“Some will question me and sincerely ask, ‘Are you saying we need to relegate, legislate and manage red drum, striped bass and speckled trout simply so people can enjoy the experience of catching them?’” veteran Colerain angler Ray Brown told committee members. “The answer is ‘Yes.’
Study used by Perdue shows recreational fishing more important than commercial fishing
February 02 at 12:33 pm Statistics that Gov. Bev Perdue used to try and convince the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue the dredging of Oregon Inlet last year provides plenty of fodder for those supporting changes in the way North Carolina manages its saltwater fisheries resources.
The plea by Perdue actually shows recreational saltwater fishing is far more important to the state's economy than commercial fishing, which strengthens the argument for protection of red drum, speckled trout and stripers by granting those species gamefish status.
Waterfowl Photo Contest voting begins
February 01 at 1:57 pm The contest, which was free to all registered users of NorthCarolinaSportsman.com, features photos from this year’s waterfowl season. Users will choose the ultimate winner of the contest by voting on their favorite photo from among four finalist images as chosen by site administrators.
Environmental impact study stands between proposed wind farm and state approval
January 31 at 2:49 pm A company that wants to operate a wind farm in eastern North Carolina must do an environmental impact study before the North Carolina Department of Commerce will approve its application for a permit to build 49 wind turbines on 11,000 acres in northern Beaufort County.
The agency has crafted a “joint-proposed order” to allow Panteo Wind Energy, a subsidiary of the Chicago-based Invenergy, to permit the construction if the EIS does not turn up any major problems.
Outer Banks residents, businesses take big hit from final NPS decision on beach driving
January 30 at 12:25 pm The National Park Service announced on Jan. 23 its final rule for off-road beach driving and public beach access at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and, as expected, it drew mixed reviews from Outer Banks residents, businesses and environmental groups.
“It’s a lot worse than the injunction (that set up interim beach-driving and public-access rules),” said Frank Folb, owner of Fran & Frank’s tackle store at Avon.
Visiting fishermen say gamefish protection would benefit coastal tourism and economies
January 26 at 11:08 am Even in the current depressed economy, fishermen plan their vacations around catching fish. It’s the opinion of many fishermen that North Carolina is losing out on plenty of tourist dollars that could wind up in the state’s economy if the legislature designates red drum, speckled trout and striped bass as gamefish.
Free shooting clinic scheduled for Feb. 9
January 24 at 4:21 pm A free Shooting Sports 101 clinic is scheduled for Feb. 9 at the Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education at the North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus in Raliegh.
“This free clinic is ideal for anyone wanting to take up sporting clay competition or hunters who want to improve their skills,” said Kelsey Obernuefemann, a wildlife education specialist with the Wildlife Commission. “While participants will not be firing live rounds, the educational and safety components of the clinic will benefit everyone who attends.”
First private quail restoration efforts begin with Jan. 24 banquet
January 19 at 9:59 am Proceeds from a Jan. 24 banquet to be held by the newly formed Uwharrie Conservation Society will be dedicated to bobwhite quail habitat restoration efforts. The society formerly was known as the Uwharrie Quail Unlimited chapter.
The banquet will be held at Snyder’s Farm Restaurant at 6 p.m. near Randleman and will feature a 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. seafood buffet, raffles, silent and regular auctions, during which attendees can bid on quail hunts, outdoor artwork, Seagrove pottery, Klaussner’s furniture, and other outdoor gear and accessories. There also will be door prizes for men, women and children.
Silverthorne wins final Bag-a-Buck Contest round
January 18 at 3:06 pm When Mark Silverthorne of Charlotte saw a trail-cam photo of a huge buck back in late September, he decided to dedicate his entire season to trying to tag the trophy.
“From the first picture I got of that deer, I hunted it straight through October and November,” Silverthorne said. “That was the only deer I wanted.”
“All” includes dredging for shrimp and oysters, crabbing, setting gill and pound nets for flounder, and working as a deckhand on an ocean-going scallop boat. He also worked 18 months as a handyman for the National Park Service at Core Banks until a freak accident in 2000 nearly killed him. He’s also been a waterfowl guide, like his father, grandfather. uncles and great uncles.
Follow fight for gamefish protection of coastal fisheries on special Web page
January 13 at 3:36 pm The North Carolina legislature has charged the Saltwater Review Committee with making changes to the way the Tarheel State's saltwater fisheries are managed, and nearly every fisherman plying coastal rivers, sounds, bays and beaches could feel the effects of these decisions for years to come.
“Croakers and gray trout were the two breadwinners in the sound back in the ’70s,” said Albea, a Greenville native who produces and hosts two UNC-TV shows: Carolina Outdoor Journal and Exploring Carolina. “Fishing was great for recreational and commercial anglers then, but we didn’t have the big trawlers out there.”
Wilson County hunter fills freezer with sausage from huge wild boar
January 06 at 4:04 pm Jay Bailey of Black Creek had never seen a wild hog anywhere near the property he regularly hunts near Lucama in Wilson County. No tracks. No rooting. No wallows. No crop damage.
So, no shock when a hog that was well over 400 pounds appeared in a broomstraw field in front of his ladder stand right at dark on the afternoon of Dec. 6? Wrong.
