RESOLUTION
OPPOSE EXTENSION
OF GRAY SQUIRREL HUNTING SEASON
WHEREAS, The current North Carolina hunting season for eastern gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis (hereto referred as “gray squirrel”) was set in the 1960’s and is conducted mid October through January; and,
WHEREAS, the squirrel hunting season set forth by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is based upon extensive and comprehensive research findings over a 10 year period [see Frederick S. Barkalow, PhD National Science Foundation/ North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Study]; and,
WHEREAS, the supporting documentation of these in-depth studies related to the reproductive cycle of the gray squirrel substantiates two population peaks – one occurring in late winter and the other in late summer; and,
WHEREAS, of the two reproductive peaks the former is particularly important to the gray squirrel population as some of the young produced in late winters are known to breed during the later peak necessitating methodical management decisions; and,
WHEREAS, best management practices and utilization of scientific evidence is the cardinal principle upon which science-based wildlife management is based upon and this is the basis for which public trust for wildlife managers and resource agencies was built; and,
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has offered a proposal to extend the gray squirrel season into February in order that it coincides in full with the other small game hunting seasons; and,
WHEREAS, the aforementioned extensive gray squirrel research showed that, while the percentage of female gray squirrels lactating varied to some extent due to environmental and nutritional factors, most were lactating in February in the average year; and,
WHEREAS, if the hunting season were extended into February, the peak reproductive period, lactating females would invariably be killed thereby causing litters of nursing gray squirrels to die of starvation and dehydration; and,
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation has expressed its concerns related to this subject in comments prepared and provided to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina Wildlife
Federation, gathered at the Annual Meeting in
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED if the objective is to ensure opportunities to harvest gray squirrels due to carrying capacity evidence, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation is in support of opening the 3-day per week gamelands across the state for small game hunting on the previously off days and/or specially designated pre-season hunting opportunities such as the current youth waterfowl and wild turkey events.