The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold a public hearing on Mar. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Columbus County Courthouse in Whiteville. During the hearing, the public can comment on a proposed change to the bear season in Brunswick and Columbus counties.

Currently the bear season in these two counties begins on the second Monday in December and ends on Jan. 1. In response to feedback received at public hearings in January, the Wildlife Commission proposes changing the Brunswick and Columbus counties bear season to begin the Monday before Thanksgiving and end on Jan. 1. If approved, the new season dates will be in effect for the 2004-2005 hunting season.

Interested persons can submit comments in person at the public hearing or in writing to 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1701. Written comments must include a name and address.

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13 Year Old Tags Huge Buck With Bow
My son, James Hassler, shot this buck near our home of Kipling, Saskatchewan Canada. The buck was harvested during the archery season in mid September. He was hunting from a treestand that had been set up on land belonging to friends of our family.