FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Hunting and archery season 2014 officially begins for enthusiasts in northeastern North Carolina including Fort Bragg, Sept. 13. Whether hunting for sport and camaraderie, food for the family, or enjoying nature and the outdoors, it’s always important to keep safety as a number one priority.
“Over the last few decades, since 1967 to be exact, there has been approximately 750,000 hunting attempts on Fort Bragg,” said Jeffrey G. Jones, wildlife biologist at the Fort Bragg Wildlife Branch. “And in that time, we have had only three hunting accidents.”
For hunters on Fort Bragg, there are unique circumstances, which are absent or uncommon to public hunting areas. Units conducting field training exercises, pedestrians, parking lots and running/biking trails are a few of the risk factors exclusive to hunting on post.
According to the FBWB website, “Deer hunting on Fort Bragg is very popular, as we usually record approximately 10,000 hunting attempts every year.”
In addition to hunting deer, there are many other game species inhabiting Fort Bragg. Hunters are able to pursue coyote, turkey, fish, dove and other small game species. Fort Bragg offers archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunting, subject to the military training schedule and hunting season dates.
With safety as a top priority, there a few measures hunters must take to obtain a permit on post:
Obtain a North Carolina state hunting license
Complete state hunter education course
Attend Fort Bragg hunting education briefing
Keep all certifications under 3 years old
Purchase correct permits for desired species
The education courses are designed to familiarize hunters with local regulations, rules for hunting and increase safety awareness. There are fees associated with obtaining permits and education courses, for more information, visit the Fort Bragg Wildlife Branch permit website at: www.bragg.army.mil/directorates/dpw/envdiv/wildlife/pages/permits or by phone at 396-9474.
Minors wanting to accompany hunters are encouraged to attend the Fort Bragg education briefing, although it is not mandatory. Hunters are responsible for the supervision of minors. For more information on supervision rules, contact the FBWB.
Hunters with permits, while hunting must carry the following items in their possession at all times:
Post hunting permit
Picture identification
State hunting license including all appropriate tags (federal duck stamp, big game harvest card, etc.)
All firearms are required to be registered. Do not physically bring the firearm to be registered.
For more information, contact the Vehicle/Weapons Registration Center located in the All American Visitor Center at 432-8193, or visit: www.bragg.army.mil/directorates/dpw/envdiv/wildlife/pages/WeaponRegistration.
It is recommended that all hunters keep the following safety rules in mind while actively hunting:
Always be mindful of surroundings, including nearby buildings and roads
Be mindful that there will be other hunters in the area
Multiple game can be hunted in the same area
No discharging of weapons from vehicles
No discharge of weapon within 300 feet of roadways and 300 yards of buildings/ camping areas.
All hunters must wear bright orange vests while hunting to improve visibility
No hunting allowed within 300 feet of the All American Trail
No weapons are to be transported while loaded, weapons and ammunition will be kept separate. In addition the weapon will be keep cased.
Never pick up or touch unexploded ammunition and duds
Never consume alcohol or drugs while hunting
Violators of regulation and safety rules will be considered for Uniformed Code of Military Justice action, suspension of hunting privileges, and prosecution before a United States federal judge.
For a list of regulations and other detailed information related to hunting on Fort Bragg, visit the FBWB website at www.bragg.army.mil/directorates/dpw/envdiv/wildlife or on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/fortbraggwildlife.
“The added safety measures contribute to the great safety record we have here on post,” said Jones. “Measures which aren’t typically done on any other hunting land, making for a safer hunting experience. “