RALEIGH - The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold a public hearing on April 22 at its headquarters in Raleigh to accept public comments on a proposed temporary rule change authorizing the Commission to establish still hunting zones on game lands.

Under the proposed rule, the use of dogs for taking deer and bear will be prohibited on portions of game land posted as "Still Hunting Zone." This new game land designation will provide an additional mechanism for addressing trespass and safety concerns of adjacent private landowners.

Text of the proposed temporary rule may be viewed on the Office of Administrative Hearings website athttp://www.ncoah.com/rules/.

Before the Commission can post a Still Hunting Zone, the proposed rule requires the agency to conduct a public meeting in the area where the game land is located and requires presentation of public comments at an official Commission meeting for final determination.

If approved, the proposed temporary rule change will take effect July 1, 2014, enabling the Commission to schedule public meetings about establishing potential Still Hunting Zones in respective game lands. The temporary rule will remain effective for up to 270 days, during which time the Commission will pursue an identical permanent rule.

The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium Room 118 located on the 1st floor of the Wildlife Resources Commission headquarters at 1751 Varsity Drive on the Centennial Campus of N.C. State University in Raleigh.

Comments also may be submitted between April 16 and May 9, 2014, to regulations@ncwildlife.org or Kate Pipkin, 1722 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1722.

About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.