Get Started Outdoors and Prepare for White-Tail Season with Deer Hunting and Processing Events
North Carolinians who have never hunted, are new to hunting or lack social support for hunting are encouraged to attend two free webinars: Introduction to Deer Hunting on Aug. 9 and Practical Deer Processing: From Field to Freezer on Aug. 11. Classes run 7-8 p.m. and require pre-registration.
“Both webinars are intended to assist novice hunters for the upcoming white-tailed deer season, which opens September 10,” said Walter “Deet” James, hunter engagement coordinator, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for people who may not have access to an existing hunting community of family members and friends. Each session will be followed by a question and answer session led by agency staff and volunteers.”
Chronic Wasting Disease, detected for the first time in North Carolina in a deer harvested in Yadkinville last season, will also be discussed as it relates to new regulations in Yadkin County and surrounding areas.
Deer Hunting and Deer Processing
Introduction to Deer Hunting helps newcomers start deer hunting, but experienced hunters and hunter mentors with mentees are encouraged to attend. Participants can expect visual images and discussions on whitetail deer habits and habitats, including the need for scouting, essential equipment and techniques, safe use of treestands, spotting white-tailed deer in the woods, effective shot placement, tracking techniques, and what to do after the shot.
Practical Deer Processing: From Field to Freezer will focus on field dressing, skinning, safe meat handling and basic home processing. Experienced hunters and hunter mentors with mentees are encouraged to attend.
This and other free deer hunting webinars are provided through cooperative efforts between N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. Wildlife Federation.
Getting Started Outdoors (GSO)
A Getting Started Outdoors: Deer Hunting 101 workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Wood Duck Farm in Gastonia. GSO hunting workshops address informational barriers to participation for those interested in hunting who don’t know how to get started. GSO provides a surrogate mentored experience for those lacking social support via existing hunting family members or friends.
GSO workshops are designed to teach new hunting individuals “how to hunt” via multifaceted hunting-related skills and strategies experience and then hunting alone or with support from family members or friends following the GSO. Attendance is by request only.
Attendance requirements:
- Never hunted (primary target audience).
- Minimal hunting experience (have not actively hunted for more than three years).
- Lack social support (don’t have hunting family members or friends).
- Lapsed and inactive hunters, including those who have never harvested big game such as turkey or deer.
Attendance prerequisites:
For additional webinar and GSO information including volunteer opportunities, contact Walter “Deet” James at [email protected] (preferred), 919-707-0059 (office) or 984-202-1387 (mobile).
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