Public can voice input at meetings or online
Many outdoorsmen complain about fish and game laws, and they have good reason to do so. And while they are quick to make their opinions known around hunting camp, the local diner, or on Facebook, they aren’t so quick to share their feelings with the folks who have the power to make changes in those laws.
Throughout the month of January, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will give those folks a chance to be heard. The NCWRC will hold nine public hearings to talk about proposed changes to the management of North Carolina’s wildlife, public game lands, and fishing regulations for the 2016-17 seasons.
One of the proposed changes is regarding the sale of raw, untanned deer hides from legally harvested deer, or those killed by automobiles. While processed hides are currently legal to sell, raw and untanned hided remain prohibited. This proposal, if passed, will allow that as well.
One of the other proposals would change the weight at which bear cubs are measured from 50-pounds to 75-pounds.
Another proposal would all all-days hunts by youth on youth waterfowl hunting days. Currently, youth hunts end at 1 p.m.
Wildlife Damage Control Agents also have something at stake in these meetings. These folks currently have to renew their license by taking a commission training course, but a proposal will allow for recertification every three years through a host of options.
A proposed change for catfish anglers would allow only one blue catfish over 32-inches on Lake Tillery, Lake Wylie, and Mountain Island Reservoir.
The public hearings will allow outdoorsmen to hear and voice their opinions on the numerous proposals for the new year.
Click here to see the full list of proposals. The link also allow for comments from the public, and is a good way to have your voice heard even if you cannot make it to any of the meetings.
The first meeting three meetings were on Jan. 5, 6, and 7. The next meeting is Jan. 12 in Clyde at Haywood Community College.
Jan. 13 is the following meeting in Morganton at the Leviton Auditorium of Western Piedmont Community College.
Jan. 14, the meeting will be in Elkin at Elkin High School at 334 Elk Spur Street.
Jan. 19, the Swain Auditorium in Edenton at 200 E. Church Street will host the meeting.
Jan. 20’s meeting will be in New Bern at the Craven Community College in Orringer Auditorium
Jan. 21 will be the final meeting, which will take place in Rocky Mount at Nash Community College in Brown Auditorium.
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