Outdoor Notes: Hunter Skills Tournaments scheduled

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has set the schedule for the 2012 Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments, marking the 34th year for the popular statewide shooting sports events. The Commission will conduct nine district-level competitions in March, with hundreds of middle school and high school students taking part. The tournament for Wildlife District 2, which includes Craven and surrounding counties, will be at the New Hanover County Law Enforcement Officers Association Range in Castle Hayne on March 10.

Competition in the Youth Hunter Education Skills Tournaments is conducted on senior (high school) and junior (middle and elementary schools) divisional levels, with overall team and individual awards based on aggregate scores in all events. There are events in rifle, shotgun and archery marksmanship, as well as an orienteering challenge and a wildlife knowledge test. Teams are organized within public and private schools. Teams representing organizations such as 4-H or FFA also can compete, provided they meet eligibility requirements. Top teams at the district level will advance to the state championship tournament, which will be held at the Millstone 4-H Center near Ellerbe on April 28.

In Season

Raccoon, Bobcat, Squirrel & Opossum – through Feb. 29 (note: no open season on fox squirrels in Craven Co.)

Striped bass – through April 30 in the Neuse River and its tributaries

Controlled shooting preserves – through March 31

Quail & rabbit – through Feb. 29

Calendar

Feb. 10-12 – The 17th annual East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival and North Carolina Decoy Carving Championships will be held in downtown Washington, NC. The event will include a DockDogs competition, the Southern Classic Duck, Goose and Swan Calling Championships, over 150 exhibitors, and much more. More information is available online at www.eastcarolinawildfowlguild.com

Feb. 11 – The Lenoir County Archers will host a 3-D archery tournament at their range near Kinston from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information or directions, contact Craig Harper by phone at 252-521-1851.

Feb. 26 – The first seminar in the Coastal Catchin’ Series will be held at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. The all-day event will feature Capt. Gary Dubiel, Capt. Dave Stewart, Bob Barwick and others explaining how to catch more striped bass in the Neuse and Pamlico river systems. Tickets ($25 in advance) are available at 252-249-1520 or online at captgary@specfever.com. Seating will be limited.