2009 Pisgah Fly Masters Fly-Fishing Tournament Announced
November 25, 2008
BREVARD, N.C. (Nov. 24, 2008) – The Pisgah Fly Masters fly-fishing tournament on the Davidson River is back for a second year, on March 21-22, 2009, and will add a youth category this year for anglers younger than 16.
Hosted by the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Davidson River Outfitters, the competition tests anglers’ casting skills off-stream and catch and release abilities on-stream. Registration is open to the first 125 entrants through March 3, 2009 for $50, with a late registration available for $75 until March 21, space remaining.
All proceeds will go toward building a new classroom at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission learning facility located south of Asheville. The classroom will be used for educational programs including fly-fishing and fly-tying.
“Including a youth category will add another needed dimension to the competition,” said Emilie Johnson with the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and a tournament organizer. “I think we will see a bigger response because of it, and I expect more family participation, with moms, dads, sons and daughters entering the event.”
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located near Brevard, adjacent to the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery. Aquatic ecosystems and cold water conservation are a large part of the exhibits and displays.
For the competition format, rules, prize list and entry forms, contact the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education at (828) 877-4423 or e-mail emilie [dot] johnson [at] ncwildlife [dot] org
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N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Renovates, Expands Shooting Range
November 21, 2008
ELLERBE, N.C. – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has expanded the shooting range at the John Lentz Hunter Education Center, adding 100- and 50-yard ranges to the popular site for hunters and other sportsmen.
The range, which is part of the John Lentz Hunter Education Center at the Millstone 4-H Camp in Richmond County, also now has shelters with wooden roofs and cement floors to protect shooters from the weather.
“This expansion reflects our commitment to the commission’s Hunting Heritage Program Strategic Plan, which includes key focus areas intended to increase opportunities for hunters by reducing barriers to participation,” said Gordon Myers, executive director of the commission. “In addition to year-round shooting opportunities, the John Lentz Hunter Education Center provides unique programming opportunities such as the Fur, Fish ‘n Game Rendezvous, a five-day, six-night camp that draws young people from across the state to learn about and participate in a wide range of conservation-related activities.”
The range includes two combination trap and skeet fields, along with an archery range and 3-D archery range. The site has a five-stand range, a small-bore rifle range, and a classroom that can accommodate up to 50 people. For safety, all ranges are surrounded by earthen berms with controlled access.
The Lentz range is open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, and also by appointment.
For more information on the Lentz hunter education complex, go to http://www.millstone4hcamp.org. For information on other ranges in North Carolina, visit www.ncwildlife.org, and click on “Public and Private Shooting Opportunities in North Carolina.”
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Seminar Topic at NCSU Centennial Campus: Bobwhite Conservation in North Carolina, 10 Years of Research and Restoration
November 10, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – The final seminar in the 2008 Fisheries and Wildlife series at the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19.Â
The program will focus on the efforts by N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries biologists and N.C. State University researchers to restore populations of the northern bobwhite, or quail. Past collaborations have identified ways to stem the population declines of this once abundant game bird and researchers say efforts must continue into the future.
The seminar is free and no registration is required. A networking session with refreshments begins at 3:30 p.m. and the program starts at 4 p.m. The series is presented by N.C. State University’s Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Program and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
The Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education is located on the first floor of the N.C Wildlife Resources Commission’s administrative headquarters, 1751 Varsity Drive. A free parking pass is available by e-mail request, with name and mailing address included, to centennialcenter [at] ncwildlife [dot] org. For more information, call (919) 707-0203.
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North Carolina Waterfowl Hunters Urged to Use Caution on the Water
November 6, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – Waterfowl hunters are reminded by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to use basic safety precautions when boating.
Capt. Chris Huebner, the state’s hunting and boating safety coordinator, recommends the following guidelines:
- Wear a proper personal flotation device and insist that passengers wear one also.
- Be aware that small, flat-bottom vessels are prone to capsizing and swamping.
- Store equipment properly and keep it evenly distributed in the boat.
- Don’t overload the boat, especially with passengers.
- Keep hunting dogs prone in the center of the boat.
- Never move about the boat with a loaded shotgun.
A particular danger is posed by hypothermia – the loss of body heat. Exposure to extreme cold, such as being in cold water or wearing wet clothes in cold conditions, can increase the chance of hypothermia. Capt. Huebner advises wearing proper cold weather clothing, avoiding cotton, relying on wool and synthetic materials instead.
“Dress in layers, cover head and hands, and avoid over-exertion or fatigue,” Huebner says. “In case of capsizing or swamping, stay with the boat. It will still provide some flotation and will be the initial focus of a rescue attempt.”
As with any type of hunting, it is a good idea to let someone know where you plan to hunt and an approximate time of return. Keep a cell phone in a waterproof bag that can be used without removal from the bag.
Successful completion of a Hunter Education course, offered free by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission throughout the state, is required for all first-time hunting license buyers. For course schedules, game regulations and additional hunting safety information, click here or call (919) 707-0031.
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N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Postpones Trout Stocking for Reddies River
November 3, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has postponed the November delayed-harvest trout stocking for Reddies River in Wilkes County. The current water quality conditions in the river could impact the survival of stocked fish.
The portion of Reddies River downstream of the city’s water supply reservoir was added to the Commission’s Delayed Harvest Trout Waters Program in July 2008. The river was stocked with more than 1,000 trout in October and additional trout stockings were scheduled for November 2008, and March, April and May 2009.
In early October, North Wilkesboro informed the Commission that the city would begin dredging operations in the reservoir upstream of the delayed-harvest section. The ongoing dredging has resulted in increased turbidity in the river to levels that could result in reduced survival of stocked trout.
The City of North Wilkesboro expects the dredging to take up to nine months to complete.  Additional stockings planned for the delayed-harvest portion of Reddies River during March, April, and May 2009 may also be postponed. Fish stocking will resume once river conditions improve.
“We regret the unexpected temporary loss of this trout fishing opportunity,” said Mallory Martin, regional supervisor with the Commission’s Division of Inland Fisheries. “However, several other delayed-harvest trout waters are within an hour’s drive of Reddies River. Nearby high quality fishing opportunities include the East Prong Roaring River in Wilkes County, Mitchell River in Surry County, Helton Creek and Trout Lake in Ashe County, and Watauga River in Watauga County.”
For more information on delayed-harvest regulations, weekly stocking updates or fishing regulations in effect on specific streams, click here.
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A Universally Accessible Pier is Latest Feature at Westwood Park, NC
October 28, 2008
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. – New pond. New fish. New pier. As part of a multi-phase effort to bring more fishing opportunities to local anglers, the City of Mount Airy, in cooperation with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, recently completed construction of a universally accessible fishing pier on Tumbling Rock Reservoir in Westwood Park.
The 59-foot floating pier is the latest feature at Westwood Park, which is located at 1250 Galax Trail. It has a T-shape section at the end that is 48 feet long and 11 feet wide, easily accommodating several wheelchair-bound anglers. The pier features seven low handrails to make it easier for anglers in wheelchairs and children to cast their lines into the 3-acre pond, which was drained in 2005 and re-filled in September 2007.
Commission personnel stocked the pond last year with 1,350 largemouth bass and bluegill. They also stocked an additional 300 redear sunfish fingerlings this fall to create a self-sustaining fishery.
Biologists expect these young fish to grow to catchable size in two to three years. Anglers, however, will be able to fish for catchable-size channel catfish next summer when the Commission begins stocking catfish through its Community Fishing Program (CFP). The program will begin in July 2009, and 900 catfish will be stocked monthly through October. After 2009, monthly stockings will occur from May through October.
According to Kin Hodges, fisheries biologist with the Commission, the decision to delay catfish stocking until next summer will maximize the survival of the fingerlings.
“The sunfish and largemouth bass were stocked at 2 to 3 inches long. If we had stocked the channel catfish this year, they could have ended up eating a lot of the fingerlings,” Hodges said. “By waiting until 2009 to stock the catfish, most of the bass and sunfish fingerlings should be large enough to avoid being eaten by the catfish.”
Because the reservoir was refilled recently, the fingerlings have plenty of places to hide from predators.
“There are currently lots of bushes growing in the shallow areas of the pond, which took root while the pond was drawn down for renovations,” Hodges said. “Now that the pond has been refilled, they make great shallow-water fish habitat.”
Additionally, creek channels winding through the bottom of the pond provide deep-water sanctuaries for fish.
“Fish like these types of places because they like to hang out in deep water, while still being close to shallow water,” Hodges added.
To facilitate access to the pond, public services and park personnel constructed a universally accessible paved trail connecting the main parking area to the pond. The trail encircles the pond, providing excellent access for bank anglers.
“The trail leading to the pond is closed to vehicles so anglers have to walk about 1/5 of a mile to the pond from the parking area,” said Jeff Boyles, Mt. Airy director of public services. “However, anglers with disabilities will be allowed to drive to the pond, and there are several parking spaces designated as universally accessible right beside the pond.”
The fish stockings, fishing pier and plans to install a floating fish feeder in 2009 are part of a fisheries management plan jointly developed by Hodges and Mt. Airy officials through the Commission’s Community Fishing Program.
The Community Fishing Program is a cooperative venture between the Commission and local governments to provide more fishing opportunities in city and county parks, particularly for the young, elderly and physically challenged. Program expenses are cost-shared with local cooperators, with the Commission providing 75 percent of the operating funds through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund and local cooperators paying the remaining 25 percent.
In addition to partnering with the Wildlife Commission, the City of Mount Airy secured funding for Westwood Park from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the Resource Institute, according to Catrina Alexander, Mt. Airy director of parks and recreation.
“Westwood Park is a great example of local government developing partnerships to stretch its budget and to maximize recreational opportunities for the community,” Alexander said. “Families visiting Westwood Park can have fun on our two ball fields, a picnic shelter, playground area, par fitness golf, a 9-hole Frisbee golf course, 6 miles of mountain bike trails, nearly 1 ½ miles of gravel and paved trails, and of course, the new fishing pier on Tumbling Rock Reservoir.”
For more information about Westwood Park, call the Mt. Airy Parks and Recreation Department at 336-786-8313, or visit www.mountairy.org.
For more information about the Wildlife Commission’s Community Fishing Program or fishing in the state’s public, inland waters, click here, or call the Division of Inland Fisheries, (919) 707-0220.
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Walkway Will Pave the Way to More Fishing Programs in Fayetteville
October 14, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – A new walkway at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center is paving the way for anglers of all ages, skill levels and abilities to enjoy more fishing opportunities at the Fayetteville-based center.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is selling engraved pavers to help support aquatic programs conducted at the center, as well as fisheries outreach programs coordinated across the state through the center, including a mobile aquarium, kids’ fishing events and a Tackle Loaner Program. The stone pavers will form the “Conservationist Walkway,” which will wrap around the new facility.
Stone pavers are available in three sizes:
- 3-inch by 6-inch paver, $50, engraved with up to 20 characters including spaces;
- 6-inch by 6-inch paver, $75, engraved with up to 40 characters including spaces; and
- 6-inch by 9-inch paver, $100, engraved with up to 48 characters including spaces.
Paver purchases are tax-deductible.
The Commission provides two easy ways to order a paver:
- Online at www.ncwildstore.com (credit card purchases only); or
- Mail in the completed application form, available at www.ncwildlife.org/paver, along with a check or money order to: Wild Store Order Desk, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1710 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1710
“The Conservationist Walkway is a unique and lasting way to pay tribute to family and loved ones and, at the same time, support aquatic programs conducted at the center,” said Kristopher Smith, director of the Pechmann Center. “It was appropriate that the walkway be placed at the Pechmann Center; our mission is teaching kids and adults about the sport of fishing and the conservation of aquatic resources.” Â
For more information on the Conservationist Walkway, contact Smith at (910) 868-2468, ext. 14. For additional information on fishing in public, inland waters click here or call the agency’s Division of Inland Fisheries, (919) 707-0220.
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Organizations in N.C. Can Now Reserve Huntmaster Lifts Online
October 6, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has set up a Web site where organizations can reserve a mobile hunting lift for structured disabled special-needs hunting events.
The ten Huntmaster lifts – acquired cooperatively through efforts by the N.C. Handicapped Sportsman and the NCWRC – can also be used for wildlife viewing, and are located at NCWRC depots across the state.
The site allows those wanting to use a Huntmaster to determine if one is available on the day of their event, and to fill out and submit an application form. The Web site also provides an operators manual for the lifts, depot locations, and vehicle requirements for towing the Huntmaster.
To access the site “Huntmaster Hunt Unit”, click here.
The Huntmaster hunter-green lifts feature solar panels to keep them powered during long hunting trips. The lifts provide a fully-enclosed hunting compartment with leveling stabilizers, a roof, windows and a bench for comfort. The Huntmaster can lift up to 750 pounds to a height of 20 feet.
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Kids Wildlife Art Exhibit Comes to N.C. Museum of Art
August 18, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. – An exhibition that is truly wild is coming to the N.C. Museum of Art.
The one-time exhibit “Kids Wildlife Art Competition” will open on Tuesday, Aug. 19 and close on Nov. 23. It features artwork by winners and selected honorable mention recipients from a juried contest for youth, held earlier this year by Wildlife in North Carolina magazine and the Museum of Art.
Children, kindergarten through eighth grade, were eligible to enter an image of a wild animal native to the state. A total of 3,365 did just that, with a variety of reptiles, birds, insects and mammals depicted in drawings, paintings and mosaics.
Winning art will be featured in a 2009 calendar, which will be available for sale in September in the Museum of Art store and online at www.ncwildstore.com.
Admission to the N.C. Museum of Art is free. Visit www.ncartmuseum.org for more information and directions.
Wildlife in North Carolina is the award-winning monthly magazine published by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. To view a sample issue online and for more information, click here.
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N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Wins National Awards
July 28, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. (- The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has won six national awards, including top honors for a documentary video, from the Association for Conservation Information (ACI).
Three first-place awards, two for second place and one third-place award were presented to the Wildlife Resources Commission, the state agency dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation, and the regulation of hunting, trapping, fishing and boating. The awards were announced at the ACI annual conference, held last week in Nashville, Tenn.
FIRST PLACE
- Exhibits and Dioramas category, for the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education in Raleigh. This state-of-the-art exhibit uses historic and contemporary displays, a large satellite map and murals, touch-screen monitors and joystick-operated, high-magnification video cameras for an interactive experience.
- One-time Publications (Books/Reports) category, for the 2007 Biennial Report. Titled “Building a Stronger Foundation,” this report covers accomplishments and activities from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006 for all six division of the agency.
- Video (other) category, for “The North Carolina Piedmont: Our Changing Habitats.” This 20-minute video is shown daily at the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education and presents a historical timeline of changes in the Piedmont landscape, from natural areas to suburban sprawl.
SECOND PLACE
- Magazine (4-color) category, for Wildlife in North Carolina. The agency’s monthly magazine features the best outdoors writers, artists and photographers, covering the diverse natural and recreational opportunities of North Carolina,.
- Education and Outreach category, for “Wildlife Profiles.” These fun and factual looks at native species are found online at www.ncwildlife.org in the “Outdoors Kids” section, but are useful for any age.
THIRD PLACE
- Communications Campaigns category, for “Blue Light = No Wake” boating law awareness. This year-long effort included a 30-second video broadcast spot, poster distribution, news releases and wallet-sized informative cards, as well as outreach and public appearances by wildlife officers.
Founded in 1938, ACI is a non-profit association of state, federal and Canadian fish and game agencies, as well as private conservation organizations. Members play a major role in providing natural resource, environmental, wildlife and conservation information and education to the public through a variety of means, many of which are continental in scope. The association also trains and informs the agencies’ information and education professionals and provides forums to exchange ideas and improve skills.
