RALEIGH, N.C. (Dec. 5, 2005) — A prohibition on river herring and restrictions on importing parts of deer and related animals are among several proposed changes to the state’s fishing and hunting rules.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold its annual series of public hearings across the state in January, asking for public comments on an array of proposed changes to hunting, fishing and trapping regulations. After hearing public comments, the 19 members of the state Wildlife Resources Commission will meet in March and vote whether to adopt the revised rules. Click here for a complete list and explanation of the 20 fishing and 35 hunting proposals (pdf -opens to new window).

Some of the proposals apply only to a single county, a single public game land or even to a single body of water. Others would affect hunting and fishing on a broader scale.

The proposed ban on importing certain deer, elk and moose parts from other states is intended to protect North Carolina animals from chronic wasting disease. The fatal neurological disease has afflicted deer and elk in 12 states and two Canadian provinces. It has not been detected in North Carolina. The restrictions would allow the following deer, elk or moose parts to enter the state if the items are properly labeled:

The proposed ban on fishing for alewife and blueback herring, which are collectively known as river herring, would prohibit taking or possessing the fish in coastal rivers and their tributaries up to the first dam. Coastal stocks of river herring are severely depleted, and restrictions are necessary to promote their recovery.

Other proposed hunting and fishing rules changes include:

Full text of the proposed regulations changes can be found here (pdf - opens to new window).

Submit your comments in person at the public hearings or in writing to 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1701. You also can submit comments online.

The Wildlife Resources Commission will hold nine public hearings across the state:

2006 Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Public Hearings Schedule

see Wildlife Resources Commission district boundaries (gif)