The
2016 dove hunting season opened Sept. 5 and Camp Lejeune hunters have
been getting out into the field. On opening weekend, we recorded a total
of 100 hunting sessions equaling 218 hours of effort. This effort
resulted in 42 hunters harvesting a total of 350 doves (172 doves were
harvested in 2015 for the same time period). Within the first week of
the season, Camp Lejeune hunters have harvested 579 doves.
Archery
season for white-tailed deer opened Sept. 10. Within the first weekend,
Camp Lejeune hunters harvested five deer. We recorded a total of 424
hunting sessions equaling 1,493 hours of effort.
Blackpowder season begins Oct. 1, followed by gun season Oct. 15.
We’d like to remind
everyone that the Conservation Law Enforcement office has moved to SAW
400 on Old Saw Mill Road. Old Saw Mill Road is currently only accessible
via Holcomb Boulevard. Office hours are Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
New check-in station is located at SAW 402.
TIPS and REMINDERS:
Consider the safety of yourselves and others. Wear an orange cap and vest if you’re hunting deer in a gun hunting area.
Make an effort to be
mindful of others. Be careful where you park, and don’t block others’
access. Move quietly. If you know a hunter is in an area, provide at
least 100 yards of distance as you pass by them.
When hunting with a
gun, maintain a distance of at least 200 yards from built-up areas,
closed areas (no hunt areas), and roads. When bow-hunting, stay at least
100 yards from these areas.
Don’t go "mudding."
This practice degrades wildlife habitat and ultimately decreases
wildlife populations. It is not permitted on base and strictly enforced.
Drive slowly as you traverse wet roads, so you don’t tear them up.
Take full advantage of
the more than 100 wildlife clearings and food plots scattered across the
base. However, do not drive in them. Cross-country driving, just like
mudding, degrades wildlife habitat and is not permitted on base.
Follow all other direction in Base Order 5090.115 (available at www.lejeune.marines.mil/Offices-Staff/Conservation-Law-Enforcement.)
Base Wildlife staff are excited that the hunting
season is upon us and that hunters had such a successful opening to the
dove and deer seasons. We wish hunters all the best this season; stay
safe out there.