifications, select counties of interest, find driving directions and much more. This 2-min. video will walk you through the process!
Get to know these classification signs to know what waters you’re fishing and the associated rules and regulations, such as season dates, size and creel information.
The Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery will undergo a major renovation beginning in 2025. Setzer produces over 75% of trout for the agency’s trout stocking program. Trout stockings will not be impacted in 2024. However, there will be a reduction in trout stockings during the 2025, 2026 and potentially 2027 trout stocking seasons. We will continue to update the public during this important process, which ultimately ensures the sport of trout fishing will robustly continue in North Carolina for future generations.
Take advantage of our state’s numerous wild trout streams with this hatch chart, developed in partnership with the North Carolina Trout Unlimited State Council. It was created to help trout anglers match aquatic insect hatches in western North Carolina.
Follow these four steps to help protect North Carolina’s waters from ecological harm & devastating economic impacts by preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS).
As North Carolina’s only native trout, the Brook Trout is the official freshwater fish of North Carolina. Learn more about Brook Trout by exploring:
Support Brook Trout with a
Native Brook Trout License Plate!
Wildlife Commission biologists and avid anglers Corey Oakley and Ben Ricks host a monthly podcast to help anglers understand more about the fish and fisheries in North Carolina. "Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists" podcasts link the research and surveys conducted by the agency to fishing in North Carolina. Missed an episode? Catch up on past podcasts like muskie fishing on the French Broad, smallmouth bass fishing in western NC rivers, conserving North Carolina's only native trout — the brook trout — and so many more.
Got fishing questions? Corey and Ben have the answers! Send your questions to twobaldbiologists@ncwildlife.org, and start listening!
The Wildlife Commission offers free fishing classes for all ages and abilities. Check out the course calendar for the variety of courses available. On March 22 at 6 - 9 p.m., the agency is holding a Fly-fishing Basics: Wading Safety and Etiquette webinar to maximize your experience on the water. Common etiquette among fly anglers and how to stay safe in different conditions will be the topics of this webinar.
Commission Wildlife biologists are asking the public, particularly anglers as opening day of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters approaches on April 1, to report any sightings of hellbenders and mudpuppies. Both types of aquatic salamanders are found in western North Carolina and listed in North Carolina as species of special concern. If you spot one, note its location (physical location or GPS coordinates), snap a photo if possible and send to Lori.Williams@ncwildlife.org. People can also call the Wildlife Commission's NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, and provide details of the observation.
New anglers often have a lot of questions, so Wildlife Commission staff compiled a list of commonly asked questions posed by those new to fishing in the 2023 May/June issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine.
"Where can I fish?"
"Can you help me understand trout regulations?"
"Any tips on how to handle fish when I catch one?"
These questions and more are addressed in "Fishing for Answers". If you enjoy this free article, be sure to subscribe today at these great rates:
Print & Digital: $15
Print Only: $12
Digital Only: $10
North Carolina’s five-week wild turkey season opens in April. Review the current rules & regulations in the 2023-24 North Carolina Regulations Digest prior to heading out for the hunt.
Youth Turkey Season: April 6 - 12; Statewide Turkey Season: April 13 – May 11
The youth season is open to anyone under the age of 18. Hunters aged 16 and 17 must have hunting licenses. Youth under 16 are exempt from license requirements provided they are accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old. Youth who have licenses or a hunter education card may hunt without adult supervision.
All hunters must report their turkey harvest on a Big Game Harvest Report Card. Hunters are limited to two turkeys for the season, only one of which may be taken during the youth season.
There’s nothing like opening day of turkey season. Make sure you’re prepared.
Harvested a turkey but don't have cell service? Now you can report your big game harvest while in the field without cell service by using the Go Outdoors North Carolina app. Get the app for iPhone and Android.
If 2024 is anything like the last few years, it will be a successful turkey season for many hunters. In 2023, North Carolina’s 5-week wild turkey season had its highest ever recorded harvest of 24,089 birds. Wildlife biologists say the state’s turkey population remains strong despite the increased hunting pressure and harvest. Keep up with real-time harvest results via our online portal, searchable by region and county.
The Wildlife Commission manages over 2 million acres of public game lands throughout the state. Plan your hunt with our interactive game lands map. Search by county, address, or filter by species or facilities. You can also download printable game land maps by region. Please note: Some game lands require a special permit, so be sure to check specific information for the game land you plan to hunt.
Trouble-Shooting Turkeys - download this 4-page printable handout by Michael Pearce of common maladies and cures to hunting gobblers.
The Wildlife Commission's Learn To Hunt Program is a great way for novice hunters to learn basic hunting skills, equipment and strategies including a brief game processing and cooking overview. Each workshop is 8 hours (in person). Please review event summary before registering.
Attendee Requirements:
Attendee Prerequisites:
For Learn to Hunt program-related questions email learntohunt@ncwildlife.org.
For Licensing questions contact 833-950-0575 or info@gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com.
Hunter education is paramount for safety and an enjoyable experience. Free, in-person and virtual options are available for all ages, across the state.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity such as poaching or baiting may be eligible to receive a reward (up to $1,000) by reporting information that leads to a conviction to the Turn-In-Poachers program.
From 2016 – 2019, agency staff used acoustic recorders each spring to capture gobbling activity on properties where turkeys were not hunted. Over 53,900 hours of audio files revealed 113,737 gobbles. The results indicated that 25%, 60% and 15% of turkey gobbling activity occurs before, during and after the spring harvest season respectively, indicating that the current spring turkey hunting season offers hunters the chance to pursue turkeys at a time when substantial gobbling occurs. Bring on the spring!
Ground blinds offer turkey hunters easy access to the outdoors. Wildlife in North Carolina associate editor Mike Zlotnicki shares advice on selecting affordable and well-built blinds, erecting and using ground blinds to target different species, and knowing the rules and regulations on turkey hunting.
The Wildlife Commission is working with NC State, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Louisiana State University on a three-year regional turkey ecology study to understand various turkey data, including hunter harvest pressure, nesting patterns and potential diseases.
In 2023, Zebra Mussels and Apple Snails were discovered in two waterbodies in N.C. Zebra Mussels cause damage to waterways, filtration systems and boats, while Apple Snails are a potential human health risk.
This week, the last week in February, is recognized as National Invasive Species Awareness Week, which raises awareness on the negative economic, ecological and potentially human health impacts of invasive species. The public can report possible invasive species sightings through NCWRC’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Reporting Tool and learn to identify nuisance species previously discovered in N.C. by visiting our Aquatic Nuisance Species webpage. In addition, The North American Invasive Species Management Association is offering educational webinars about invasive species.
The NCWRC welcomed returning Commissioner Joseph (Joe) R. Budd of Winston-Salem to its governing board. Budd was sworn in on Jan. 30. He previously served as NCWRC’s District 7 commissioner from 2014 to 2020. He was appointed as an At-Large member by Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and will serve through June 2025. Budd enjoys spending time with family, is an active pilot, and enjoys bird hunting, boating and fishing.
Wildlife education is a pillar of NCWRC. We proudly participate in the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies’ Project WILD program. It provides wildlife-based conservation and environmental professional development training to educators of students ranging from 3 years old to adult.
If you know any educators (such as public-school teachers, university and community college professors, early childhood regional trainers, zoo, nature center and aquarium educators, Soil and Water educators and state park rangers) who may be interested in becoming a volunteer facilitator, email tanya.poole@ncwildlife.org.
NCWRC Conservation Technician Chris Henline (left photo) has spent his career supporting our wildlife mission. He was recently awarded for his commitment by receiving the Joe Kurz Wildlife Manager of the Year National Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) for decades of outstanding wild turkey and wildlife habitat management.
“I have been fortunate to watch the turkey population expand and grow across the state over my 29 years of service,” said Henline. “The fact that I had a hand in reestablishing this great bird is one of the greatest accomplishments of my career. Turkey management has always been one of my favorite activities of this job, and I am so honored and humbled to be recognized by the NWTF for doing something that I truly enjoy.”
In addition, the North Carolina state chapter of NWTF has awarded District 6 Master Officer Sampson Parker (right photo) the 2023 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Officer Parker has been with the agency for 10 years and serves the Mecklenburg County area. He is an avid turkey, deer and waterfowl hunter, and is known by the community, law enforcement agencies and the public as always demonstrating a professional and friendly demeanor. NCWRC leadership describe him as “an officer who simply works hard and gets results.”
Congratulations Chris and Sampson on these well-deserved recognitions!
In January, 18 individuals from across the country embarked on a journey to become N.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers. They are now wildlife officer recruits and currently attending the 60th N.C. Wildlife Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy in Jackson Springs. As one of the top training programs in the country, the Academy provides recruits with more than 1,100 hours of instruction over 29 weeks. This training includes North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), driving, firearms, defensive tactics/TASER/Baton, boating, swimming, fish identification, waterfowl identification, constitutional law and game and fish law. View our 7-minute "Law Enforcement Off the Pavement" video to learn more about what it takes to be a Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer in N.C.
Black bears are very resourceful in finding places to shelter November through April. Dens may be found in piles of brush, a crawl space, rock cavities, excavations under fallen trees or a hollowed-out tree. If the den is found on either private or public property, leave the area quickly and quietly and do not disturb the den for the rest of the winter season. If the den is found under a deck, shed or crawl space, leave the area and call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401, or contact your local district wildlife biologist for further guidance. But in almost all cases, the best option is to simply stay away from the den area.
Planning on attending the Dixie Deer Classic on March 1 -3 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh? Be sure to stop by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s booth in the Exposition Center. Chat with biologists, wildlife law enforcement officers and Wildlife in North Carolina magazine editors. Subscribe or renew your subscription to the magazine while you’re there and receive a free 2024 Wildlife Calendar (while supplies last)!
More than 3,500 students will compete in NCWRC’s annual Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments in March. Events include shotgun, archery, rifle and a written hunting skills exam. Sixty teams will move on to compete at the state tournament on April 27 at the John Lentz Hunter Education Complex in Ellerbe. The public is welcome to attend.
Due to a decline in the abundance of striped bass in the Roanoke River, NCWRC has closed the 2024 striped bass harvest season in the Roanoke River Management Area to include the Roanoke River and tributaries from the Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to the Albemarle Sound (this includes the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers). Anglers may continue to catch and release striped bass throughout the spring despite no harvest season.
NCWRC recommends anglers use a single, barbless circle hook when fishing with natural bait or a lure with a single, barbless hook to reduce handling stress on fish that are released. This is a requirement from April 1 through June 30 when fishing in the upper Roanoke River above the US Highway 258 bridge near Scotland Neck.
Approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters will close to fishing at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 29 and reopen at 7 a.m. on April 6. While fishing is closed, Wildlife Commission staff will stock the designated waters, which are marked by green-and-white signs, in preparation for opening day.
Hatchery staff will resume stockings of Delayed Harvest Trout Waters in March. Delayed Harvest anglers have different opportunities based on the time of year. For example, these waters are catch-and-release, and only lures with one single hook may be used from Oct. 1 until the first Saturday in June. However, in June, the harvest period of the regulations begins (i.e., the delayed harvest). This year, on June 1 (the first Saturday in June), only youth under 18 are permitted to fish from 6 a.m.–noon, with no bait restrictions, no minimum length limit, and a seven trout-per-day creel. At noon, these waters open to all anglers under the same regulations until Oct. 1, when catch-and-release regulations go back into effect.
There’s a new public fishing area with a kayak launch at Valdese Lakeside Park on Lake Rhodhiss (above), located in the foothills north of Hickory. At Surf City Park on the coast, NCWRC completed construction on two new public fishing areas. And at Battle Park located in Rocky Mount, a newly renovated boating access area is now ready for use and two of the public fishing areas have been refurbished. Perfect timing as spring is right around the corner! Enjoy the North Carolina wild!
Our two bald biologists talk with Nick Shaver, NCWRC’s Land and Water Access Division Coastal Ecoregion Supervisor, about boat ramps and public fishing areas across North Carolina. Corey and Ben discuss fishing, boating and the significant work the Land and Water Access Division does for North Carolina anglers and boaters. Nick even shares a secret tip about his favorite lure, the spinner bait.
Whether you’re looking for someone who can remove raccoons from your attic or rehabilitate an injured opossum, licensed wildlife professionals are available to help. NCWRC regulates and issues licenses to wildlife control agents and wildlife rehabilitators, which ensures these professionals are operating ethically and legally. When looking for assistance, check NCWRC’s Wildlife Control Agent list or wildlife rehabilitator search, or call our Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 to find a licensed wildlife professional near you.
Each workshop is 8 hours and in person.
For Learn to Hunt program-related questions email lth@ncwildlife.org.
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission biologists work to conserve species big and small, including the tiny bog turtle, whose populations are dwindling due to a variety of threats. Bog turtles are the smallest turtles in North America, reaching an adult length of only 4 to 5 inches.
Read all about them with this sneak peek in Wildlife in North Carolina’s March/April 2024 issue.
Like what you see? Subscribe or give a gift subscription today for as little as $10!
The public comment period for the proposed changes to the 2024-2025 inland fishing, hunting, trapping, and game land regulations and other regulated activities will close Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m. Comments can be submitted online by email and by mail. Details on the proposed regulations and where to mail comments are available here.
Youth and Veterans/Military Waterfowl Days are scheduled for Feb. 3 and Feb. 10. Both categories of hunters must follow the rules and regulations established for those days as outlined in the Migratory Game Bird Season section of the 2023-2024 North Carolina Regulations Digest. Note: The same bag limits during the regular waterfowl season apply for the Youth and Veterans/Military Waterfowl Days.
When you file your North Carolina income taxes this year, please consider donating all or a portion of your refund to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. Participation is easy: check line 30 on your North Carolina state income tax form; or, if filing through an online tax preparation software, enter the contribution amount when prompted to “N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund". Your contributions will support research and conservation management projects for the state’s most vulnerable and at-risk wildlife populations.
Tax time isn't the only time you can donate to help wildlife species and their habitats in North Carolina. Every time you purchase a license, renew a vessel registration or buy merchandise on Go Outdoors North Carolina, you have the option to "round up" your purchase to the nearest 5 dollars. These small donations add up to big results for our Wildlife Diversity Program, which conducts projects and programs that benefit nongame species — animals without an open hunting, fishing, or trapping season — as well as their habitats. North Carolina is home to more than 700 nongame species, which include songbirds, reptiles and amphibians, freshwater mussels, fish and mammals. Even better, game animals, such as wild turkey, bear and quail, also directly benefit from these donations since they share the same habitats as nongame animals.
The Wildlife Commission is requesting public comments for its Virginia Big-eared Bat Conservation Plan through March 1. The conservation plan outlines long-term protections to encourage Virginia-Big-eared Bat (VBEB) population growth through protection of maternity and hibernation sites. These protections include continued monitoring and research of the species and maintaining caves. The VBEB is a federally- and state-listed species that has experience steep population declines due to habitat loss, and cave vandalism, as well as an increase in human activity in maternity roosts and hibernation areas.
Read the Plan here
Comment on the Plan here
Learn more about the many ways our staff are helping nongame and endangered wildlife species and their habitats by reading our quarterly reports.
Check out the FREE article, "Shotguns, Rifles, Hounds and Heart" in the January/February issue of Wildlife in North Carolina — an entertaining and engaging read about the Piedmont-based Riverside Sportsman Club, whose members have carried on the traditions of hunting, fishing, camaraderie and ethics for nearly 50 years.
For as little as $10/month, you get North Carolina-specific articles about hunting, fishing and boating, as well as the latest in conservation, habitat and wildlife diversity news delivered right to your inbox or mailbox.
Each winter, the Wildlife Commission conducts prescribed burns on its game lands to restore and maintain wildlife habitat. Don’t be alarmed if you see smoke on a game land. Learn more about the benefits of burning by watching our 2-minute video.
Attention Bear and Turkey Hunters!
Please help the Wildlife Commission make the best management decisions for black bears and bear hunters by participating in the annual Bear e-stamp Survey. Your participation helps biologists determine if changes in harvest levels are due to changes in hunting methods, the number of bear hunters or actual changes in the bear population. This information will assist them in evaluating both current and future regulations and statutes, as well as management options.
Even if you did not hunt for bears during the 2023 season, your response is very important.
To help new and knowledgeable turkey hunters prepare for the upcoming seasons, which start April 6 (youth) and April 13 (statewide), the Wildlife Commission is offering three FREE Turkey Hunting webinars in February. Attend one or all three. All webinars run from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Participants must preregister.
Feb. 27: Turkey Biology for Hunters, Regulations, Where to Hunt, Scouting
Register here
Feb. 28: Firearms, Ammo, Clothing, Footwear, Misc. Equipment
Feb. 29: Hunting Techniques and Strategies
Can't make the webinar? No worries, we've got you covered!
Webinar recordings will be available on the Wildlife Commission's YouTube channel in early March, just in time for turkey season!
Small Game and Other Seasons
Bobcat, Grouse, Opossum, Rabbit, Raccoon and Squirrel
Quail, Grouse and Pheasant (male pheasant only)
Crow (on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday of each week)
Migratory Game Birds
Canada Goose (resident)
Doves
Common Snipe, Woodcock
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Sea Ducks, Brant, Tundra Swan and Light Geese (includes Snow Geese and Ross's Geese)
Know someone who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to sustaining nongame populations and diversity in North Carolina? If so, consider nominating him or her for the Wildlife Commission's Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award. This prestigious award is given annually to people who are leaders in wildlife diversity conservation. See past winners and learn more.
Listen in as our two bald biologists discuss the basics of fishing tackle and how to get started fishing with minimal expense. If you have never fished and are thinking about starting, whether for yourself or with your kids, this is the podcast for you. Listen all the way to the end to see how you could be eligible for a chance to win a Better Fishing With Two Bald Biologist swag bag!
Wildlife in North Carolina’s Photo Competition closes Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. Amateur and professional photographers who subscribe to the magazine may submit entries. There are two youth categories as well. The grand prize is $200 and the winning photo featured on the July/August 2024 cover of Wildlife in North Carolina. Competition rules are available online.
Todd Ewing (left) and David G. Cooper (right) have replaced long-time members Dr. David Webster and Marquette Crockett on the agency's Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee. The 15-member NWAC advises the agency on matters related to the conservation of nongame wildlife in the state. Ewing, who lives in Fuquay-Varina, is a former assistant chief of the Aquatic Wildlife Diversity program for the agency and now works for the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership, while Cooper, from Cary, is a senior environmental scientist at VHB Engineering, Inc.
Thanks for taking this wild ride through 2023 with us! Sharing a 40-second video filled with some incredible moments that make our work here so worthwhile and fulfilling! We look forward to sharing our wildlife adventures in 2024 with you.
Subscribe or renew your subscription to Wildlife in North Carolina magazine this month for as little as $10 a year for two chances to win a fabulous prize pack of outdoor gear worth more than $500 and a grand prize pack worth $1,700!
Or gift someone special a subscription to qualify!
No purchase necessary. See official rules for details. Subscriptions/entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2023.
The public comment period for the 2024-2025 proposed regulation changes related to wildlife management, inland fisheries, game lands and other regulated actives is now open through Jan. 30, 2024. Comments can be submitted online, by email, by mail and in-person at the January 2024 public hearings.
Provide your comments at one of four public hearings being held in January. All hearings begin at 7 p.m. The schedule is:
Jan. 9, 2024 - Piedmont Region
Southwest Randolph High School (Auditorium)
1641 Hopewell Friends Road, Asheboro, NC 27205
Jan. 11, 2024 - Mountain Region
Haywood Community College (Auditorium)
185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721
Jan. 17, 2024 - Coastal Region
Craven County Courthouse
302 Broad Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Jan. 18, 2024 - Virtual
(pre-registration required)
The Wildlife Commission continues to test hunter-harvested deer for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) statewide. As of Dec. 15, 2023, biologists have:
Biologists expect to receive results on the remaining 17,176 samples in the next four to six weeks and will send out a report on those samples once testing is completed.
The three positive positive samples from Cumberland County this year have come from deer that lived within 8 miles of the initial CWD-positive deer that was detected in Cumberland County last year. This cluster of CWD-positive samples is east of I95 and north of the Cape Fear River.
Hunters can verify their submitted CWD sample was received and check their test results by visiting their Go Outdoors North Carolina account. Once they log on, they can see their testing results in the CWD Testing column on the Harvest Reports webpage. Testing results will show as "Pending," "Not Detected," "Inconclusive" or "Positive." Pending results will show as soon as the sample is processed and a record is created. The column will be updated when the testing results are received from the lab.
All hunters who submit a CWD sample will receive an email to the address listed on their Go Outdoors account when agency staff receive the results. The age of the deer, along with other harvest registration information, will also be posted in the harvest history table.
Big Game
White-tailed Deer
Black Bear
Crow (on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday of each week; Christmas Day and New Year's Day)
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Sea Ducks, Tundra Swan and Light Geese (includes Snow Geese and Ross's Geese)
So far this hunting season, five fatalities involving hunting with a firearm have been reported, which is more than the past three seasons combined with only one fatality occurring between 2020-2022. Fourteen hunting-related incidents have occurred thus far in 2023, and 11 of them involved a firearm. The Wildlife Commission reminds hunters to practice firearm safety when hunting or using firearms:
More than 66,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout, all 10 inches or longer, are being stocked through Dec. 21 in 44 small impoundments across the central and western regions of the state. Anglers can harvest up to seven trout per day in the impoundments — with no bait restrictions and no minimum size limits.
The Wildlife Commission challenges you to participate in the 2024 Top Shot Challenge, a 12-month, themed target shooting program that is being offered at six agency shooting ranges across the state, beginning Jan. 1. Three categories will be offered based on the firearm used: rifle of any caliber, handgun of any caliber and .22 caliber rifles and pistols. Participants may attempt the challenge once per day, per month for each themed challenge until they complete it.
Each dollar anglers spend to fish for mountain trout in North Carolina returns $1.93 to the state's economy and results in a $1.38 billion impact, according to a recently completed evaluation by the Wildlife Commission on the socioeconomic aspects of trout fishing in the Tar Heel state. The study explores angler equipment and trip-related expenditures, as well as angler motivation for participating in trout fishing, satisfaction levels and challenges of trout fishing in NC, and feedback on the agency's management of trout.
Thanks to a generous donation of $30,000 by Bass Anglers for NC Lakes in October, the Wildlife Commission will purchase F1 Hybrid Bass fingerlings to stock in lakes Norman, Jordan and Gaston as part of a multi-year F1 Hybrid Bass stocking project. F1 Hybrid are a cross between a Largemouth Bass and a Florida Bass. These hybrids have the potential to increase the quantity of trophy bass in reservoirs. Bass Anglers for NC Lakes plan to continue raising funds in 2024. Watch a 3-minute video of an overview of the project.
The Wildlife Commission has released its annual mast report, an overview of data on the abundance of important natural foods (e.g., acorns, berries) for black bears and other wildlife. The availability of these foods influences bear movements, survivorship and reproduction. The data are also used to monitor oak regeneration and habitat management efforts on public lands. Visit the Commission's website for hard and soft mass reports since 2003.
From left to right: Wildlife Commission Chairman, Monty Crump, Wildlife Management Chief, Brad Howard (second from right) and Wildlife Commission Executive Director Cameron Ingram (far right) present the Lawrence Diedrick Small Game Awards to Richard Broadwell (left photo) and Dr. Theron Terhune of Orton Plantation.
The Broadwell Family of Bladen County and Orton Plantation in Brunswick County are the 2023 recipients of the Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Awards, presented annually by the Wildlife Commission. Richard Broadwell accepted the individual award and Dr. Theron Terhune, Orton’s lead research scientist, accepted the organization/group award during the commissioners' meeting on Dec. 7.
“Supporting habitat conservation and management is vital to the sustainability of wildlife for our state. When people and organizations step up, as the Broadwells and Orton have done, and provide opportunities for our environment to thrive, it is important to acknowledge them for their generosity and commitment.”
Brad Howard, Wildlife Management Division Chief
NC Wildlife’s Two Bald Biologists talk kayak fishing with the North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association’s president, Mark Patterson, an avid and diverse kayak angler. We cover fishing for everything from Redear Sunfish to Flathead Catfish. If you are interested in getting into kayak fishing or are currently floating down a creek, this is the podcast for you. The conversation even touches on a fish biologist’s stance on a non-fish creature, the elusive Sasquatch.
The Wildlife Commission is conducting two free basic fly-fishing workshops at its Pechmann Fishing Education Center, in Fayetteville, on Jan. 6 and Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
These workshops are perfect for those with zero experience, those looking to refine their skills and everyone in between by teaching tactile and visual cues that are easy to understand. Rigorously trained and passionate volunteer instructors will guide participants through the roll cast and basic cast using Joan Wulff's method of fly-casting instruction, which provides the beginning fly-angler with the foundations for more advanced casting.
Participants must be at least 13, and any who are 15 or younger will need an on-site parent or guardian. Please wear close-toed shoes, a hat with a visor and eyewear (glasses or polarized sunglasses are acceptable).
All fly-rods and necessary equipment are provided.
Register for the Jan. 6 workshop
Register for the Jan. 27 workshop
In October, the Wildlife Commission broke ground on a $10 million law enforcement training facility expansion at the Samarcand Training Academy. The expansion will include a 20,000-square foot, multi-floor structure with housing to accommodate about 50 agency personnel, along with a 1,200-square foot classroom and a tactical training room. The Wildlife Commission has been training its recruits at Samarcand through a lease agreement with the Department of Public Safety since 2021. The expansion should be completed by August 2024.
The Wildlife Law Enforcement Division will increase its current number of officers from 208 to 224 after the N.C. General Assembly approved funding for the additional positions in October. This is the first increase in officer positions in 46 years and comes in response to North Carolina's population growth, as well as increases in annual vessel registrations and hunting, fishing and trapping license sales. The application period for the next Wildlife Law Enforcement Basic Academy will begin May 24, 2024. Learn more about careers in Wildlife Law Enforcement.
“Adding 16 new officer positions to our Wildlife Law Enforcement Division, along with the extra capacity to train officers, will allow us to better protect and conserve our state’s wildlife, habitats and natural resources. It will also allow us to keep our public safe on the waterways and the lands that everyone enjoys.”
- Cameron Ingram, Executive Director, Wildlife Commission
‘Tis the season to give . . . and with prices increasing on just about everything, including food, some less fortunate folks have been hit hard. One way to help out fellow North Carolinians is by donating your legally harvested deer to the N.C. Hunters for the Hungry program. Drop off stations at approved meat processors across the state make it convenient and easy to donate.
Deer taken to processors must be in acceptable condition and in a form compliant with agency transport rules.
Any deer harvested within a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance area must be tested prior to donation or the deer's head must be provided to the meat processing location for sample collection to test for CWD.
Bobcat, Grouse, Opossum, Rabbit, Raccoon & Squirrel
Doves, King & Clapper Rails, Sora & Virginia Rails, Gallinule & Moorhens
Common Snipe
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Sea Ducks, Tundra Swan, Light Geese (includes Snow Geese and Ross's Geese)
Our stunning 2024 Wildlife Calendar makes the perfect gift for everyone on your gift-giving list this holiday season. Each calendar is $9 and can be purchased on our new Go Outdoors North Carolina e-store. The e-store makes it easier than ever to order your calendar, plus other Wildlife Commission-exclusive products, such as hats and mugs.
Order calendars by Nov. 26 to guarantee delivery by Dec. 25.
Our stunning 2024 Wildlife Calendar with a print subscription to our award-winning magazine, Wildlife in North Carolina, is back by popular demand. This $15 gift bundle includes our calendar with gorgeous artwork, plus our bi-monthly magazine chocked full of inspiring articles about hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, recipes, and so much more.
To receive the magazine and calendar combination offer, select your subscriber status and hit continue. For current customers, please sign in. For new customers, please create an account. Current subscriptions can be renewed but not upgraded through the combination offer. Available with new subscriptions and renewals. Gifting options are available.
Offer ends Nov. 26 or while supplies last.
For questions or information about the gift bundle, please call 800-786-2721 or email josh.leventhal@ncwildlife.org
Bundling the 2024 Wildlife Calendar AND the Wildlife in North Carolina magazine is always a great deal. An even better deal is the chance to win great prizes when you purchase or renew a magazine subscription this month! Anyone who subscribes or renews a subscription is automatically entered into a drawing for some great outdoor gear, including a rifle scope, portable heater and knife set. Visit ncwildlife.org/WINC to learn more and enter. You can also get ready for the start of deer season with this complimentary article (flipping book) from Wildlife in North Carolina about permit-only waterfowl hunts on Eastern game lands.
More than 67,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout, all 10 inches or longer, are being stocked from Nov. 29 - Dec. 21 in 44 small impoundments across the central and western regions of the state. Anglers can harvest up to seven trout per day in the impoundments — with no bait restrictions and no minimum size limits.
Hunter Information
With deer and bear hunting now in season, you may be wondering what licenses and privileges you need to purchase to be in compliance. We've broken it down for you below, and you can also find the information on our Hunting, Fishing, Trapping License page.
Resident Bear Hunting
Resident Deer Hunting
Nonresident Bear Hunting
Nonresident Deer Hunting
Reporting and tagging your big game harvest have never been easier with the new Go Outdoors North Carolina app for IOS and Android! Tap "Learn More" to download the app and get started!
The NC WILDTIP reporting system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tips can be submitted via an online form, text and our WILDTIP app for Android devices. The TIP (Turn-in-Poachers) Program pays rewards to persons who provide information that result in the arrest and conviction of persons who have committed certain wildlife offenses. Rewards range from $100 to $1000 depending on the severity of the crime and the fines assessed by the court. Information on reporting a tip along with a complete list of eligible violations.
Visit our CWD website, KNOW CWD, to get the lastest information on how many deer have been tested and how many positive results have been found so far in the state. Also on the website are an interactive map, which delineates the 18 counties that fall within CWD Surveillance areas; information on testing stations; statewide CWD regulations; and much more.
Hunters now have an online CWD testing tool to verify their submitted CWD sample was received and to check their test results. Once they log into their Go Outdoors North Carolina account, hunters can see their testing results in the CWD Testing column on the Harvest Reports webpage. Testing results will show Pending, Not Detected, Inconclusive or Positive. Pending Results will show as soon as the sample is processed and a record is created. The column will be updated when the testing results are received from the lab.
All hunters who submit a CWD sample will receive an email to the address listed on their Go Outdoors account when agency staff get the results.
In October, a doe harvested in Johnston County tested postive for CWD — the first case of CWD confirmed in the county. CWD is a fatal disease in deer that spreads by infected saliva, urine and feces of live deer or the movement of deer carcasses and carcass parts. The Wildlife Commission recommends that whole deer carcasses and high-risk carcass parts remain in Johnston County or be taken to a processor or taxidermist participating in the Cervid Cooperator Progam in an adjacent county for proper carcass disposal and test submission.
With the recent discovery of two new invasive aquatic species in North Carolina, the Wildlife Commission has unveiled an online reporting tool that people can use to report any unusual fish, crayfish, mussel or snail they see in the wild.
North Carolina is home to diverse and unique aquatic wildlife, and introduced aquatic nuisance species, such as Zebra Mussels and Apple Snails, can cause significant ecological and economic harm. In September, Zebra Mussels were found in a private waterbody in Iredell County — the first time they've been detected in the wild in the state; and last month, Apple Snails and their eggs were found in the Lumber River, the first known population in North Carolina.
What Can You Do To Help Protect Our Waters?
In addition to using the online reporting tool to report any suspected sightings of aquatic nuisance species of concern, people can protect our state waters from unwanted species by:
Cleaning: Equipment of all aquatic plants, animals and mud.
Draining: Water from boats, live wells, bait buckets and all equipment.
Drying: All equipment thoroughly
Never Moving: Fish, plants or other organisms from one body of water to another.
Because of the destructive impacts Apple Snails, Zebra Mussels and other invasive species can have on our native species and the environment, it is unlawful to transport, purchase, possess, sell or stock these species in public or private waters in NC.
A fatal boating collision investigation led by Wildlife Commission law enforcement officers has resulted in the first conviction of Death by Impaired Boating in North Carolina, also known as Sheyenne's Law. Matthew Ferster, of Brunswick County, pled guilty to three counts of Death by Impaired Boating in a March 2020 boating collision that resulted in the deaths of Jennifer Hayes, 26, Megan Lynn, 21, and Garret Smith, 21, all of Columbus County.
Sheyenne's Law increased the penalty for impaired boating that results in a death or serious injury from a misdemeanor to a felony. It was named in memory of Sheyenne Marshall, a 17-year-old from Concord, who was killed by an impaired boater as she was knee-boarding on Lake Norman in July 2015.
Under a landmark conservation agreement signed by the Wildlife Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2022, fisheries biologists with the Wildlife Commission are working to reintroduce 21 aquatic species into NC waters where they were historically found. The 21 priority species include federally and state-listed species or those that are proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. In October, two species — the Roanoke Logperch and the Magnificent Ramshorn — were the first to be reintroduced under the 50-year Safe Harbor Agreement. The Roanoke Logperch is a tiny fish found only along the Virginia and North Carolina border in the Chowan and Roanoke River basins. It was stocked into the upper Mayo River in Rockingham County to repopulate that portion of the river. The Magnificent Ramshorn (photo above) is a snail found nowhere else in the world except the lower Cape Fear River basin in North Carolina. It is thought to be extirpated from the wild, and only three captive populations are known to exist. It was stocked in a pond on a NCWRC game land in Brunswick County in an effort to reestablish a wild population.
Learn more about Safe Harbor Agreement and the efforts to restore these imperiled aquatic species into North Carolina waters by visiting Restoring Aquatic Species to North Carolina.
Inland Fisheries Division personnel have been busy this fall adding fish attractors to several popular fishing lakes in the Piedmont. Thanks to a generous donation by the Kevin VanDam Foundation, MossBack Fish Habitat and MinnKota, staff with the Inland Fisheries and Land and Water Access divisions added MossBack fish attractors throughout Jordan Lake to concentrate fish and provide anglers with better opportunities to catch fish. Fisheries staff also placed several PVC spool fish attractors and cut-and-cabled shoreline trees in lakes Cammack, Rogers, Farmer, Mackintosh and Randleman, which provide cover for fish where there was little to none before.
Coastal North Carolina is often an overlooked destination for Largemouth Bass anglers. Wildlife Commission Fisheries Biologist TD VanMiddlesworth joins Corey & Ben to talk about bass and bass fishing. They’ll discuss coastal river bass surveys, hurricane fish kill recovery, and fishing the herring run. You may be surprised to learn just how good the fishing is at the coast.
A free Getting Started Outdoors webinar for upland game (i.e., quail, woodcock, snipe, etc.) will be offered on Dec. 7 from 7-8:30 p.m. The last 30 minutes will be a question-and-answer session.
During the webinar, participants will learn about upland game bird biology, habits and habitat for quail, woodcock, grouse and snipe identification, hunting methods, care and use of bird dogs, firearms and ammunition selection, specialty clothing, and bird cleaning and cooking.
The Wildlife Commission is offering a free workshop on creating custom crappie jigs on Nov. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the Marion Fish Hatchery in Marion, NC. This hands-on class is tailored for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, designing your own crappie jigs can be a game-changer on the water.
What you need to know:
David H. Allen (middle) received the Thomas L. Quay Award on Oct. 26. Flanking him from left to right are Wildlife Commission Chairman, Monty Crump, and Wildlife Commission Director, Cameron Ingram. Right: Allen installs an artificial nesting cavity for red-cockaded woodpeckers on a coastal area game land.
David H. Allen, of New Bern, received the 2023 Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award during the Wildlife Commission's board meeting on Oct. 26, in Raleigh. Allen, a retired Wildlife Diversity Program Supervisor for the agency, was selected as the 18th recipient of the award due in part to his unique and innovative conservation ideas to help restore imperiled species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, which he continues in retirement, as well as other nongame species, including the Neuse River Waterdog, gopher frog and sea turtles.
The Wildlife Commission presents the Quay Award annually to individuals who make outstanding contributions to wildlife diversity in North Carolina and who are considered leaders in wildlife resource conservation.
Hunter Feedback Wanted
The Wildlife Commission is seeking feedback from avid grouse, quail and rabbit hunters this season. If you would like to participate, please complete the avid hunter form below. Volunteers will receive survey postcards before each season to record their hunting information. Participants will receive an annual summary report at the end of the season. These surveys assist biologists in the long-term monitoring and management of these species in our state.
Avid Hunter Form
Previous harvest reports are available for grouse and quail.
Deer Hunter Observation Survey
If you still hunt deer, or hunt from a stand, we’d like to know about your wildlife observations. Please complete this online enrollment form and we will mail you a paper survey to fill out and return. Thank you in advance for providing valuable data for state wildlife management survey projects.
Deer Hunter Observation Survey Enrollment Form
Deer Jawbone Submission Survey
Hunters who are interested in participating in the Wildlife Commission's Deer Jawbone Submission program should submit a Deer Jawbone Submission Enrollment Form. Volunteers will receive two postage-paid envelopes. They should submit dried jawbones from does and bucks of all ages, not just large deer.
Deer Jawbone Submission Enrollment Form
Thank you for your support!
Fall is officially here! View the North Carolina Regulations Digest online to see what you can hunt, fish and trap this time of year. Check dates carefully for your region.
In-season this month:
The Wildlife Commission will be at 2023 N.C. State Fair again this year but with a few changes to our exhibit and location. We will no longer have the pellet gun range because we were unable to obtain the necessary equipment to operate the range. Our new open-air, self-guided exhibit will be located just inside Gate 7 in an area up from the N.C. Forest Service. It will showcase equipment used by our wildlife professionals and will include information on how the equipment is used to help meet North Carolina’s conservation needs.
Also, be sure to visit our Wildlife Enforcement Officers at Safety City, located by Gate 10, to pick up our perennially popular Wildife in North Carolina button, which features the northern cardinal.
See map of our exhibit locations.
The N.C. State Fair, located at 4285 Trinity Road in Raleigh, will run from Oct. 12-Oct. 22.
Now is a great time to subscribe to Wildlife in North Carolina magazine! Anyone who subscribes or renews a subscription this month is automatically entered into a drawing for some great outdoor gear, including a rifle scope, portable heater and knife set. Visit ncwildlife.org/WINC to learn more and enter. You can also get ready for the start of deer season with this complimentary article (flipping book) from Wildlife in North Carolina about the Wildlife Commission’s Getting Started Outdoors deer hunting program, a free introduction to hunting for anyone who does not know a hunter. The program is also seeking experienced hunters who are interested in hosting a GSO on their property.
Apple Snails
Apple snails, and their eggs, were found in the Lumber River this month, the first know population in North Carolina.
Apple snail photo
Apple snail egg photo
Why are they bad?
Learn more about apple snails
Zebra Mussels
Zebra mussels were found in a waterbody in Iredell County in September — the first time they have been detected in the wild in the state.
Zebra mussel photo
Because they are prolific, zebra mussels can quickly take over an environment once they are established and affect the health of other aquatic wildlife by disrupting the food chain and changing the chemistry of the water.
They are capable of clogging both public drinking and wastewater systems, as well as damaging recreational equipment, such as boats, dock lifts and other water-related equipment.
Learn more about zebra mussels.
Take a few minutes to watch this video by Neighborhood TV in Iredell County to hear more about the devastating human and ecological impacts zebra mussels can have and how the Wildlife Commission is working to ensure they don't spread.
Because of the destructive impacts apple snails and zebra mussels can have on our native species and the environment, it is unlawful to transport, purchase, possess, sell or stock these species in public or private waters in NC. To prevent the spread of invasive species:
Clean: Equipment of all aquatic plants, animals and mud.
Drain: Water from boats, live wells, bait buckets and all equipment.
Dry: All equipment thoroughly
Never Move: Fish, plants or other organisms from one body of water to another.
Report suspected apple snails or zebra mussels by contacting your district biologist or using our online Aquatic Nuisance Species Reporting Tool.
This year, the Wildlife Commission offers multiple reporting options for your Big Game Harvest Report Card. One easy way is to go paperless with our new Go Outdoors North Carolina mobile app, available for both iPhone and Android. Avoid carrying a paper license and report your big game harvest while you're in the field — even without internet or cell service!
Two Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Areas have been established for the 2023-24 hunting season. Each area contains a primary surveillance area (counties where CWD has been detected), and a secondary surveillance area (counties around the primary).
Hunters who harvest deer within a surveillance area during the following weeks must sumbit a sample within 2 weeks of harvest
Surveillance area 1 - Nov. 18-Dec. 3, 2023
Surveilance area 2 - Nov. 11-Nov. 26, 2023
Surveillance Area Map
Voluntary testing across the state is HIGHLY encouraged throughout the season. There are three ways to get your deer tested:
As of Oct. 11, 2023, 10 deer have tested positive for CWD in North Carolina. The Wildlife Commission appreciates the cooperation of hunters, taxidermists and meat processors, and reminds everyone to continue to be vigilant and mindful of carcass disposal. We don’t want to accidentally give CWD a ride to new areas of the state.
Safety should be a top priority for anyone hunting, especially as more firearm seasons open. If you use a firearm, you are responsible for where the bullet lands. Always follow these important rules:
Blaze orange is required when hunting certain game with firearms and mandatory for deer hunters during firearm season regardless of hunting implement. (Some exceptions apply.) Non-hunters using game lands are encouraged to wear blaze orange so they can also be easily seen.
Game land property boundaries are designated by orange paint bands and signage, although some property lines can be hard to define when you’re out in the field. Game plan before your hunt so you know where game lands end and private lands start. Our interactive and printable maps are the most up-to-date and accurate resources available.
Read previous harvest survey reports:
Grouse
Quail
If you still hunt deer, or hunt from a stand, the Wildlife Commission wants to know about other wild animals you're seeing while deer hunting. Please complete this online enrollment form, and we will mail you a paper survey to fill out and return. Thank you in advance for providing valuable data for state wildlife management survey projects.
If you harvest a bear, you are required to submit at least one premolar tooth to the Wildlife Commission no later than Jan. 31, 2024. Once it’s received, you’ll get an email confirmation, and a Black Bear Cooperator ball cap and age report will be mailed to you in September 2024. If you are a bear e-stamp holder, keep an eye out for your bear tooth envelope in the mail.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV-2) is a serious disease spreading across the U.S. In 2022, it was found in a group of feral domestic rabbits in Greenville County, S.C. To track the potential spread of the disease, wildlife biologists request:
With hunting and fishing in full swing, now is a great time to consider investing in a Lifetime License. The Wildlife Commission offers more than 20 lifetime licenses in five categories (Infant, Youth, Adult, Senior, and Disabled) along with discounted licenses for Volunteer Firefighters and EMS and individuals 50 and older. Your purchase of a lifetime license goes into the N.C. Wildlife Endowment Fund where the accrued interest, not the principal, is spent on programs and projects that benefit fish and wildlife and their habitats. Why wait?
Entries for the 2023-23 Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competition are now being accepted through Jan. 31, 2024. Professional and amateur photographers can participate. Entry information, photo categories, rules and past winning submissions can be found on our website. Adult competitors must be current magazine subscribers; youth (17 years old & under) may enter without a subscription.
A Getting Started Outdoors (GSO) Hunting 101 Workshops for upland game (i.e., quail, woodcock, snipe, etc.) will be offered IN PERSON on Oct. 21 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Ellerbe.
Upland Game Hunting 101 - Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Ellerbe
This workshop is designed for people who:
Reservations required and applicants must qualify and complete prerequisites as noted for all workshops.
ATTENDEE PREREQUISITES:
Hunter Safety Certification: Options - free Wildlife Commission Hunter Education Courses or free NRA Course
Valid North Carolina hunting license (purchase or renew online or at a Wildlife Service Agent location).
The Wildlife Commission is offering a Scouting Fishing Merit Badge workshop for active scouting members, ages 11 and older on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Camp provides comprehensive instruction that gives the scout the opportunity to complete all the Fishing Merit Badge requirements. On-site camping is available to the scouts. Activities include:
Oct. 12 -22, N.C. State Fair, Wildlife Commission exhibit - Gate 7 near N.C. Forest Service and Safety City, at Gate 10, Raleigh
Oct 1 - 31, N.C. Wildlife .22 Challenges Series, John Lentz Hunter Education Complex, Ellerbe, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Ongoing classes and podcasts:
Free Public Hunting, Fishing and Boating Classes for All Ages and Abilities, statewide
Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists, new episodes drop bi-monthly. Listen & subscribe on your favorite podcast service.
Inland Zone
Thurs., Oct. 19–Sat., Oct. 21
Sat., Nov. 4–Sat., Nov. 25
Tues., Dec. 19–Wed., Jan. 31
Coastal Zone
Fri., Oct. 27–Sat., Oct. 28
Mon., Dec. 18–Wed., Jan. 31
Download a high-resolution version of image above.
To hunt waterfowl in North Carolina, those 16 years of age or older must have the following:
Buy or renew a license online, at a Wildlife Service Agent office or call 833-950-0575 , 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. Due to higher than normal call volumes, long hold times are to be expected. We encourage you to purchase or renew your license online for faster service. For existing customers, you will need your WRC ID # available to log into your account.
Review the 2023-2024 N.C. Regulations Digest, available in print at your local Wildlife Service Agent, or download a copy (flippingbook/PDF) from our website, or view the regulations online. You can also access the regulations digest on the Wildlife Commission's new mobile app, which is available for iPhone and Android. The guide provides important information about season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, game lands, regulations and more.
The expiration of the HIP certification is June 30 after each hunting season. This change, which occurred during the 2022-2023 hunting season, improves federal annual estimates of waterfowl hunting activity in North Carolina. It also improves hunter compliance and reduces confusion, as certification will not potentially expire during the hunting season. All licensed migratory game bird hunters, including lifetime license holders, are required to have HIP certification.
Basic safety precautions could save your life when hunting from a vessel. Of the 20 people who died on the water in 2022, 15 were not wearing a life vest. Waterfowl hunters should:
A comprehensive waterfowl identification guide is available as a .PDF through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, authored by Bob Hines.
See a wildlife violation in progress?
Report a violation by calling 800-662-7137.
To report wild animals that appear to be sick or diseased, call the
NC Wildlife Helpline
at 866-318-2401, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Support North Carolina wildlife through your purchase of Wildlife Commission-exclusive products at our new online Go Outdoors North Carolina store. From hats to mugs to our perennially popular 2024 Wildlife Calendar, we offer a variety of products with new ones being added each week.
After harvesting a bear, follow these steps:
2. Report your harvest by calling 1-800-I-GOT-ONE, online at GoOutdoorsNorthCarolina.com or through the Go Outdoors North Carolina app. This is required BEFORE any of the following occur:
3. Record & keep the authorization number given to you after reporting your harvest.
4. Remove at least one premolar tooth and submit it by Jan. 31, 2024.
If you harvest a bear, you must submit at least one premolar tooth to the Wildlife Commission no later than Jan. 31, 2024. If we have your email address, we will send you an e-mail confirmation once it’s received. As a thank you, you'll receive a North Carolina Black Bear Cooperator ball cap and an age report for your bear in September 2024. Visit the bear cooperator webpage for more information.
Stay alert!
All bear e-stamp holders should receive a bear tooth envelope in the mail!
Monitor harvest results in real time on our website by county, regional or statewide harvest totals for bear, deer and wild turkey.
Archery
Firearm
Treestand
Preparing to use your tree stand:
Setting up your tree stand:
Using your tree stand:
Want to see how your harvest is helping shape black bear conservation in North Carolina? Read our annual report.
Check out our bear harvest reports by bear management unit, method of take, location and more.
On Oct. 1, the Wildlife Commission will implement Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations on 33 trout waters. No trout can be harvested or possessed from these waters between Oct. 1 and one half-hour after sunset on June 1, 2024. However, catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, as high numbers of trout were stocked from fall to spring to increase the chances of catching a fish. Anglers can fish with artificial lures with one single hook — no natural bait may be possessed. These waters are marked with diamond-shaped black and white signs. See Delayed Harvest stocking dates scheduled for this fall.
Deer Hunting Resources
Archery hunting for deer opened statewide on Sept. 9. Be prepared for the hunt with these resources:
Youth Deer Hunting Day Sept. 23
Youth under the age of 18 may use any legal weapon to hunt deer of either sex.
Urban Archery Jan. 13 – Feb. 18, 2024
Open in participating municipalities only.
Harvested a deer but don't have cell service? Now you can report your big game harvest while in the field without cell service by using the Go Outdoors North Carolina app. Get the app for iPhone and Android.
Two Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance areas have been designated for the 2023-2024 hunting season. Each surveillance area contains a primary surveillance area, which are counties in which CWD has been confirmed, and a secondary surveillance area, which are counties adjacent.
Special regulations apply within these surveillance areas including mandatory testing of deer during specific weeks of gun season, restrictions on wildlife feeding, transport of harvested deer carcasses or carcass parts, and use of deer urine attractants.
The Wildlife Commission will hold a public forum at the Yadkinville Extension Center, located at 2051 Agricultural Way, on Oct. 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. to share information and address questions about CWD. Among the topics to be discussed are early detection of CWD, CWD preventative measures and support from the hunting community, which are critical toward effectively managing the prevalance and spread of the disease.
On Sept. 23, the Wildlife Commission is hosting two free, family-friendly events to highlight our region’s extraordinary hunting and fishing heritage. We hope you’ll join us! Both events will run from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
John Lentz Hunter Education Complex, located at 1017 Millstone Road, Ellerbe, NC 28338 (No pre-registration required)
John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, located at 7489 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304 (Pre-registration required)
The Wildlife Commission is offering four free hunting-related webinars (online ONLY) this fall, which will be especially beneficial for individuals who are new to hunting and lack the social support for hunting. Pre-registration is required.
All webinars will run from 7-8 p.m.
Squirrel Hunting, Sept. 19
Ducks Unlimited Waterfowl, Sept. 26
Delta Waterfowl, Oct. 10
Upland Game Hunting, Dec. 7
Two Getting Started Outdoors (GSO) Hunting 101 Workshops for deer and upland game will be offered IN PERSON in October.
Deer Hunting 101 - Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Gastonia
These workshops are ideal for people who:
Hunter Safety Certification (online, virtual and in-person courses are available).
DIY Fishing: Fishing Lanyard Making Workshop - Saturday, Sept. 23; 9-10:30 a.m.
Create your own custom-designed fishing lanyard, which is the lightest, most efficient way to carry fishing tools and equipment. This workshop is a perfect activity for the entire family. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fly-Fishing Basics: Fly-fishing Connections - Saturday, Sept. 23; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
There are at least four connection points in just about any fly-line system, and any one of these connections being poorly tied can, and will, result in a lost fish! This hands-on workshop will cover each connection, from reel to fly. Must be 14 years or older to attend, and students 14-15 must have a participating parent or guardian.
Would you like a chance to win a fabulous prize pack of outdoors gear? Then simply subscribe or renew your subscription to Wildlife in North Carolina magazine for as little as $10. Not only will you receive the Wildlife Commission's flagship publication, but you'll also have a chance to take home this month's prize pack, which includes a rod and reel combo, a backpack cooler, a hunter’s combo kit knife set, a Bluetooth speaker and more!
Erik B., of Goochland County, Va., a lifetime outdoorsman who brings his Boy Scout pack to North Carolina for outdoor adventures, renewed his subscription in June. It proved to be a winning decision, as Erik's name was picked at random to take home June’s prize pack!
“I have been enjoying the outdoors in North Carolina my entire adult life, starting with my time at Fort Bragg all the way to now, fishing with my son and his family who live Down East,” Erik said.
Don't miss out on your chance to win! Be like Erik and subscribe to Wildlife in North Carolina!
Neil Jernigan of Snow Hill won the 2022-23 Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competition with his dramatic portait of a bobcat on a beaver dam bathed in early morning light. Jernigan said he loves photographing in and around the swamps and rivers of eastern North Carolina and his favorite subjects are black bears and elk. His specialty is employing remote camera traps—not trail cameras—to capture shots of elusive animals like his winning bobcat. Out of 1,700 entries, Jernigan took home the grand prize: $200 and the cover of the July/August magazine.
Our stunning 2024 Wildlife Calendar makes the perfect gift for any and everyone on your gift-giving list. Each calendar is $9 and can be purchased on our new Go Outdoors North Carolina e-store. The e-store makes it easier than ever to order your calendar, plus other Wildlife Commission-exclusive products, such as hats and mugs.
Chipmunk Sightings East of I-95
Fall is an active time for chipmunks that are gathering food to store for the winter. If you live in a county east of I-95 and observe a chipmunk, please take a picture, note the location (GPS coordinates preferred) and contact the NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Or email anytime.
North Carolina’s 5-week wild turkey season had its highest ever recorded harvest of 24,089 birds, according to recent results from the Wildlife Commission’s annual turkey harvest summary. The 2023 season surpassed the previous record of 23,341 harvested birds set three years ago in 2020. This year’s total harvest statewide was 9.5% higher than the average of the previous three years, and three ecoregions had noticeable increases in harvest in relation to the 2022 season, particularly in the coastal region. More details about wild turkey harvest by county, game land and youth hunt can be viewed online.
The Wildlife Commission is seeking nominations for its Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee (NWAC) until Sept. 25. Two expert affiliate seats on the NWAC will be filled by nominees selected by the NCWRC. The NWAC comprises North Carolina citizens who use their scientific, academic and habitat expertise to provide advice to the NCWRC on nongame wildlife conservation issues for the state’s most vulnerable wildlife populations.
The NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission is dedicated to encouraging and strengthening young North Carolinians' connection to nature by providing youth opportunities to engage with the outdoors. Formerly known as the NC Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council, our name has changed, but our mission remains the same. Our programs promote youth hunting, fishing, hiking, archery, shooting sports, kayaking, and more.
While using the Go Outdoors North Carolina license and vessel registration system, please consider donating to the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission. Your donation provides kids of all ages and backgrounds with access to the outdoors and opportunities to learn new skills. You may also donate directly to the Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission through the Go Outdoors NC website without the purchase of a license or vessel registration.
Each year, well-intentioned people “rescue” healthy young wildlife they mistake as orphaned or abandoned. If you find an animal that you feel needs help, leave it where you found it and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator first. It is illegal in North Carolina to keep most wildlife species without a permit, and expert care (or often no care!) greatly increases a critter’s chance of survival. You can also contact the NC Wildlife Helpline, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 866-318-2401 for advice.
White-tailed deer (archery only)
Canada Goose (September season)
September Teal
Sept. 24, National Hunting & Fishing Day, John Lentz Hunter Education Complex, Ellerbe, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sept. 24, Wildlife Expo, John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, Fayetteville, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Oct. 12 -22, The N.C. State Fair, Wildlife Commission Law Enforcement Officers will be at Safety City handing out this year's Wildlife in North Carolina button.
Free Public Fishing, Hunting, Boating and Conservation Classes for All Ages and Abilities, statewide
Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists, listen & subscribe on your favorite podcast service
There’s nothing like opening day of deer season. Make sure you’re prepared.
Northeastern and Southeastern Seasons
Archery: Sept. 9 – Sept. 29
Blackpowder: Sept. 30 – Oct. 13
Gun: Oct. 14 – Jan. 1
Central Season
Archery: Sept. 9 – Oct. 27
Blackpowder: Oct. 28 – Nov. 10
Gun: Nov. 11 – Jan. 1
Northwestern Season
Archery: Sept. 9 – Nov. 3
Blackpowder: Nov. 4 – Nov. 17
Gun: Nov. 18 – Jan. 1
Western Season
Archery: Sept. 9 – Oct. 1, Oct. 15 – Nov. 19, Dec. 10 – Jan. 1 (antlered only)
Blackpowder: Oct. 2 – Oct. 14
Gun: Nov. 20 – Dec. 9
Youth Day Sept. 23 (National Hunting and Fishing Day!)
Over 2 million acres of game lands are available to the public for hunting. Search our interactive Game Land Maps by county, address, or filter by species or facilities. Hunting on private lands that are posted is permitted with written permission signed by the landowner or lessee. Be sure to check other local laws as well.
Printable maps are available too:
Mountain Region
Piedmont Region
Coastal Region
Two Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Areas are defined for the 2023-2024 hunting season. Each Surveillance Area contains a Primary Surveillance Area, which are counties in which CWD has been confirmed, and a Secondary Surveillance Area, which are counties adjacent.
Twelve counties in the Northwestern deer zone and six in the Southeastern deer zone fall within Surveillance Areas. Surveillance Area delineations can be viewed on the interactive map.
CWD testing is available across the state at sample drop-off stations and at Cervid Health Cooperators. These locations will be available on the agency's CWD testing page, in early September.
Inside the Surveillance Areas
Outside the Surveillance Areas
Extensive testing will continue across the state. What to expect:
Don’t Give it a Ride
CWD is highly transmissible. It spreads via infected saliva, urine and feces of live deer, or the movement of deer carcasses and carcass parts. Since deer that are infected may appear healthy, it is imperative to take precautions when transporting or disposing of deer carcasses.
Responsible disposal methods:
CWD
Deer Processing Video Series
Disabled sportsmen and women have more opportunities than ever to hunt on game lands and hone their skills for hunting season at a shooting range. Hunting blinds, hunt certifications, permit hunts, Huntmaster Units and track chairs are available for hunters with limited physical mobility.
To report deer that appear to be sick or diseased, call 866-318-2401.
If you see a wildlife violation in progress, call 800-622-7137.
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Sept. 23, the Wildlife Commission will host two events in celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day. Join us for a day of fun with the family either at the John Lentz Hunter Education Complex or the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center doing all things related to outdoor recreation and conservation. Admission is FREE!
Two free hunting-related webinars (online ONLY) will be offered in September that will be especially beneficial for individuals who are new to hunting and lack the social support for hunting. Pre-registration is required.
Sept. 5 - Introduction to Deer Hunting Registration
Sept. 7 - Practical Deer Processing: From Field to Freezer Registration
Both deer seminars will include a 30-minute Q&A session immediately following the webinar. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) will be briefly discussed including where learn more. To learn more about CWD, watch this 4-minute video, and visit ncwildlife.org/CWD.
NEW THIS YEAR: EVENT CALENDAR & ONLINE STORE
Deer hunting workshops and NHFD events aren't the only opportunities we offer. The Wildlife Commission offers many FREE classes, workshops and programs throughout the year, across the state and online and in person — from hunter education programs to fly-fishing classes to a variety of hunting workshops. And we've made it easier to search and register for events with our new Go Outdoors North Carolina Events Calendar. Check out the link below to see what's available from now through fall.
While using the Go Outdoors North Carolina license and vessel registration system, please consider donating to the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission. Your donation provides kids of all ages and backgrounds with access to the outdoors and opportunities to learn new skills. You may also donate directly to the Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission through the Go Outdoors North Carolina website without the purchase of a license or vessel registration.
The 2023-24 dove season (includes mourning and white-winged doves) opens on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Dove Season Dates
Dove season will be separated into three segments:
Make sure you're prepared!
Dove Bag Limits and Regulations
On July 1, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission launched its new license and vessel registration system, Go Outdoors North Carolina. Learn more about the new system and view helpful tutorial videos to help you get the most out of the system.
It is illegal to take migratory game birds with the use or aid of salt, grain, fruit or any other bait. An area is considered baited for 10 days following the removal of all salt, grain or other feed. Migratory game birds may be hunted in agricultural areas where grain has been distributed as the result of normal agricultural operations. Information regarding agriculture and planting techniques may be obtained from a local N.C. Cooperative Extension Center.
In this 8.30-minute video, Wildlife Enforcement Officers offer a glimpse into their day-to-day worklife during the busy dove hunting season.
Locate dove fields on game lands by searching the Wildlife Commission’s interactive Game Land Maps by county and address. You can even filter them by species or facilities. Printable maps are also available.
Game Land PDF Maps:
Friday, Sept. 1
Saturday, Sept. 2
Tuesday, Sept. 13
If you see a wildlife violation in progress, call 800-622-7137 anytime.
To report wild animals that appear to be sick or diseased, call the NC Wildlife Helpline
Blog
Vessel registration and titling
Buy a license
Renew your vessel registration
License purchases and vessel registrations will be unavailable from 5 p.m. June 27 until 8 a.m. July 1
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will launch its new license and vessel registration system, Go Outdoors North Carolina, on July 1. This enhanced system will improve both the user and customer service experience. Before the transition to the new system, ALVIN, the current system will be will be unavailable starting Tuesday, June 27 after 5:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 1.
If you need to purchase a license or register or renew your vessel registration during this time you are encouraged to do so before June 27.
. . . and a perfect day to take the whole family fishing! A fishing license will not be required for anyone fishing on July 4, 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m., regardless of age. This applies to both residents and visitors. Anglers must follow North Carolina fishing regulations, including length and daily possession limits and bait and tackle restrictions. Need equipment? Check out the Tackle Loaner Program.
Hooked already and need to renew?
Go online or visit a Wildlife Service Agent.
Lake season is here, and safety is imperative as wake sports continue to grow in popularity. When wakeboarding or wakesurfing, please follow these recommendations to “wake responsibly”:
Delayed Harvest waters are now open to trout harvest through Sept. 30. The daily creel limit is seven trout per day with no gear or bait restrictions and no minimum size limits. Trout fishing resources are on our website.
Take your career off the pavement and into wild places as a North Carolina Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer. From the mountains to the coast, our officers patrol game lands, the state’s waters and more — even by air as seen in our 2-minute video. Applications for the 60th Basic Academy are now being accepted through June 30. Apply today or contact us by email or at 919-707-0030.
Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers will be patrolling waters statewide to ensure boating safety is taken seriously over the July 4 weekend. Operation Dry Water is a national campaign that promotes sober driving while behind the wheel of a vessel. In 2022, 441 boating citations were issued and 61 people were removed from the water for boating under the influence during the holiday weekend. Designating a sober driver makes being on the water a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
In 2022, bear hunters statewide recorded the highest harvest total on record at 4,056 bears — an 11% increase compared to the previous season. Record breaking harvest totals were recorded in the Coastal and Mountain Bear Management Units (BMU), 2,533 and 1,468 respectively. The Piedmont BMU experienced its third-highest recorded harvest of 55 bears.
Biologists in the field and at the NC Wildlife Helpline continue to encourage the public to implement BearWise Basics as bears become more active statewide. You can stay aware of bold bear activity by registering for the NextDoor app on your smartphone. If we get a report of concerning bear activity in your area, we’ll put out an alert.
Would you like a chance to win a fabulous prize pack of outdoors gear? Then simply subscribe or renew your subscription to Wildlife in North Carolina magazine for as little as $10. Not only will you receive the Wildlife Commission’s flagship publication, but you’ll also have a chance to take home this month’s prize pack, which includes a pair of binoculars, a backpack cooler, a fillet knife set, a headlamp, a Bluetooth speaker and more!
The Wildlife Diversity Program has released its 2023 first quarter report, featuring projects that target nongame animals and their habitats. Nongame species, such as deer, turkey, mountain trout and black bass, also benefit because they share many of the same habitats.
Since 2018, the NCWRC has been supporting Special Olympics North Carolina by raising money through the The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. This year, our Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers, partnering with other law enforcement agencies, participated in runs across the state and sold torch run t-shirts and custom engraved knifes, with proceeds going to Special Olympics. In addition, our officers attended the Special Olympics Conference and donated NCWRC-specific items for a silent auction. They have other fundraisers scheduled for later in the year.
Whether you’re looking for a trophy or a delicious meal, catfish take the cake in freshwater. These fish grow to be absolute giants, are plentiful and can be caught in just about every corner of the state. Join us to learn different fishing techniques, recipes, and overall information on some of the most targeted fish in North Carolina.
Topics include:
• Catfish species profiles
• Fishing lakes & rivers
• Bait types
• Tackle & rigs
• Trophy vs. subsistence fishing
• Recipes
Must be 12 years or older to attend.
Students 15 or younger must have participating parent or guardian in attendance.
June 17 at 9 a.m.
Marion State Fish Hatchery in McDowell County
June 29 at 6 p.m.
Pechmann Fishing Education Center, Fayetteville
Fishing skills workshops are now available at the Marion State Fish Hatchery! June already has a lot to offer for both adults and kids, with many more to come. Check out our calendar and register today!
John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, Fayetteville
Western North Carolina Fishing & Aquatics Education Opportunities, Pisgah
The agency's Wildlife Conservation Land Program (WCLP) designates “Wildlife Conservation Land” as a special class of property that must be assessed at a reduced valuation. In short, this program offers a property tax deferment for tracts of land that are actively managed primarily for wildlife habitat enhancement.
While similar to the Present Use Value Program (PUV), which provides a property tax deferment for privately owned land managed for agriculture, horticulture or forestry production, the WCLP is a completely different program with several unique provisions to ensure wildlife habitat is addressed.
The eastern box turtle is a small, charismatic terrestrial turtle seen frequently in fields, forests and neighborhoods throughout North Carolina. It is named for its ability to completely box up inside its shell when it feels threatened. Eastern box turtles are the only terrestrial turtle found in North Carolina, and in 1979 they were selected as North Carolina’s State Reptile. Box turtle sightings are common throughout North Carolina, but with continual loss of habitat, propensity to get hit by cars, and a slow maturation and low reproductive rate, box turtles populations are believed to be diminishing.
Give Our Reptile Friends a Helping Hand
This time of year, many box turtles are seen crossing the road. If you see a box turtle crossing the road, and it is safe to do so, follow these tips to help it out!
Buy a License
Renew your license
or vessel registration
Register your vessel
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is excited to launch its new license and vessel registration system, Go Outdoors North Carolina, on July 1. This enhanced system will improve both the user and customer service experience.
As we begin the transition over to the new system, please note that ALVIN, our current system, will be unavailable starting Tuesday, June 27 after 5:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 1. If you need to purchase a license or register or renew your vessel registration during this time you are encouraged to do so in advance of June 27.
As we undergo this transition our goal is to provide the best customer experience and we appreciate your patience. The information below highlights some of the features that will be available to you in the new Go Outdoors North Carolina system!
As we near the launch date, NCWRC will continue to provide you with updates on the transition to this new system and we will let you know as soon as the system is up and running.
Lifetime License Holders: Information along with a tutorial on how to obtain your seasonal information will be distributed by email in early July, as such, seasonal information will not be available prior to this.
Permit Hunt Participants: The permit hunt application system will be available in early July. Program participants will be notified by email when the system is ready, and a tutorial will be provided that demonstrates how to apply for permit hunting opportunities.
Customer Account Management
Licensing and Permit Hunts
Vessel Registration, Titling and Renewal
Collectable Hard Card License Options Available
NC Wildlife Merchandise Store
Available beginning July 1 through Apple’s App Store and Google Play, the GoOutdoorsNorthCarolina mobile app will help you have a better day on the water and in the field with capabilities to:
Most boating incidents reported to the Wildlife Commission last year occurred in the months of May, June, and July. 148 incidents were recorded, resulting in 20 deaths. Of those deaths 16 were not wearing a life jacket. Wherever you’re boating, wear a life jacket and follow basic safety practices to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s annual campaign to reduce alcohol-related incidents on the state’s roadways and waterways kicks off in advance of Memorial Day. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers will be teaming up with local and state agencies on and around the water. Some of these partners include NC Alcohol Law Enforcement, NC State Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, DHHS-Forensic Test for Alcohol and many others.
Trout streams and lakes classified as Delayed Harvest will open for harvest on June 3. Youth 17-years-old and younger can fish from 6 a.m. to 11:59 a.m. on opening day. All other anglers can drop their lines in at noon. Fishing rules and regulations are available online.
May thru June, family-friendly fishing events to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week will occur at fishing holes across the state, offering young anglers the opportunity to reel in a big one. Raffle prizes for participants will be available, including the opportunity to win a Sportsman Lifetime License from Neuse Sports Shop and Comprehensive Inland Fishing License Lifetime from Trout Unlimited.
Find 250 free Boating Access Areas on over 100 bodies of water using our Boating Access Area Locator. Explore over 500 publicly accessible places to fish with any of our interactive fishing maps.
This 2 min. video will walk you through the process.
Several drownings have occurred in North Carolina these past few weeks. The victims were not wearing life jackets. Safety should be a top priority when recreating on water, including wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFDs) when boating, swimming and fishing.
Wearing a PFD is just one of many safety measures to take when on the water.
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) can cause ecological harm and devastating economic impacts on our state’s waterways. Follow these four steps to prevent the spread of ANS.
Corey and Ben welcome Seth Mycko the N.C. Wildlife District 5 Fisheries Biologist to discuss why there are big Largemouth Bass in Jordan Lake.
Tune in for Bonus Podcast Episodes Just Released!
Corey and Ben spent sometime last month at REDCREST 2023 with some of the top professional anglers from the 2022 Bass Pro Tour. Enjoy!
REDCREST Special Edition #1:
Ben and Corey are at REDCREST 2023 talking with Major League Fishing founder Gary Klein and anglers Britt Myers and Marty Robinson about the sport of bass fishing and the importance of fisheries conservation.
REDCREST Special Edition #2:
Corey and Ben are back at REDCREST 2023 talking with anglers Wesley Strader, Andy Montgomery, and the one and only Kevin Van Dam about the sport of bass fishing and the importance of fisheries conservation.
The Wildlife Commission, in collaboration with partners, announced the upcoming launch of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a unique wildlife recreation opportunity that connects people to the fascinating underwater world through a series of publicly accessible river snorkel sites. Ten unique sites, spanning across western North Carolina, have been identified for inclusion in the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, which is slated to open in mid-June.
REPORT SIGHTINGS!
Commission Wildlife biologists are asking the public, particularly trout anglers, to report any sightings of hellbenders and mudpuppies. Both types of aquatic salamanders are found in western North Carolina and listed in North Carolina as species of special concern. If you spot one, note its location (physical location or GPS coordinates), snap a photo if possible, and send to Lori.Williams@ncwildlife.org. People can also call the Wildlife Commission’s NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, and provide details of the observation.
See an alligator in the wild in North Carolina? Share your observation with the NCWRC by uploading your photo to the NC Alligators Project on the free, easy-to-use iNaturalist app. Public participation increases our knowledge of local distributions of alligators, helps identify areas for education and outreach programs and connects us with a growing network of wildlife viewers.
Fishing Classes for All Ages and Abilities
Boater Education Courses
The approved season dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2023-24 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird (including doves) and extended falconry seasons have been released. Some notable changes were announced. Dates are available online and will be published in the 2023-24 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest this August.
Given the CWD positive deer in Cumberland and Wilkes counties, the Wildlife Commission has established new primary and secondary CWD surveillance areas for the 2023-2024 hunting season. Primary surveillance area counties are Cumberland, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties. Secondary surveillance area counties are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Bladen, David, Forsyth, Guildford, Harnett, Hoke, Iredell, Robeson, Rockingham and Sampson counties. In all of these Surveillance Area counties, rules will prohibit fawn rehabilitation, govern the transportation of deer carcasses and carcass parts, prohibit the placement of minerals and salt licks to congregate wildlife at any time, and prohibit the placement of bait, food, or food products to congregate wildlife outside of the hunting season.
In response to the state’s recent detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a white-tailed deer harvested during the 2022-2023 season in Cumberland County, the Wildlife Commission will host a KNOW CWD public forum in Fayetteville at the Cumberland County Extension Center (301 East Mountain Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306) on Tuesday, May 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and registration is not required. Enter the building below the sign that reads, "Agriculture Center" and go to the I.B. Julian Auditorium.
Staff will present information about CWD and CWD-specific regulations for the upcoming deer season, as well as answer questions from attendees. If you have specific questions you’d like addressed at the forum, please submit them online.
Can’t attend in person? For those who are unable to attend in person, co-host Carolina Sportsman Magazine will stream the event through Facebook Live and it will also be shared on the Wildlife Commission’s Facebook page.
For more information on CWD, visit ncwildlife.org/CWD.
Wildlife law enforcement officers have a unique job within the law enforcement community. They enforce laws that protect the public and North Carolina’s wildlife resources. Over 200 officers are committed to ‘Law Enforcement Off the Pavement’, wearing the wildlife diamond proudly and going above and beyond to risk their safety in the interest of others and our wild places. Please take a moment to remember the 11 wildlife officers who died in the line of duty.
Applications for the 60th Wildlife Law Enforcement Basic Academy will be accepted May 15 – June 30.
Find out more @ NCWildlifeEnforcementJobs.org
Contact us: 919-707-0030 or E-mail.
Learn more about a Law Enforcement Off the Pavement in this 2.46-minute video.
On the road, on the water. Don’t drink and drive.
The Wildlife Commission’s annual campaign to reduce alcohol-related incidents on the state’s roadways and waterways kicks off in advance of Memorial Day. Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers will be teaming up with local and state agencies on and around the water. Some of these partners include NC Alcohol Law Enforcement, NC State Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, DHHS-Forensic Test for Alcohol and many others.
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) is being considered once again in the 2023 Congressional session to help states and tribes fully implement our State Wildlife Action Plans. As of this week both NC Senators have signed on as co-sponsors — the first state to have both Senators in support. Currently on the Senate floor (S. 1149), the bill is pending an introduction in the US House.
While NC waits for the funding opportunities RAWA could bring, the Commission is actively pursuing similar levels of funding using Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) with America the Beautiful funds through history making partnerships. However, these funds still need matching state funds.
The Commission's friends group, NC Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Foundation (NCWORF), is working hard to ensure any new grant funds secured by the agency already have the matching funds through donations. Additionally, RAWA has an expanded funding scope allowing additional conservation activities that benefit at-risk species. NCWORF is already accepting donations for these projects today, such as Southeast Bee Atlas, high school native plants outreach, and logging of terrestrial gastropod specimens to train the next biologist, and Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail through public access.
WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS WANTED!
Agency biologists ask if you see a snake, do not be alarmed, do not kill it, give it plenty of room, and if you see a pine snake or rattlesnake, report it. Sightings of these snakes in the wild can be reported in one of two ways: via a mobile app or by email. The agency partners with the HerpMapper mobile app to track amphibian and reptile species. Download the app to your mobile device or tablet and enter information about your sighting. If reporting by email send a photo (required), the date and time the snake was observed and location (GPS coordinates preferred) to pinesnake@ncwildlife.org for Northern pine snakes and to rattlesnake@ncwildlife.org for rattlesnakes.
For the second year in a row, agency biologists are asking for your assistance in helping track chipmunks east of I-95 in North Carolina. If you see a chipmunk east of I-95 participate by:
COEXISTING WITH CRITTERS
Coyote pup season is in full swing and keeping this year’s litter well-fed and healthy is top priority for adult coyotes. Coyote parents will roam large territories to find enough food — including populated areas. To help you avoid conflict with coyotes, Extension Biologist Falyn Owens offers these tips.
The Wildlife Commission reminds the public that it is illegal to feed, touch, harm, harass or poach an alligator in North Carolina. While they rarely pose a threat to humans, alligators can become a nuisance when people either intentionally or unintentionally feed them, which causes them to associate humans with an easy meal.
To avoid negative interactions with alligators, people should:
David B. of Durham County, who followed in his grandfather and father’s footsteps as a Wildlife in North Carolina subscriber, renewed his subscription in March. It proved to be a winning decision, as David’s name was picked at random to take home March’s prize pack! “Wildlife in North Carolina has been a constant in my life, and I always look forward to the next edition,” David said after getting news of his winnings.
Don’t miss out on your chance to win! Be like David and subscribe to Wildlife in North Carolina!
Both agencies share common goals to make highways less hazardous for wildlife and reduce the impact highways have on important habitats. The partnership aims to develop effective and efficient passages for various species of wildlife to reduce highway hazards for motorists and wildlife, while minimizing habitat fragmentation.
The Commission and NCDOT have collaborated for decades during project planning to address these road safety impacts related to wildlife, resulting in 26 wildlife crossing structures across the state successfully providing wildlife passage. These wildlife crossing structures can include overpasses, underpasses, and fencing along roads and highways. Examples include a passage corridor along Cold Springs Creek and Harmon Den Road under I-40 in Haywood County as well as three underpasses on I-140 south of Wilmington in Brunswick County. NCDOT and the Commission are currently collaborating on 11 additional projects in various stages of planning, with several awaiting construction while others are still in the design phase.
North Carolina deer hunters reported harvesting 163,831 deer during the 2022-23 hunting season — a 1.8% decrease compared to the average harvest the last three seasons. In general, deer harvest remained stable in the Central and Southeastern zones, increased in the Western zone, and decreased in the Northeastern and Northwestern zones, compared to the three-year average. The 8.4% decrease in the Northwestern zone was entirely within Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Area counties, where antlerless harvest dropped more than antlered. This harvest decline may be the result of hunter concern for harvesting an infected deer.
Saturday, June 3, two lakes and 34 trout streams classified as Delayed Harvest will open to trout harvest and will remain open through Sept. 30. On opening day, from 6 a.m. – 11:59 a.m., youth anglers under 18-years-old will be allowed to fish. Harvest opens to all anglers at noon. The daily creel limit is seven trout per day with no gear or bait restrictions and no minimum size limits. Trout fishing resources are on our website.
May through June, family-friendly fishing events to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week will occur at fishing holes across the state, offering young anglers the opportunity to reel in a big one. Raffle prizes for participants will be available, including the opportunity to win a Sportsman Lifetime License from Neuse Sports Shop and a Comprehensive Inland Fishing Lifetime License from Trout Unlimited.
Watch your steps (and your dog’s too) for bird nests found directly on the sandy beaches or islands along the sound this April through August. Nests can be difficult to see since eggs and chicks blend in with the sand. Wildlife Commission biologists and cooperators have marked known areas with posts and signage, but some areas may not be marked. Extra caution is appreciated!
Tune In For Bonus Podcast Episodes Just Released!
More people are living close to or in black bear habitat, creating increased opportunities for bears to approach their property, specifically by leaving out food sources. Residents and visitors to bear country, which is over 60% of the state, are encouraged to follow the Six BearWise Basics:
Southern Alamance FFA team won the overall senior division
Bethel Middle team, from Haywood County, won the overall junior division
A high school team from Alamance County and a middle school team from Haywood County took top honors at the 2023 Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournament (YHEST) on April 29. Southern Alamance FFA team won the overall senior division, scoring 3,623 points out of a possible 4,000. Bethel Middle team won the overall junior division with an overall score of 3,499. Students competed in rifle, shotgun and archery marksmanship, orienteering and a hunter responsibility exam. State tournament results are available on the Wildlife Commission’s YHEST webpage.
Construction has ended and the Wrightsville Beach Boating Access Area is now fully operational and open to the public. The boating access is located at 109 Causeway Dr. in Wrightsville Beach, N.C.
Construction crews replaced the two existing fixed docks with new concrete abutments and floating docks. They also replaced the two existing floating docks, and the wooden bulkheads and breakwater were replaced with vinyl counterparts.
“The upgrades will help alleviate potential slip hazards and future unplanned closures for maintenance repair,” said Gary Gardner, the Wildlife Commission's chief of engineering. “We are taking a proactive approach so the access area can be used to its fullest potential during the busy seasons.”
Bookmark the North Carolina Regulations Digest to quickly reference what you can hunt, fish and trap this time of year. Carefully check dates and special rules for your region.
Hunter Education Courses
Trapper Education Courses
Fishing Course Highlight:
Want to get into fishing but don’t know how to get started? The Introductory Fishing For Adults is the course for you! This two-part program will be held on May 23-24, from 6 to 9 p.m. each night at the Pechmann Center in Fayetteville. Geared toward adults, this course will ease you into the world of angling with hands-on experience and loads of valuable information. From obtaining your fishing license to reeling in a fish, we’ve got you covered with all the basics to get on the water. We’ll also delve into differences in equipment and helpful tricks and hints to navigating the world of fishing. Wherever your new fishing adventures take you, you’ll walk away feeling comfortable and proficient with your fishing gear and how to use it.
All materials will be provided
Wear: Closed-toe shoes, a hat with visor and some sort of eyewear (polarized sunglasses recommended)
Must be at least 16 years old to register
Learn more and register here.
North Carolina is home to two new species of crayfish found only in Wilkes and Watauga counties in North Carolina – and nowhere else in the world! The species, the Stony Fork crayfish and the Falls crayfish, are named for the small Yadkin River tributaries where they were first discovered. Wildlife Commission biologists Michael Perkins and William Russ, along with NC Museum of Natural Sciences researcher Bronwyn Williams, published the study in late April in the journal Zootaxa. North Carolina now has 51 species of crayfish known from the state.
The researchers began the work back in 2016 as part of a larger statewide effort to catalogue all the crayfish species in the state’s waters to better understand the animals’ diversity and distribution. Along the way, they collected several strange specimens that couldn’t be easily identified. The researchers decided to use a combination of morphology, genetics, and geography to figure out what exactly made these animals unique and formally describe, or “name” them.
The wild turkey hunting season in North Carolina has arrived! Hunters of all ages can take one bird (male or bearded) per day, with a season total of two birds, one of which may have been taken during the youth season. Be sure to report your Big Game Harvest if you’re successful! Track real-time harvest counts via our Live Harvest Reports portal. Season ends May 6.
Trouble-Shooting Turkeys (PDF)
Turkey Hunting During the Pandemic (PDF)
2023 Turkey Hunting Webinars (Pre-recorded):
The Wildlife Commission is seeking public comments, online and during a virtual public hearing, for five temporary rules on Chronic Wasting Disease management. Among the proposed rules is delineating several new counties and parts of counties as Primary or Secondary Survelliance areas that were not designated in 2022, as well as prohibiting specific activities in these areas.
The virtual public hearing is scheduled for April 18 at 2:30 p.m. Register here. Participants can also join by phone: 833-568-8864 (webinar ID: 160 995 2306).
Comments also can be submitted by email or mailed to Rulemaking Coordinator, 1710 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission voted at an out-of-cycle business meeting on March 30 to adopt nine proposed inland fisheries rules and 11 game lands rules for the 2023-24 seasons. The adopted rules have an anticipated effective date of Aug. 1. View the full text of the inland fisheries and game lands adopted rules in the March 30 Commission meeting agenda package linked below.
Here are some wildlife encounters you may experience, and pro tips for handling each can be found here:
1. Unattended young rabbits, deer fawns, and songbirds;
2. Young squirrels fallen from their nest;
3. Foxes, skunks, raccoons or squirrels making themselves at home —in yours; and,
4. Snakes on the move.
Regardless of the wild species you encounter, seek advice from a wildlife professional, such as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, before moving or attempting to care for any young wild animal to avoid causing unintentional harm. For handling unwanted wildlife encounters, a licensed wildlife control agent may be able to help. When unsure of what to do, call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 for assistance or visit ncwildlife.org/have-a-problem for answers to commonly asked questions about preventing wildlife conflicts, injured/orphaned wildlife and more.
Approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are now open and remain open through Feb. 29, 2024. Most trout are stocked April through June, with a few streams selectively stocked in July. Overall, staff will stock nearly 964,000 trout — 96 percent of which will average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length.
Visit the agency's Trout Fishing page and click on the 2023 Hatchery Stocking Schedule to download a PDF of the current schedule. Schedule is subject to change so bookmark the page!
The striped bass harvest season on the Roanoke River Management Area will be open for harvest:
April 14 - 17
April 22 - 23
The creel limit is one fish per day. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches may be possessed at any time. The 2023 striped bass season was announced by proclamation in February. The entire Roanoke River Management Area will be open for harvest, which includes tributaries from the Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to the Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers.
Ben and Corey welcome Bob Branch, a native of Weldon, North Carolina, who grew up fishing on the Roanoke River. They discuss the history and all things Striped Bass fishing along the Roanoke River.
Every week through the end of May, electrofishing for striped bass, American shad and hickory shad will take place in the Roanoke, Tar, Neuse and Cape Fear rivers. Check the Wildlife Commission website weekly for sampling and creel survey results.
Would you like a chance to win a fabulous prize pack of outdoors gear? Then simply subscribe or renew your subscription to Wildlife in North Carolina magazine for as little as $10. Not only will you receive the Wildlife Commission’s flagship publication, but you’ll also have a chance to take home this month’s prize pack, which includes a pair of binoculars, a backpack cooler, a fillet knife set, a headlamp and more!
Greg D of Harnett County, a recently retired forester who loves to fish with his grandchildren, renewed his subscription in February. It proved to be a winning decision, as Greg’s name was picked at random to take home February’s prize pack, which included a rod-and-reel combo, a portable heater, a fillet knife set and a Bluetooth speaker.
Be like Greg and subscribe to Wildlife in North Carolina for a chance to win!
The Wildlife Commission, along with partners, is asking for volunteers to participate in the 2023 Terrapin Tally, a community science project created to collect information on status and distribution of the diamondback terrapin. The diamondback terrapin is listed as a species of special concern in NC and is the only reptile that lives exclusively in the state’s coastal marshes. Volunteers must attend one training session and one or more field data collection sessions scheduled for May 4-June 4. They must also have a smartphone, kayak or canoe and a life jacket. Learn more about the Terrapin Tally, including training dates, routes and more!
Recent positive Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus–Type 2 cases in domestic rabbits in eastern states, including Georgia and Tennessee, suggest that the virus will eventually make its way to our state. If you see a dead rabbit and the cause of death is unknown, please report it to the agency’s NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401.
Given that North Carolina is experiencing fewer long stretches of below-freezing weather, the range for nine-banded armadillos is expanding northward. Commission biologists are asking the public to report any armadillo sightings to help determine their range expansion in the Tar Heel state.
If you observe an armadillo in the wild, please participate in the NC Armadillo project by uploading and sharing your photos or download the iNaturalist app, available for iPhone and Android. Another option for reporting an observation is by emailing armadillo@ncwildlife.org and including a photo of the armadillo (if available), when it was observed (date and time), and the location where it was observed (GPS coordinates are best, but a detailed location description is acceptable).
North Carolina residents and visitors who snap photos of wild alligators can share their observations with Wildlife Commission biologists through the NC Alligators Project. Upload photos from a computer at iNaturalist.org or download the free iNaturalist app for Android and iPhone.
As trout waters open, people visiting mountain streams in Western North Carolina are encouraged to keep their eyes open for mudpuppies and hellbenders. Both species of aquatic salamanders are listed as species of special concern, and biologists want to know more about their distribution and populations. Contact Conservation Biologist Lori Williams, or call the NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, to provide details of your observations.
Tax Day is April 18. Please consider donating a portion of or your full state tax refund to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. The 2022 Annual Wildlife Diversity Report details the type of projects your donation directly supports.
Last year, as time ran out, Congress narrowly failed to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA). But this year, the Senate has taken a renewed interest in acting on the bill, with North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis at the head of introducing the bill, alongside New Mexico’s Martin Heinrich, the Democratic co-sponsor. RAWA funding will be used to implement the Congressionally mandated state wildlife action plan for North Carolina’s 1,500+ nongame fish and wildlife species and over 6,000 plant species from the mountains to the coast. The goal is to help prevent the decline of at-risk fish and wildlife species through efforts to restore habitat, remove invasive species, address wildlife diseases, reduce water pollution and mitigate climate change. Read what we're doing with nongame and endangered wildlife in our 2022 Wildlife Diversity Program Annual Report.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) mortalities have been confirmed in multiple bird species across North Carolina for a second winter. These deaths follow national trends in wild bird mortalities as HPAI continues to circulate in some migratory bird populations. Please report odd wild bird behavior to the NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401. This includes:
Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee candidate nominations due April 30.
Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award individual or business nominations due May 1.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission announces a spring Basic Trapper Education Course. The course provides new and experienced trappers information on basic and updated trapping techniques, including outdoor trapping and fur handling demonstrations. Join us on April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wake County Wildlife Club in Durham. Register here. The course is free but participants must complete the online North American Trapper Education Program prior to attending the course.
Fishing Course Highlight: Family Fishing Workshops
Calling all families! Fishing is a great way to bring people together to create lifelong memories. Our workshop is designed to teach families with children the basic skills needed to go fishing. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or expert angler, this workshop will help get everyone in the family on the path to creating an outdoor adventure and cherished fishing memories.
These workshops are a hands-on learning experience for all, to include fishing on the Pechmann Center’s stocked ponds in Fayetteville, and Marion Hatchery’s Fish Pond in Marion. You and your family will learn:
Turkey
The Neuse River waterdog (Necturus lewisi) is a permanently aquatic salamander. This means they only live in the water, and they keep their external gills into adulthood, which is unlike most other salamanders. Important indicators of healthy water quality, Neuse River waterdogs require large, flowing streams and rivers with many large rocks or logs to hide under, decomposing leaves for young to live in, and minimal silt in the water. Federally listed as threatened, the Neuse River waterdog is only found in the Neuse and Tar River basins in NC, so by preserving their populations, we are maintaining the ecological culture of this region!
North Carolina’s five-week wild turkey season opens in April. Review the current rules & regulations in the 2022-23 North Carolina Regulations Digest prior to heading out for the hunt.
A harvest report card is furnished with the issuance of a Big Game Hunting License, but it is only valid for only one hunting season, July 1 – June 30. Harvest report cards are free and also issued to license-exempt hunters. Be sure that your hunting license and report card are valid before grabbing your turkey call and camo.
Youth Turkey Season: April 1 - 7; Statewide Turkey Season: April 8 – May 6
If 2023 is anything like the last few years, it will be active. Just over 20,000 turkeys were harvested in 2022, falling short of the past two years’ record-breaking totals; however, it remains strong compared to totals prior to 2020. Wildlife biologists say the state’s turkey population remains strong despite the increased hunting pressure and harvest. Keep up with real-time harvest results via our online portal, searchable by region and county.
Trouble-Shooting Turkeys
Hunter education is paramount for safety and an enjoyable experience. Free, in-person and virtual options are available for all ages.
The Wildlife Commission led a survey of state agency turkey biologists across the country to determine the impact of COVID-related restrictions on turkey hunting in the spring of 2020 and if increased hunting pressure during the pandemic impacted turkey populations.
DURING MARCH ONLY!
SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!
Each subscription or renewal purchased in the month of March will be entered for a chance to win a prize pack that includes a portable heater, rod and reel combo, fillet knife set and a Bluetooth speaker!
There’s nothing like enjoying your favorite waters. Make sure your license is valid before you hang up the Gone Fishin’ sign!
Approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters will open on April 1 at 7 a.m. and remain open through Feb. 29, 2024. Most trout are stocked April through June, with a few streams selectively stocked in July. Overall, staff will stock nearly 964,000 trout — 96 percent of which will average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length.
Delayed Harvest Trout Waters continue to be stocked throughout the spring as catch-and-release regulations apply until a half-hour after sunset on June 2. Anglers may begin to harvest trout on June 3, with youth opportunities (17 years old and younger) starting at 6 a.m. and all other anglers at noon.
Take advantage of our state’s numerous wild trout streams with this hatch chart, developed in partnership with the the North Carolina Trout Unlimited State Council. It was created to help trout anglers match aquatic insect hatches in western North Carolina.
A North Carolina native, Brook Trout, “The wildflower of the mountains.” Corey and Ben talk with Wildlife Commission Trout Biologist Jake Rash about conserving Brook Trout and their importance to North Carolina.
The Wildlife Commission offers free fishing classes for all ages and abilities. Check out the course calendar for the variety of courses available. Here’s a highlight of the agency’s virtual Fly-fishing Basics: How to Read a Trout Stream course scheduled for March 16, 2023. Become one with the fish! Knowing how trout behave is truly one of the greatest keys to success for an angler. In this course, we’ll help you identify different parts of a stream to which trout relate for shelter, rest and food delivery. This basic information aids an angler in eliminating non-productive areas to increase his or her chances of angling success – aka, FISH ON!
In January, the N.C. Angler Recognition Program moved to an online system. Now, anglers can submit their catch info from their phone, tablet or computer to receive a downloadable, printable PDF certificate. Anglers can also share a photo of their fish with us!
Though trout might be our focus, there are plenty of other fish in mountain streams that often find their way to the end of our lines. Wildlife Commission biologists Luke Etchison and Jake Rash explain how to identify these species in the March/April issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine. “Hey, That’s Not a Trout!” focuses on the many colorful minnow and chub species in our mountain waters, from rosyside dace to bluehead chub.
The Wildlife Commission, in collaboration with partners, announced the upcoming launch of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a unique wildlife recreation opportunity that connects people to the fascinating underwater world through a series of publicly accessible river snorkel sites. Ten unique sites, spanning across western North Carolina, have been identified for inclusion in the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, which is slated to open in late spring.
Eight wildlife management 2023-24 proposed regulations presented at the Feb. 23 commission meeting were passed unanimously by commissioners. The proposed fisheries and game lands regulations for the 2023-24 seasons will be considered at an upcoming Commission meeting. The full text of the adopted rules and exhibits is available in the meeting’s agenda package.
(L to R) Monty Crump, Commission Chairman, Bill Collart, NWTF State Chapter Board member, Cameron Ingram, Commission Executive Director, Tim Draughon, NC NWTF President, Brent Phillips and Robert Smith, NWTF State Chapter Board members, Bryan Perry, NWTF President of the National Board of Directors, and Zac Morton, NWTF Director of Development - Mid-Atlantic Region.
The N.C State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently presented a donation of $78,447 from the Chapter’s Superfund Program that will help fund drone acquisition, land acquisition, training of burn crews from The Nature Conservancy and wild turkey habitat enhancement across the state.
“The NCNWTF and the NCWRC have had a strong partnership to conserve and enhance the resources of North Carolina for many years and the recent donation is just another step in continuing that partnership,” said Tim Draughon, president of NWTF’s N.C. State Chapter. “The recent funding from the NWTF Superfund for 2023 is a testament to the dedication of our local NWTF volunteers and their fundraising efforts and we are proud that we can put these funds back to ground here in North Carolina for outdoor enthusiasts of all types to enjoy. This partnership is the foundation of the NWTF mission and we look forward to many more years of the partnership.
The March/April issue of Wildlife in North Carolina features stories for all wildlife enthusiasts, from everything you ever wanted to know about turkey calls to a binoculars buying guide provided by our birding expert to learning about what else you might catch when fishing for trout in our mountain streams. Visit ncwildlife.org/WINC to check out this issue's sample article and to subscribe for as little as $10. Each subscription or renewal purchased in the month of March will be entered for a chance to win a prize pack that includes a portable heater, rod and reel combo, fillet knife set and a Bluetooth speaker!
The Wildlife Commission, in collaboration with partners, announced the upcoming launch of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a unique wildlife recreation opportunity located in western North Carolina that connects people to the fascinating underwater world through a series of publicly accessible river snorkel sites. Ten unique sites have been identified for inclusion in the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, which is slated to open in late spring.
A new webpage is now available that provides a live look at the agency’s game land management through prescribed burning. You can use the map and filter interface to view burns taking place today as well as planned and completed burns during any selected timeframe. You can also use the map tools to zoom to an area of interest and find burns that may affect that region.
In this new episode, Ben and Corey speak with Christopher Smith, District 1 Fisheries Biologist, to discuss the rise and fall of what was once a great fishery. They talk about both the biological and cultural importance of river herring to eastern North Carolina rivers. What was once abundant has disappeared — listen to find out what happened, where we are now and where we hope to be in the future.
Bog Turtle Draft Conservation Plan
Southern Hognose Snake Draft Conservation Plan
Commission Wildlife biologists are asking the public, particularly anglers as opening day of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters approaches on April 1, to report any sightings of hellbenders and mudpuppies. Both types of aquatic salamanders are found in western North Carolina and listed in North Carolina as species of special concern. If you spot one, note its location (physical location or GPS coordinates), snap a photo if possible, and send to Lori.Williams@ncwildlife.org. People can also call the Wildlife Commission’s NC Wildlife Helpline, 866-318-2401, and provide details of the observation.
The Wildlife Commission will host two forums in western North Carolina where staff will provide a presentation on the current structure of the western deer season zone and how it relates to deer management objectives, followed by a proposal for a shift in season structure that could address these objectives. Both forums will be from 7-9 p.m. and doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide input during the forum as well as discuss topics with NCWRC staff afterward.
March 14 in Cherokee County at Tri County Community College (21 Campus Circle Crisp Building, Murphy, NC 28906)
March 15 in McDowell County at McDowell Technical Community College (54 College Dr, Marion, NC 28752)
Wild turkey season opens next month, and if it’s anything like the last two years, it will be active. Just over 20,500 turkeys were harvested in 2022. Wildlife biologists say the state’s turkey population remains strong despite the increased hunting pressure and harvest, which is good news for youth and adult hunters as they go for their two-bird limit this season.
Season dates:
The creel limit is one fish per day. The minimum length limit is 18 inches, and no striped bass between 22 and 27 inches may be possessed at any time. The decision was announced by proclamation. The entire Roanoke River Management Area will be open for harvest, which includes tributaries from the Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam downstream to the Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle and Eastmost rivers.
Starting next week through the end of May, electrofishing for striped bass, American shad and hickory shad will take place in the Roanoke, Tar, Neuse and Cape Fear rivers. Check the Wildlife Commission website weekly for sampling and creel survey results.
Register now to attend the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Weekend, April 14 – 16 at the YMCA Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge in Boomer (Wilkes County). Women 18 and older will learn outdoor skills through hands-on experiences. Tracks include archery, fishing, kayaking, outdoor cooking, muzzleloading and more. More details are available online. Registration is $275. Scholarships are available.
Nominations are now being accepted for the Lawrence G. Diedrick Small Game Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals and organizations that have made meaningful contributions that benefit North Carolina’s small game populations and/or small game habitat. This includes efforts in habitat management, education and research.
The Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee (NWAC) is a board of North Carolina citizens that provides advice to the Wildlife Commission on nongame wildlife conservation issues across the state. Nominations are now being accepted for advisory member seats.
Bat pup rearing season begins May 1, so now is the time to responsibly relocate bats living in your home. Bat scat (guano) is an obvious indication that bats may be living in your gable vents, shutters or other nooks around your home. If they are getting inside, call a Wildlife Control Agent to safely evict them.
This time of year, bears are very resourceful in finding shelter to raise their young. If you stumble upon a bear den occupied by a cub by its lonesome, the best action is to leave it alone. It’s likely waiting for its mother to return from foraging and exploring. However, sometimes cubs are orphaned, and our agency can help. If you suspect a bear cub has been abandoned, note the location, leave the cub and walk away. Once you are in a safe area, call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401, or contact your local district wildlife biologist for further guidance. If it’s determined a bear cub has been orphaned, we will safely transport it to a professional bear cub rehabilitator. Check out this video to learn more! (5 min.)
March means great hickory shad and American shad fishing in North Carolina’s coastal rivers. However, harvest regulations vary depending on the river you’re fishing. The following regulations apply to inland and joint waters:
Tar-Pamlico River, Pungo River, Pee Dee River, and their tributaries: Daily creel limit is 10 shad in combination.
Spot the Difference: How to identify an American shad versus a hickory shad.
The simplest and best way to tell is to look at the lower jaw. The lower jaw of a hickory shad will extend further than the top jaw. The lower jaw of an American shad meets the top jaw evenly.
Research shows that special hook regulations on the Roanoke River reduce injury and stress-induced mortality of released stripers. As a result, April 1- June 30, regulations require anglers to use a single, barbless hook upstream of the US 258 bridge. Replace treble hooks with only one single hook with the same total gap width.
Help protect North Carolina’s waters from ecological harm by preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species. These four steps will go a long way to ensure our waters stay free of ANS:
CLEAN equipment of all aquatic plants, animals and mud.
DRAIN water from boats, live wells and all equipment.
DRY all equipment thoroughly.
NEVER MOVE fish, plants or other organisms from one body of water to another.
Basic Fly-fishing Workshop for Women - Ready to try your hand (literally) at fly-fishing? Or perhaps need a refresher? This workshop is perfect for those with zero experience, those looking to refine their skills and everyone in between by teaching tactile and visual cues that are easy to understand. Our intensely trained and passionate volunteer instructors will guide you through the roll cast and basic cast using Joan Wulff's method of instruction. This instruction provides the beginning fly-angler with the foundations for more advanced casting. They'll also go over fly-fishing equipment, setting up a fly-fishing leader, and how to land a fish on a fly-rod during the on-the-water portion of instruction.
This early hint of spring is certainly refreshing after what seems like months of cold, damp weather. As the melodies of chorus frogs and the refrains of towhees welcome us back outdoors, many of us are sucker punched by an aggressive invader known to some as the Bradford pear and to others as the Callery pear. While a literal punch in the nose from this non-native tree would be painful, the figurative punch of this pungent smelling, early blooming exhibitionist is a concern for native plant diversity and wildlife habitat.
A sample collected from a hunter-harvested, white-tailed deer in Cumberland County has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is the first case of CWD detected outside of the current surveillance area. The agency recently received notification that a deer harvested last October, 9 miles east of Fayetteville in Cumberland County, tested positive for CWD. The testing sample was collected by a taxidermist enrolled in the Commission’s Cervid Health Cooperator Program, which allows participating taxidermists and processors to collect samples from deer brought to their facilities.
Starting this month, Wildlife in North Carolina magazine will hold a monthly drawing for any new subscribers or subscription renewals for seasonal prize packs. February’s prize pack includes a rod and reel combo, fillet knife set, Bluetooth speaker and portable heater. For contest rules and to subscribe or renew for a chance to win use the link below.
NCWRC Shooting Ranges are hosting a monthly Top Shot Rifle Challenge. Participants will get 10 shots to shoot at 10 targets; 5 targets will be at 50 yards sitting unsupported, and 5 targets will be at 50 yards sitting front supported. “Top shots” each month at each range will get their name engraved on a plaque displayed at the range and qualify for the statewide Top Shot Rifle Challenge to be held in December. Visit a range near you to enter. Good luck!
A new Public Fishing Area (PFA) is now open beside the Hwy 421 bridge on the Deep River near Sanford, which includes ADA parking and a set of stairs with a slide rail to access the river. Over 200 PFAs are managed by our agency in North Carolina. The Wildlife Commission’s proactive approach to provide access and opportunity for outdoor pursuits is part what makes our state a great place to recreate!
The recent completion of our Worthville Boating Access Area (BAA). located at 1427 Worthville Road, Randleman in Randolph County, brings our total to 250 BAAs across the state! Our interactive map can be used to find a free BAA by address, water body or accessibility:
Sign up for the Fishing and Aquatic Education Team’s weekly email if you’re interested in staying abreast of upcoming workshops and classes. This email provides a list of classes and links to registrations for the following week and often includes tips and other information of interest to anglers.
Join Corey and Ben as they discuss the highs and lows of fishing for muskie on the French Broad River in Episode 11: Muskellunge on the French Broad River: The Curse of the White Squirrel. Tune in to hear about muskie biology and fishing techniques with Tim Boyer, president of the Western NC Muskie Club and Scott Loftis, NC Wildlife Warmwater Fisheries Research Coordinator for the Mountain Region.
The Wildlife Commission can match grants using your tax refund donations, increasing the dollars it can spend on programs. For example, a $100 tax refund donation results in an additional $250 for wildlife diversity initiatives through grants. Participate by checking line 30 on your North Carolina state income tax form, or tell your tax preparer you wish to donate. If you e-file, simply enter the amount you’d like to contribute to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund when prompted. Any amount you donate goes a long way toward nongame and endangered wildlife projects.
Commission biologists recently updated the statewide fox squirrel distribution map, which hasn’t been updated since 2011. The new map shows the squirrel’s range is growing. If you see a fox squirrel, please note the GPS coordinates or address, take a photo and please call or email the Human-Wildlife Interaction hotline 866-318-2401 to report the observation.
Are you someone who enjoys spending time and creating memories with friends and family casting a line at your favorite fishing spot? The NCWRC Fishing Education Team needs volunteers to help others create their own great fishing memories. Volunteers are trained to assist staff with educational programs including instruction, program development and presentation, and material and equipment organization and maintenance.
February 17 - 18 students across the state will gather for North Carolina’s National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament in Winston-Salem. Over 1,100 students from 46 schools will compete in elementary, middle and high school divisions. Schools in the National Archery in the Schools Program teach and promote international-style target archery as part of their in-school curriculum to improve educational performance and participation in the shooting sports among students in grades 4-12.
The Wildlife Commission is accepting nominations for the 2023 Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award until Feb. 28. This award honors an individual who has made significant, long-standing commitment to, and demonstrated leadership in, promoting conservation of nongame species and their habitats in North Carolina.
Approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters will close to fishing at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28 and reopen at 7 a.m. on April 1. While fishing is closed, Wildlife Commission staff will stock the designated waters, which are marked by green-and-white signs, in preparation for opening day.
More than 3,500 students will compete in the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s 45th annual Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments (YHEST) in March. Events will include shotgun, archery, rifle, orienteering and a written hunting skills exam. Sixty teams will move on to compete at the state tournament on April 29 at the Lentz Hunter Education Complex in Ellerbe.
Major League Fishing (MLF) will be hosting its catch, weigh and immediate release REDCREST Championship, March 8-12, 2023 on Lake Norman. MLF will also host a free, family-friendly expo in Charlotte, March 10-12. All REDCREST anglers will attend the expo, including Kevin Van Dam, Jacob Wheeler and North Carolina’s Bryan Thrift, plus many fishing legends, such as Jimmy Houston, Hank Parker and Roland Martin. Commission staff will be on-hand at the expo to answer your angling questions.
The Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee is seeking nominations for its board. Nominations will be accepted through April 30, and the new terms will begin in fall 2023. For more information, visit the Wildlife Commission website.
Landowners interested in habitat improvement can ask certified burners or Prescribed Burn Associations in their areas to assist with implementing prescribed burns and to provide information on financial assistance programs that may help offset the cost of conducting burns. The Commission has Wildlife Conservation Biologists who specialize in helping private landowners improve wildlife habitat on their property through a myriad of options, including prescribed burning. Learn more about how the use of fire can help manage declining habitat in the latest blog entry below.
In the 2022 turkey season, Senior Officer Perdue, assigned to Rockingham County, apprehended six individuals with taking turkeys with the use and aid of bait and even volunteered over 20 times to change his schedule to work seven different turkey bait sites. On one occasion, Perdue, having already worked a full shift, received a report of someone hunting a bait site he had previously detected. Without hesitation, he put his uniform back on and returned to work, apprehending two additional violators for hunting over bait. He also played an integral role in spearheading a large community youth hunter safety, recruitment and outreach event. His dedication and persistence led to his selection as the 2022 National Wild Turkey Federation North Carolina Officer of the Year.
Last May, the Commission received multiple reports of a fish kill occurring in the Snow Hill to Grifton area of Contentnea Creek. Species initially observed and reported to have been affected included catfish, sunfish, Largemouth Bass and American Eel. In October 2022, biologists conducted a fish survey to determine the impacts of this fish kill. During the investigation, water quality parameters (water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and salinity) were all within seasonally normal ranges for aquatic systems in the region suggesting the impacts of the fish kill were minimal. The Contentnea Creek fish populations should provide adequate angling opportunity and no other management activities are warranted at this time. Contentnea Creek fish populations will be surveyed every 5 years or as needed, such as in the event of a fish kill, to document changes in population characteristics.
Other species: Bobcat, Crow, Grouse, Opossum, Pheasant (males), Quail, Rabbit, Raccoon & Squirrel
Free Public Fishing Classes for All Ages and Abilities, statewide. NCWRC provides fun, high-quality educational programs geared toward a variety of audiences of all ages. Whether you are a novice or experienced angler, we have a class for you! Classes are free of charge.
Better Fishing with 2 Bald Biologists, new episodes drop monthly. Listen & subscribe through your favorite podcast service.
The largest tree squirrel in North Carolina, the fox squirrel is nearly twice the size of the more common gray squirrel. Although they live primarily in mature longleaf pine and open pine-oak forests in the Sandhills and southern Coastal Plain, a more recently established population exists in the northwestern part of the state, associated with open hardwood forests surrounded by pastureland or other open habitats. Fox squirrels occur in a variety of color phases though the top of the head is usually black, and they often have a white nose as well. In the Sandhills and Coastal Plain of North Carolina, they are grayish with various patches of black on the head and feet and white patches on the nose, paws and ear tips. Some are almost totally black with dark gray patches, and others are reddish or rust colored. Squirrels in the northwestern population typically have a tawny-brown or grizzled-gray color above, with a rusty or pale orange-brown color on the underside, ears and legs.
The public comment period for the proposed changes to the 2023-2024 inland fishing, hunting, trapping, and game land regulations and other regulated activities will close Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m. Comments can be submitted online, by email and by mail. Details on the proposed regulations and where to mail comments are available on our website.
Youth and Veterans/Military Waterfowl Days are scheduled for Feb. 4 and Feb. 11. Both categories of hunters must follow the rules and regulations established for those days as outlined in the Migratory Game Bird Season section of the 2022-2023 North Carolina Regulations Digest. Note: The same bag limits during the regular waterfowl season apply for the Youth and Veterans/Military Waterfowl Days. Taking of Canada geese in the NE Hunt Zone is allowed with a valid permit purchased prior to Jan. 31.
If you catch a BIG fish in 2023, you can get official recognition for your accomplishment through the N.C. Angler Recognition Program (formerly NCARP). The submission process is now available online! Anglers can submit information about their catch from their phone, tablet or computer to receive a downloadable, printable PDF certificate. You can also share a photo of your fish with us! Master Anglers will receive a patch and special certificate in the mail.
The Wrightsville Beach Boating Access Area on the Intracoastal Waterway is undergoing a major renovation over the next three months. Construction crews will replace the two existing fixed docks with new concrete abutments and floating docks. They will also replace the two existing floating docks and the wooden bulkheads, as well as a breakwater with vinyl counterparts. The Wildlife Commission’s proactive approach to modernizing the state’s boating access areas so they are safe and usable is what makes our state a great place to recreate! The agency manages 250 free public boating access areas across the state.
As you file your North Carolina income taxes this year, please consider donating any portion of your refund to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund. Enter the amount of your contribution on line 30 of your tax form or click “yes” when prompted when filing electronically. Your participation is crucial to securing adequate funding for research, conservation and management of our most vulnerable species.
In November, Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk became the first recognized BearWise campus in the United States. Campus officials committed to implement new reporting procedures for bear sightings and interactions through their campus safety website, to secure attractants around campus and to educate staff and students about being BearWise.
Each winter, a series of prescribed burns are conducted across the state on land owned by the Wildlife Commission to restore and maintain wildlife habitat. Approximately 35,000 acres of land will be burned this January through July. Don’t be alarmed if you see smoke on a game land. It’s most likely intentional and a community alert will be shared via the NextDoor app.
The Wildlife Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award. This award honors an individual who has made significant, long-standing commitment to, and demonstrated leadership in, promoting conservation of nongame species and their habitats in North Carolina. The nomination deadline is Feb. 28.
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) was not included in the omnibus budget bill passed by Congress in December. The National Wildlife Federation has pledged to keep working with its state and territorial affiliates, as well as allies in the nonprofit and private sectors, to pass RAWA into law. We’ll keep you updated.
Wildlife in North Carolina’s Photo Competition closes Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. Amateur and professional photographers who subscribe to the magazine may submit entries. There are two youth categories as well. The grand prize is $200 and your photo featured on the July/August 2023 cover of Wildlife in North Carolina. Competition rules are available online.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has now been detected in seven North Carolina deer across three counties: Stokes, Surry and Yadkin. These counties are located in the Surveillance Areas established this past hunting season. Although deer hunting season has concluded, samples will continue to be tested for the always-fatal neurological disease. A CWD tracker is available on the CWD webpage, as well as links to hunter- and cooperator-submitted test results.
Congrats, you’ve harvested a deer! Complete our short, online survey for a chance to win an Outdoor Edge Knife with replaceable blades.
This month, 20 wildlife law enforcement recruits from across the country began Wildlife Basic Training. As one of the top training systems in the country, the Wildlife Basic Training provides recruits with over 1,100 hours of instruction over 29 weeks, including North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), driving, boating, swimming, firearms, TASER, ASP, fish identification, waterfowl identification, constitutional law and game and fish law.
Best wishes to the Class of 2023!
Bookmark the North Carolina Regulations Digest online to quickly reference what you can hunt, fish and trap this time of year. Carefully check dates and special rules for your region.
Bear
Brant
Canada Geese (resident population zone)
Coots & Mergansers
Deer
Dove
Duck
Light Geese (regular season)
Sea Ducks
Tundra Swan (permit only)
Feb. 7, Turkey hunting webinar series #1: Biology, Regulations, Where to Hunt and Scouting, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 8, Turkey hunting webinar series #2: Firearms, Ammo, Clothing and Equipment, 7-8 p.m.
Feb. 9, Turkey hunting webinar series #3: Techniques and Strategies, 7-8 p.m.
Free Public Fishing Classes for All Ages and Abilities, statewide
In 2011, a deadly disease that infects hibernating bats was found in the North Carolina mountains. This disease, called White-nose Syndrome (WNS), was originally discovered in New York and has since spread to 38 states and eight Canadian provinces. In the years since the disease spread to North Carolina bats, the Wildlife Commission, federal and state partner agencies, NGOs, academic institutions and citizen scientists have collaborated to gather data on the state’s bat population. These efforts show population declines of over 90% for species like the little brown bat and Northern long-eared bat in areas where the disease is prevalent. In the aftermath of the population crash, bat researchers now search for hot spots with small, surviving groups of these rare species. Filmmaker Nicholas Mullins captured the efforts of North Carolina’s bat researchers on their mission to conserve the state’s most rare bat species in the wake of WNS in a 40-minute documentary.