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KC in the Afternoon

North Carolina Wildlife Agency Reports Rise In Hunting Injuries For 2023

Author KC Atkins
Be careful out there hunting.

This year’s hunting season in North Carolina was one of the worst in terms of firearm safety and injuries. According to a report from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), 2023 saw a sharp uptick in firearm-related incidents that resulted in severe injury and even death.

The results of the report (seen here) reveal that 14 hunting incidents have occurred thus far in 2023, 11 of which were due to misuse of a firearm.

The report also shows that five of those incidents unfortunately resulted in fatalities. This is more fatalities than the past three hunting seasons combined, with only one fatality occurring between 2020 and 2022.

It’s believed that most of these incidents stem from hunters failing to adequately identify their targets, which often results in them mistaking a fellow hunter for a target. Some of the hunting injuries in North Carolina were also self-inflicted due to poor handling of firearms.

NCWRC has issued a reminder for all hunters to practice proper firearm safety techniques for the remainder of the season. Here are some rules and guidelines they use to ensure a safe and responsible hunt:

  1.  Positively identify your target
  2. Always point your firearm in a safe direction
  3. ALWAYS treat a firearm as if it’s loaded
  4. Use binoculars to identify your target
  5. Keep your fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot
  6. Make sure there is nothing around your target that you don’t want to hit (people, houses, power lines, etc.)
  7. Don’t consume alcohol or drugs while hunting
  8. Comply with blaze orange laws (seen here)

NCWRC also encourages current and prospective hunters to take their basic hunter certification courses. NCWRC Engagement and Education Manager Carissa Daniels stressed the importance of these courses in a statement from the report. “Through increased education, access to shooting ranges, and advanced educational opportunities, students and hunters become more skilled and proficient in the use of hunting equipment.”

KC is bringing you the Workday Wind Down, afternoons on KML. He’s a Carolina boy making Carolina noise! When he's not slinging music and mouth sounds on the BIG 95.7 WKML, you can catch him at the gym, live wrestling shows, open mics, or wherever fine pasta is sold. KC is a big fan of self-expression, as his many tattoos will show you. KC's favorite pastime is making others laugh. In his mind, if he can bring a smile to your face then it's a day well spent. KC likes to write about TV and film, especially Spider-Man, and Fayetteville happenings.

10 North Carolina State Parks Offer First Day Hikes on New Year's Day 2024

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to be more active, you can get off on the right foot on the very first day of 2024. The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation has recently announced the return of the annual New Year’s Day First Day Hikes at many North Carolina State Parks.

As the name suggests, the hiking events will take place at most NC state parks on January 1. Participants will be able to enjoy breathtaking scenic views of the Tarheel state as they walk along different trails and paths according to their comfort level and hiking experience.

In a recent news release, State Parks Director Brian Strong spoke excitedly about the upcoming events for First Day Hikes. “After a few years of smaller First Day Hikes programming, we are excited to offer a wide variety of guided hikes and events at most of our state parks for 2024,” Strong said. “We hope our visitors take the opportunity, as we wrap up the holiday season, to bring family and friends and begin a new year of outdoor adventures together.”

First Day Hikes is a nationwide event put together by the National Association of State Park Directors. While the tradition itself is over 30 years old, it wasn’t until 2012 that all 50 states participated.

Boasting over 40 state parks and a seemingly endless array of picturesque landscapes, North Carolina is more than well-suited for this sort of thing. There are many official First Day Hikes events set to take place across various North Carolina state parks. Registration is required at most of them so make sure you’re quick to sign up if you wish to participate.

The official list of upcoming First Day Hikes in North Carolina State Parks can be seen here, but here are some of the can’t-miss events. Whether you’re a novice hiker or a seasoned backpacker, these are the perfect First Day Hikes events for you!

  • Nature Hike at Carvers Creek State Park (Fayetteville)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/carvers-creek-state-park/events/first-day-hike-nature-2024

    Welcome the new year with a guided hike at Carvers Creek State Park! There are three hikes to choose from: one at Sandhills Access and two at Long Valley Farm Access.

    Carvers Creek is also hosting a History Hike as well. Click here for more info.

  • First Day Bingo at Pilot Mountain State Park (Pinnacle)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/pilot-mountain-state-park/events/first-day-bingo-2024

     Visitors are encouraged to do a self-guided hike and complete a bingo sheet based on what you find!

    Click here for more info.

  • First Day Hike at Lumber River State Park - Princess Ann Access (Orrum)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lumber-river-state-park/events/first-day-hike-princess-ann-2024

    Kick off the new year right with a guided hike by the beautiful Lumber River!

    Click here for more info.

  • First Day Hike at Raven Rock State Park (Lillington)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/raven-rock-state-park/events/first-day-hike-2024

    Join a park ranger for this hike to discover some of the natural wonders of this Piedmont landmark.

    Click here for more info.

  • First Day "Trash and Treasure" Beach Walk at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area (Kure Beach)

    Come see what “trash and treasure” was left on the beach the night before. You can help keep the beachfront beautiful and enjoy some beautiful beachy views while you’re at it!

    Click here for more info.

  • First Day Hike Scavenger Hunt at William B. Umstead State Park (Raleigh)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-park/events/first-day-hike-2024

    For First Day Hike 2024, William B. Umstead is offering a self-guided scavenger hunt! You can pick your favorite trail at the park to explore and collect every item on your scavenger sheet.

    Click here for more info.

  • First Day Hike at Hanging Rock State Park (Westfield)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/hanging-rock-state-park/events/first-day-hike-rock-2024

    This 2.6 mile hike will feature moderate-to-difficult terrain, but the payoff is the gorgeous views of North Carolina’s historic and iconic Hanging Rock.

    Click here for more info.

  • First Day Hike at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (Apex)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/jordan-lake-state-recreation-area/events/first-day-hike-2024

    This easy 1 mile trail is perfect for beginners, and will offer a guided historical lesson from a park ranger as you walk by Ebenezer Church.

    Click here for more info.

     

  • First Day Hike at South Mountains State Park (Connelly Springs)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/south-mountains-state-park/events/first-day-hike-2024

    This family-friendly trail has something to offer for all ages. Along the way, a park ranger will talk about bears and other animals in the park, as well as geology and waterfalls.

    Click here for more info.

  • Late Afternoon Stroll at Lake Norman State Park (Troutman)

    https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-norman-state-park/events/first-day-hike-2024-afternoon

    Lake Norman will offer two ranger-led guided hikes between the hours of 4 and 5pm.

    Click here for more info.

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