Wednesday, July 27, 2011

New North Carolina Law Requires Written Permission to Hunt or Fish on Posted Lands

The North Carolina General Assembly recently passed a new law which requires hunters and anglers to obtain written permission from a landowner or leaseholder before hunting or fishing on privately-owned posted property; including land, waters, ponds or legally established waterfowl blinds.

The Landowner Protection Act also provides two ways for landowners to post their lands to allow only hunters, trappers and anglers with written permission to legally enter their property. Landowners can now post their land by using vertical purple paint marks on posts or trees, or, as in the past, by placing signs or posters. View the Landowner Protection Act document with more detailed instructions on posting property with signs or purple paint.

The Landowner Protection Act specifically relates only to hunting, fishing, or trapping on posted lands. It clarifies the existing G.S. 14-159.6 requirement for written consent to hunt, fish, or trap on posted lands by specifying that written permission, dated within the past 12 months and signed by the landowner, leaseholder, or agent of that land, be carried and displayed upon request of any law enforcement officer. If a hunting club has leased the land, a person shall have a copy of their hunting club membership and a copy of the landowner permission granted to that hunting club.

source: N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

Monday, July 25, 2011

2011 Chincoteague Pony Roundup

One of the most popular summertime events in the Mid Atlantic region is the Chincoteague Pony Roundup, Penning, Swim and Auction.

On the weekend prior the Pony Swim, "Saltwater Cowboys" begin rounding up about 150 wild ponies that live on Assateague Island.

About 50 ponies from the southern end of Assateague Island are herded into a southern corral. About 100 ponies reside a little further north on the Assateague Island. The northern herd is corralled temporarily before being led down the beach to the main corral.

On Monday, July 25th, 2011, the Saltwater Cowboys moved the ponies down the beach in a light rain. The roundup went well with the ponies making it safely to the southern corral.


Monday, July 18, 2011

New Jersey Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament

The 2011 New Jersey Governor's Surf Fishing Tournament will be held on October 2 at Island Beach State Park.

A variety of fish species are eligible for entry in the tournament each year. Overall length determines the winner. All fish must meet minimum length tournament requirements.

The individual who catches the overall largest fish wins the "Governor's Award," and has his/her name engraved on the Governor's Cup, which is permanently displayed at the park.

Fishing equipment is awarded to winners who catch the largest fish in each species category. Winners from the early entry drawing and the tournament must be present during the afternoon awards ceremony to claim their prizes or they will be forfeited.

Anglers planning to participate in the tournament should register early: doing so entitles you to save on the adult registration fee, be eligible for special prizes and avoid delays when entering the park. The early entry incentive ends September 10, 2011. After this date, anglers will be required to register at the tournament. Questions can be directed to 609-748-4347.

The tournament is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry, the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association.

source: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

Friday, July 15, 2011

Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge

wild Virginia hermit crab
The Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge is a one-of-a-kind event that's fun for the whole family. Also part of the celebration is the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant.

At the pageant, hermit crabs are presented in uniquely-decorated displays and judged on beauty and creativity.  Hermit crab owners are encouraged to build a unique display for their crab.

Approximately 300 hermit crabs participate in the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge each year. ALL participants receive a medal for being a part of this unique event.There are no fees for entering.

This family friendly event will be held on the beach at 30th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

For more information, call: (757) 491 - 7866

Friday, July 1, 2011

Susquehanna State Park Campground Opens

The Maryland Park Service (MPS) recently reopened the Susquehanna State Park campground, which had been closed for eight months while undergoing upgrades.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partnered with the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) to complete a variety of eco-friendly renovations.

To enhance the camper experience, MPS focused the renovation on the restroom and shower buildings. Energy-reducing green technologies in the renovated shower buildings include solar panels, on-demand hot water heaters, occupancy sensors, an insulated metal roof and clearstory windows.

Also incorporated into the design were low-flow faucets and dual flush toilets with an infrared beam powered by small solar panels. The park salvaged old fixtures to be re-used and all concrete and metal from the old building was recycled.

On the exterior, workers installed “pervious paving” which allows storm water to be filtered back into the surrounding area.  The renovations also provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility and include two new campsites with 30 amp electric hookups for campers with RVs.

A top Mid Atlantic camping destination, the Susquehanna State Park campground offers campers access to the Susquehanna River. It is downstream of the Conowingo Dam, an area renowned for fishing, boating, hunting and general outdoor recreation for the public.

Campers are invited to make reservations for the 61 campsites, 8 campsites with electric hook-ups, and 6 mini-cabins by visiting reservations.dnr.state.md.us or calling 1-888-432-2267. 

July 4th 2011- Boating Safety

Every year, prior to the 4th of July and other major boating holidays, the U.S. Coast Guard urges boaters and beachgoers to be safe and prepared for the holiday weekend.

Being educated about safe boating could save a life. Most boating fatalities occur when the boat operator has not completed a boating safety education course. Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the weather.

The Coast Guard also urges boaters to obtain a free vessel safety check, which is conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary before heading out on the water. Vessel safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.

For boating, beach and water safety information, visit the following resources:

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: http://www.cgaux.org/

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

United States Lifesaving Association’s Top Ten Beach and Water Safety Tips: http://www.usla.org/?page=SAFETYTIPS