Among North Carolina's oldest traditions are hunting, trapping and fishing. Regulations governing these activities are designed to preserve and promote the natural resources so that they are abundantly available for present and future enjoyment.

There are several game lands in the region where hunters may pursue big and small game, including dove, deer, rabbit, wild turkey and black bear. Game lands include state and federal land as well as land leased from individuals and companies. Most game lands are accessible from public roads, while some have only water access. Green diamond-shaped signs identify game lands.

The 50,120-acre Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County is the largest local game land. It is a varied wetland of pocosins (peat-bottomed lowlands) and pine savannahs threaded by winding creeks and existing in some noncontiguous parcels. It's north of Wilmington, roughly between U.S. Highway 17 west to the northeast Cape Fear River and between N.C. highways 210 and 53.

The Green Swamp Game Land, a 14,851-acre expanse lying in nearly one contiguous block bordered by N.C. Highway 211 in Brunswick County, is among the most isolated areas remaining in southeastern North Carolina. Foot travel only is permitted here, and it's an easy place get lost. The Nature Conservancy owns this land, and much of it, as the name suggests, is low-lying wetland and pocosin.

Lying within New Hanover County, the Sutton Lake Game Land is a 3,322-acre land leased from CP&L. It is bordered by N.C. Highway 421 and the Cape Fear River.

Roan Island is a 2,757-acre island situated in Pender County at the confluence of the Cape Fear River and the Black River, a National Scenic River that is still in relatively pristine condition. The island lies in the flood plain and has the oldest stand of bald cypress trees in the eastern United States. Partly covered by water, it supports wild turkey and black bear as well as various smaller game, including some rare and endangered species such as the short-nose sturgeon. Access to Roan Island is only by boat.

Hunting licenses are issued by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, License Section. They can be purchased specifically for big game or small game and are also available combined with fishing licenses. A wide variety of licenses is available for both residents and non-residents. Short-term, annual and lifetime licenses can be purchased for hunting, fishing, trapping and combinations thereof.

For more information, contact North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Division of Wildlife Management, NCSU Centennial Campus, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606-2576, (919) 707-0010. Maps and information are available on the website www.ncwildlife.org.

The North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest offers up-to-date details about game lands, seasons, fees and regulations. It's free and is available where licenses are sold. The entire digest is online at www.ncwildlife.org.

Hunting licenses may be purchased online or by phone at (888) 248-6834. Call the License Section of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at (919) 707-0391 for more information. Licenses may also be purchased at the following locations:

Wal-Mart, 5135 Carolina Beach Road at Monkey Junction, Wilmington, (910) 452-0944

Wal-Mart Super Center, 1675 Howe Street, Southport,
(910) 454-9909

Canady's Sport Center
3220 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington
(910) 791-6281

Canady's is among the best one-stop retail stores for hunters. Staffers are knowledgeable in rifle and bow hunting. Clothing, field gear and a good selection of binoculars are stocked as well as rifles, shotguns, bows, arrows, knives, boots and just about anything else a hunter needs. Canady's is open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM. Canady's is closed on Sunday.

Dick's Sporting Goods
816 S.College Rd., Wilmington
(910) 793-1904