NC Wildlife Resources Commission Votes on Rule Changes, See What Affects Watauga

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission voted yesterday on proposed rule changes to 39 agency regulations related to wildlife management, fisheries, game lands, and law enforcement for the 2017-18 seasons.

The effective date for these regulations is Aug. 1, 2017.

Of the 39 proposed rule changes presented during public hearings in January, 38 were approved. The one proposal that was not approved would have prohibited the use of archery equipment for taking nongame fishes on a section of Lake James (F15). This proposed change was designed to protect muskellunge during the spawning season. After hearing from constituents, wildlife commissioners recognized that stakeholders are working together to…