N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Check out the excellent in-person and virtual fishing classes being offered by the NCWRC Fishing Education Team in September. Visit our class calendar and register at: https://bit.ly/44YkCxs Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville: - September 5: Fly-fishing Connections, 6:00pm -8:00pm, ages 12 and older - September 10: Basic Fly-casting Workshop; 6:00pm – 9:00pm, ages 13 years and older - September 14 & 15: Fly-casting Instructor’s Academy 8:00am -4:00pm, ages 18 and older - September 17,18, & 19: Beginning Fly-tying Workshop; 6:00pm-8:00pm, ages 14 years and older - September 21: Introduction to Fishing for Adults; 6:00pm-9:00pm, ages 16 years and older - September 21: Fishing Volunteer Orientation; 8:30am – 12:00pm, ages 18 years and older - September 26: Fly-tying Forum; 6:00pm – 9:00pm, ages 14 years and older Marion Fish Hatchery: - September 4: Beginning Fly-tying Workshop Pt. 3; 6:00pm-8:00pm, ages 14 years and older - September 5: Intermediate Fly-tying Workshop; 6:00pm -9:00pm - September 14: Family Fishing Workshop; 8:00am-1:00pm, Families with children ages 5 years and older - September 26: Volunteer Orientation; 6:00pm -12:00pm, ages 18 years and older - September 27: Bass Fundamentals: Intro to Crankbaits; 6:00pm- 8:00pm, ages 13 years and older Virtual: - September 4: Understanding and Selecting Fly-fishing Equipment; 6:00pm-8:00pm; ages 12 years and older - September 11: Hook, Line, and Picture! How to Take Amazing Fishing Photos, 6:00pm-8:30pm, all ages welcome - September 25: Bass Jig Basics; 6:00pm – 9:00pm, ages 12 years or older

Check out this new tutorial video that will teach you how to use the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's online interactive fishing map to locate inland, joint and coastal waters.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has been responsible for managing North Carolina's wildlife resources since 1947. Rules are one means of managing these resources to serve the interests of the State’s citizens. Each year, the NCWRC reviews and adjusts seasons, bag limits, and land management regulations, as needed, to achieve conservation management goals, comply with statutory changes, and respond to constituent requests and suggestions. Due to recent changes to the Administrative Procedures Act (the process by which State agencies must adhere to for rulemaking), the NCWRC modified the timing of our annual rulemaking cycle to regulate inland fishing, hunting, trapping and game lands more efficiently and effectively. The public comment period for 2025-2026 regulations is open now through September 13, 2024. Comments may be submitted online (bit.ly/3T5txJZ), emailed to [email protected] (must include name, county and state of residence in e-mail) or mailed to: Rulemaking Coordinator N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1700 If you were unable to attend one of the public hearings, you can listen to the recording on our YouTube channel at: https://bit.ly/3ADskDt We value your input, and the Commission will consider your input and the proposed changes at their October 2024 meeting. If adopted, the rules will take effect August 1, 2025, and will be in place for the 2025-2026 Inland Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping seasons.

We have been receiving photos of people killing rattlesnakes and it's pretty clear that some folks need some education. Not only is it dangerous to attempt to kill a snake, in some cases it's illegal. Ten out of our 38 native snakes in N.C. are listed species. This includes all three of our rattlesnakes: The Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and the Timber Rattlesnake. These snakes are protected by the state and cannot be harmed, harassed, or relocated without an Endangered Species Permit obtained from the Wildlife Commission. So do yourself a favor - If you see a rattlesnake, admire it from a safe distance and let it go on its merry way. That way, you'll be safe from the bitey parts and also safe from a visit from a wildlife officer.

So far this year, more than 800 gopher frogs are experiencing their first home in the wild. They were released at our Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County earlier this summer. They’ve got 64,743 acres to roam free and lay eggs in the Cape Fear River, the state’s largest river basin. Baby gopher frogs (or tadpoles) are raised at the N.C. Aquarium as part of a group effort to save the species.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission's Communications, Marketing and Digital Engagement staff recently received several awards from the Association for Conservation Information conference in July. The awards were: 2nd place in Magazine: General Interest Article - A Clear View on Binoculars 3rd place in Best Use of Humor - Raccoons Are Not Pets Facebook Campaign 3rd place in Video Feature: Hunting and Fishing - On Patrol: A Day During Dove Season with Wildlife Law Enforcement 3rd place in Video Feature: How-to/Instructional - CWD Testing: Using Self-serve Freezers Congrats to the CDME department on their wins!

Ever thought of your birdfeeder as the avian equivalent of a fast-food drive-thru? Songbirds can catch contagious diseases like avian conjunctivitis and salmonella poisoning from feeders if they aren't properly cleaned. Just like you wouldn’t serve dinner on a dirty plate, don’t let your feathered friends dine on a dirty feeder. Here's how to properly sanitize your bird feeder: https://bit.ly/4dmyDJQ If you spot any sick birds hanging around, it’s probably time to temporarily remove your feeder to prevent the spread of illness. For an even healthier, happier bird buffet, consider swapping out your feeders for native plants. They offer fresh food and cozy shelter year-round! Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4egt5BP

The 2024-25 hunting season for mourning and white-winged doves opens Monday, Sept. 2. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reminds seasoned and novice hunters about the importance of being properly licensed, observing state and federal regulations and following safe hunting practices. Read more: bit.ly/4dlpZeJ

Today we highlight the top photo from the Wildlife in North Carolina magazine photo competition's "Youth Photographer 12 & Under" category. YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER 12 & UNDER FIRST PLACE Gabrielle Ray, Garner Praying mantis close-up "I got this image when I was collecting photos for a BioBlitz at Prairie Ridge Ecostation, and I chose this image because I thought the praying mantis was an interesting subject that I had never photographed before. Also, I thought the goldenrod was a great touch to the background." (Fujifilm X-T2, Fujinon 80mm 2.8 macro, 1/500 of a second, f/14, ISO 400, on-camera flash with diffuser)

Today we highlight the top photo from the Wildlife in North Carolina magazine photo competition's "Youth Photographer 13-17" category. YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER 13–17 FIRST PLACE Benjamin Lashley, Southern Shores Barred owl "For the summer break of my sophomore year of high school, I spent my time out in Alligator River developing my photography skills as I started taking it seriously earlier in 2023. With the time I spent in Alligator River, I watched barred owls grow from just fledglings to adults that can thrive on their own. While watching the fledglings grow up I got to see some amazing moments of them being fed, and this was one in particular that I enjoyed of a parent catching a snake for its young one." (E-M5 Mark III, 300 mm, f/4, 1/1,000 of a second, ISO 1250)