Post by oldsouth on Nov 22, 2015 17:08:04 GMT -5
I was born in eastern NC, but went to high school in SC, college in GA and now live in TN. So, I haven't hunted or trapped much in NC since I was a kid with family land in Bladen County. After the trapping season ends here, I'm planning to head back to NC, somewhere on the sounds or coastal rivers... hopefully in time for the shad run. When I was a kid, the fish markets always had snapping turtles and frogs for sale - last time I was down, I didn't see any turtles in the markets. Since I'll be moving in the spring, turtles would be the first thing I could really focus on trapping. But, I can't find out much of anything on trapping snapping turtles or frog gigging (other than that NC regs are written by lawyers who get paid by the word - really, ridiculously complicated in many areas.... and why can't you snare anything but beaver? That is freakin' stupid!). I'm hoping y'all can help me out. Do they fall under hunting or fishing? Is there a license needed for either? Are there trap regs for turtles? Are there bag and season limits? Can you sell them? If so, do you need a permit to sell them? All I could find was something about wildlife collecting, but that seems to be more for catching lizards and box turtles for pets or research. Also, how far east do ground hogs inhabit? They are everywhere around here (and good eating), but I don't remember seeing them in eastern NC. Oh, and I see there is no closed season on armadillos - are there many in NC and if so, where? I hear they are tasty, so I'd like to try one if I get a chance. Beyond that, it looks like the NC coyote population is really out of control - I'll plan to trap them hard, year 'round. So, NC is where my roots are - my family has been there since the 1600's. I look forward to getting to know you all and participating a lot in any way I can. I've got some great old family recipes for barbecued hog (preferably wild) and can actually cook coon and possum so most people enjoy eating it... awesome turtle soup and brunswick stew too - maybe some of y'all can come over for a cook out once I get settled.