Outdoors notebook: Wildlife group calls for review

The N.C. Camo Coalition, the political action arm of the N.C. Wildlife Federation (NCWF), has asked Gov. Beverly Purdue to investigate allegations that appointments to the state’s Wildlife Commission were made in return for political donations. An emergency resolution passed by the NCWF board of directors on Nov. 2 points to charges that the appointment of certain members to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission was predicated upon political donations of over $100,000. These allegations came in sworn testimony during the recent Board of Elections hearings regarding irregularities in former-Governor Mike Easley’s 2004 gubernatorial campaign.

“If these allegations prove true,” said Tim Gestwicki, executive director of the N.C. Wildlife Federation, “we call upon Governor Purdue to immediately demand the resignations of any individuals who were appointed under such inappropriate circumstances. She should then appoint duly qualified, representative citizens to serve out any replaced terms. Gestwicki went on to note that, “The North Carolina Wildlife Federation is as committed to ensuring that the wildlife of this state is managed without interference of politics and personal gain as we were to the creation of science-based wildlife management a half-century ago.”

Hunter safety courses offered

The Hunter Safety Course, required by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission of all newly licensed hunters over the age of 16, will be offered at the following locations this month.

Nov. 7-8 - Pamlico Community College, Bayboro; contact Officer Tyler Brown at 252-745-4818

Nov. 19, 20, 21 – Jacksonville Moose Lodge (off Hwy. 17N on Moosehaven Rd.); contact Jerome Scott at 910-324-3486

Nov. 21-22 – Trentwoods Fire Department, Trentwoods; contact Officer Steve Long at 252-636-1429.

There is no charge for the course; however attendance is mandatory at each session to receive credit. Additional information, including directions if needed, is available from the contact person listed (between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.) Participants can register by phone or online at www.ncwildlife.org. 

In season

Rails (all species): through Nov. 13

Gallinule & Moorhens: through Nov. 13

Deer: through Jan. 1  

Wild Boar: through Feb. 28

Sea Ducks (in Special Sea Duck Areas): through Jan. 30

Bobcat, Raccoon & Opossum: through Feb. 28

Gray Squirrel: through Feb. 13

Fox Squirrel: through Dec. 31 (in Jones, Lenoir, Onslow and select other counties)

Grouse: through Feb. 28

Controlled Shooting Preserves:  through Mar. 31

Ducks, Mergansers & Coots: Nov. 14 – Dec. 5 & Dec. 19 – Jan. 30 (Note- No black or mottled ducks shall be taken until Dec. 1)

Canada Geese: Nov. 14 – Dec. 5 & Dec. 19 – Feb. 6

Tundra Swan: Nov. 14 – Jan. 30 (by permit only)

Light Geese (snow, blue & Ross’ geese): Nov. 14 – Mar. 10

Brant: Nov. 21 – Dec. 5 & Dec. 19 – Jan. 30

Doves: Nov. 23 – 28 & Dec. 19 – Jan. 15