Wildlife Commission approves changes to hunting, fishing regulations

By: From the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission | Hickory Daily Record
Published: March 05, 2009

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission approved dozens of changes to state hunting, fishing and trapping regulations which will take effect July 1, 2009.

After a year-long process of careful consideration and review of some 40,000 public comments received online and at nine public hearing held across the state in January, the 19-member commission voted on the proposed regulations changes at the March 4 Commission meeting.

Of particular interest to deer hunters statewide, the Commission voted to extend by one week the muzzleloader deer season. Additionally, Commissioners approved extending the gun deer season for counties in the Northwestern deer season through January 1. Eastern, central and western deer seasons remain unchanged.

Proposals to alter the statewide spring wild turkey season generated substantial interest during the public comment period. Commissioners ultimately voted to retain the current wild turkey season structure.

Also approved was a proposal to allow bow hunting on Sundays on private lands, with the exception of migratory game birds. Sunday bow hunting on game lands was disapproved.

The Commission also approved a slate of proposals affecting trout, bass, and crappie fishing in inland waters, and reduced the allowable take of grass carp by bow and arrow on certain reservoirs.

In addition, a hunting proposal that would require hunters to attach a physical tag to big game at the site of harvest was tabled for further deliberation.

"Over the course of the past year, the members of the Wildlife Resources Commission vigorously reviewed, discussed and debated each of these rule proposals as they considered staff and public input," said Gordon Myers, Executive Director of the Wildlife Resources Commission. "Today's actions reflect the Commission's dedication to the core governance process necessary to manage the State's wildlife resources," Myers added.

To see the 2009-10 proposed regulations, along with comments from the public, visit www.ncwildlife.org and look under "Hot Topics."