The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on Thursday approved temporary rules that will allow conditional daytime coyote hunting in the five-county red wolf reintroduction area by individuals issued an authorizing permit. More
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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on Thursday adopted two resolutions regarding reintroduction of red wolves in North Carolina — the first requesting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service end its experimental, non-essential red wolf reintroduction project in northeastern North Carolina, and the second requesting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service capture and remove all individual animals and subsequent offspring that were unauthorized releases on private lands by the federal agency. More
The Wildlife Commission will hold a second informational meeting on Feb. 18, in Morganton, to discuss constructing a shooting range on the Linville Tract of the Pisgah Game Land in Burke County. The meeting is from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and will be held at the Municipal Auditorium on 401 S. College Street. Staff will present another overview of the proposed range, discuss additional sound studies and take public comments about the range. More
The Wildlife Commission will continue accepting comments electronically on the proposed 2015-2016 fishing, hunting, game land and other wildlife resource management regulations through Feb. 8. Comments can be submitted here. Game lands users should note that, if adopted, proposals G1 through G14 will go into effect May 1. All other proposals, if adopted, become effective Aug. 1.
Help ensure the health and future of wildlife and their habitats by donating on line 27 of your N.C. state income tax form. Donations, no matter how large or small, go to the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund, which the Wildlife Commission uses to conduct research, conservation and monitoring work that benefits animals not hunted or fished — animals such as songbirds, sea turtles, eagles, salamanders, frogs, turtles and bats. More
Wildlife Commission fisheries biologists are asking anglers to help them document the presence of gill lice — tiny, white crustaceans — that have been found on brook trout in several headwater streams of the Cullasaja River in Macon County. Biologists don’t know how widely distributed the gill lice are or the ultimate impact they may have so they’re asking any angler who catches a brook trout with gill lice to contact Jake Rash at 828-659-3324, ext. 225, or by email at jacob.rash@ncwildlife.org. More
The Wildlife Commission released predator beetles last month on the Sandy Mush Game Land to combat the devastating effects of the hemlock woolly adelgid on hemlock trees. The hemlock woolly adelgid is a tiny aphid-like insect can kill hemlocks in as little as four to seven years. Staff released the small black beetles — a natural predator of the adelgid — as part of the Hemlock Restoration Initiative, a cooperative effort launched by the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. More
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is offering two free fly-tying programs in February. The beginner program, Fly Tying: Level One, will be held on Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn the fundamentals of fly tying while working at their own pace to tie a basic pattern. Fly Tying: Level Two will be held on Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will tie more advanced patterns and techniques. Equipment and materials are provided. Register
Order the Native Brook Trout License Plate and help the Wildlife Commission protect habitat for brook trout and create public access to brook trout waters in North Carolina. All of the proceeds from the sale of this plate will be used for brook trout habitat and fishing access. The final design will be very similar to the prototype pictured here. The Wildlife Commission needs a minimum of 500 paid applications by July 1, 2015 for this plate to be produced.
Learn more about the plate or order a plate by visiting the Commission’s native brook trout license plate page, or print the application (PDF).
Did you know that January is when bear cubs are born in North Carolina? Learn more about North Carolina’s black bears by purchasing “The Bear Facts – The Story of a North Carolina Treasure” DVD from the Wild Store at www.ncwildstore.com. This documentary takes the viewer on location across the state covering black bear history and biology, research and monitoring, coexisting with bears, hunting tradition and the future of black bears in North Carolina.
The official Wildlife Commission T-shirt this year features a Tundra Swan flying across the agency’s logo on the front, and an enlarged image of the Tundra Swan on the back. This 100% cotton T-shirt benefitting the Commission’s Wildlife Diversity Program was made possible through a generous donation from Neuse Sport Shop. Available only through the Commission’s Wild Store and Neuse Sport Shop.
Wildlife Commission Proposes Establishing No-Wake Zones on Lake Wylie
Wildlife Commission Seeks Public Input for Chowan Swamp Game Land and Chowan Game Land
Wildlife Commission Seeks Public Input for Goose Creek Game Land
Wildlife Commission Seeks Public Input for Game Land Management Plan for Commission-owned Tracts on Pisgah Game Land
Comment on Permanent Rules on Coyote Hunting in Red Wolf Reintroduction Area
Nominations Sought for 2015 Wildlife Conservation Award
First Felony Charges for Theft of Venus Flytraps from Wild
Wildlife Commission Renovates Aurora Boating Access Area
Wildlife Commission Renovates Tar Heel Boating Access Area
USDA Reports Isolated Avian Influenza Cases in Washington State
N.C. Wildlife Update
Upland Gazette
WRC Rulemaking