The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold its annual public hearings at nine locations across the state beginning Jan. 13. During each hearing, Wildlife Commission biologists will explain the 34 proposed changes to the state’s hunting, fishing and trapping regulations.

The public can ask questions about the proposals or provide comments on a variety of wildlife-related topics. Remarks from these hearings will be forwarded to the Commissioners for review before they vote on the changes in March. Approved proposals will take effect during the 2004-2005 hunting, fishing and trapping seasons, which begin on July 1.

“These public hearings are excellent opportunities for citizens to participate in fish and wildlife regulation review and possible amendments,” said Richard Hamilton, chief deputy director for the Commission. “Their opinions can help make a difference in managing our state’s fish and wildlife resources. All comments made at the public hearings will be considered by the Commissioners when deciding on the proposed regulations.”

Among the proposed regulations are changes in the deer seasons, revision of equestrian rules on game lands and reclassification of several mountain trout waters. Full text of the proposed regulations can be found below.

Interested persons can submit comments in person at the public hearings or in writing to 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1701. They can also submit comments online via the link below. Proposed Fishing Regulations Changes
Proposed Hunting/Trapping Regulations Changes
Attend a Public Hearing Near You
Fill out an online comment form!

The Southern U.S. Forum has 473 Active Topics

• Florida Quota Hunt Program Recommendatio
• Coal Pile Lake Area in Arkansas Closed t
• Disastrous Hunt (Long Post)
• florida georgia hunting
• Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance

Mountain Lion on Fire
No Black Hills mountain lion hunt was more bizarre than the mountain lion that caught fire. David Gray's first lion hunt ended not only with a lion, but also with an unusual story. Gray, a retired South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Conservation Office is an avid hunter and has hunted most areas of the Black Hills. He is probably one of the most knowledgeable persons of game animals in the Black Hills. In preparing for his mountain lion hunt, Gray set up a blind in a brushy thicket a few miles north of Custer State Park.