Commission closes two game lands to target shooting over safety concerns

Target shooting no longer allowed on Holly Shelter, Stones Creek game lands

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has halted target shooting on Holly Shelter and Stones Creek game lands, citing habitat destruction and public safety concerns.

The Commission issued an advisory notifying the public of the ban, which is effective immediately. Holly Shelter and Stones Creek game lands encompass nearly 67,000 acres in Pender and Onslow counties and are popular destinations for hunters, anglers, birders, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Taking action under NCGS§ 113-264 and 15 NCAC 10D .0102 (a), the Wildlife Commission will enforce entry onto Holly Shelter and Stones Creek game lands for the purpose of target shooting as trespassing.

The Commission also now prohibits geocaching on days open to hunting during the youth-only and statewide wild turkey hunting seasons on Holly Shelter and Stones Creek game lands.

Rep. Chris Millis, who represents Pender and Onslow counties in the state House, was instrumental in assisting the Commission to enact the measures in a timely and effective manner, according to Ashton Godwin, legislative liaison for the Commission.

“Rep. Millis helped guide our actions to address both safety and conservation concerns, and to accommodate recreational use of Holly Shelter and Stones Creek game lands,” Godwin said.

The Commission plans to construct a shooting range facility on Holly Shelter Game Land to accommodate target shooters. The shooting range, which will feature a 200-yard rifle range and a pistol range, is in the final permitting stages. Officials anticipate the shooting range will be completed this summer.

Indiscriminate target shooting throughout those two game lands has resulted in significant habitat destruction and created an unsafe environment for game land visitors and homeowners who live near the game lands.