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The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) Armstrong State Fish Hatchery in McDowell County north of Marion sustained significant damage as a result of flooding and landslides during Hurricane Helene. Some of the hatchery’s trout escaped during the flooding; however, most of the 600,000 fish of various sizes died when the storm compromised the water supply to the raceways and hatchery building. Currently, Armstrong State Fish Hatchery is closed indefinitely.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is completing construction of a new boating access area at Draper Landing in Eden, Rockingham County. The project is expected to be completed by Nov. 1.“This will be a great addition to our rivers and provide a great opportunity for the citizens and visitors to get outdoors,” said Eden Parks & Recreation Director Ray Thomas.
Duke Energy recently donated approximately 1,250 acres to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). The property consists of three tracts of land located below Lake James along the Catawba River in Burke County and will be enrolled into the game land program. The property will formerly be called the North Bend Game Land.
New rules adopted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have shifted the timing of the western zone black-powder and gun seasons, and increased antlerless hunting opportunities in many western zone counties. The new black-powder season will begin on Saturday, November 16, and end Friday, November 29. Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 28 and 29, 2024) are designated as Youth Days in the western zone. Youth under 18 may use a gun to harvest antlered or antlerless deer during those two days of the black-powder season.
Please note: since this press release was published, the dates for the Setzer Hatchery renovation have been changed. The information has been updated below.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host two family-friendly event to recognize National Hunting and Fishing Day, an annual celebration promoting outdoor recreation and conservation.
After 34 years of service to the state of North Carolina, Cameron Ingram, executive director of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2024. Ingram has served as NCWRC executive director since August 2020.
Hyperphagia means a significant increase in appetite. And that is exactly what begins to happen to black bears this time of year. Bears are in “eat mode” through fall, and sometimes even into winter, so they can put on extra weight, up to 2-3 lbs. a day, to get ready for denning season. Hyperphagia is a behavior adapted by some bear species, including black bears, to combat a decline in natural food availability in the colder months.
Wildlife Commission Issues Timeline of Events for Prescribed Fire at Green Swamp Game Land (Updated)
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is releasing more details about the prescribed burn that took place on Tuesday, June 13 at the Green Swamp Game Land in Brunswick County.On Tuesday, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission requested a permit from the North Carolina Forest Service to conduct a prescribed burn, an intentional burning of vegetation conducted under strict and specific circumstances.
The 2024-25 hunting season for mourning and white-winged doves opens Monday, Sept. 2. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reminds seasoned and novice hunters about the importance of being properly licensed, observing state and federal regulations and following safe hunting practices.