Coastal Waterfowl Impoundments may Lack Water Levels for Hunting

N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reminds public that upcoming hunting seasons remain open.

October 15, 2007

ROWAN COUNTY NC NEWS -- Despite continuing drought conditions, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has reminded the public that no changes have been made to upcoming hunting seasons. Additionally, waterfowl hunting may be negatively impacted by drought conditions, but will remain open.

Due to severe drought conditions, some coastal waterfowl impoundments may lack adequate water levels for hunting, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Most waterfowl impoundments are filled by pumping water from adjacent sources, but this approach may not be an option unless the Coastal area receives significant rainfall in the coming weeks.

Currently, all impoundments on the Roanoke River Wetlands Game Land are unable to be flooded and will be dry during early season hunting.

Another waterfowl impoundment, the 1,140-acre Second Creek Game Land, a wooded impoundment in Rowan County, is completely dry. This situation is unlikely to improve without above-normal rainfall through the end of the year. The water level at the Second Creek impoundment relies solely on runoff and backwater from the creek. In a year with normal rainfall, it holds water year round, but with the ongoing extreme drought, the impoundment has been dry since August. In addition, this is the first year of operation for Second Creek Game Land.

The following may also lack sufficient water sources to flood completely:

• Lodge Road Impoundment.
• Portions of the Greentree Impoundments on Holly Shelter Game Land.
• Parts of the J. Morgan Futch Impoundment.
• Much of the rainfall-dependant Parker Farm, which is part of the Goose Creek Game Land.

Furthermore, due to severe drought conditions, the waterfowl impoundments at Butner Falls of Neuse Game Land may remain completely dry this fall. The impoundments are open to waterfowl hunting through a randomly drawn special permit hunt, which requires a $5 application fee. Though the permit hunts remain available, prospects look dim for productive waterfowl habitat on Butner's impoundments. While the drawings will still take place, applicants should understand that drought conditions may negatively impact hunting opportunities.

Chief of the Wildlife Management Division, David Cobb said, "Although we are planning no changes to the upcoming hunting seasons with respect to the current drought, we do urge hunters to use extraordinary caution while afield due to the current dry conditions and the extreme potential for wildfire."

Finally, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission urges hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to use extreme caution during dry weather. General carelessness, campfires and cigarette butts are obvious wildfire threats, but a less perceptible igniter such as a muzzleloader rifle or a vehicle's hot catalytic converter can also set dry grasses afire.