Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
P. O. Box 329
Columbia, North Carolina 27925

Contact: Susan Russo- 252-796-3004 ext 223

News Release

July 7, 2004


Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Announces 2004 Hunt Schedule; Applications Available

Pocosin Lakes Hunt Information
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge will be open to hunting for deer, quail, rabbit, squirrel, mourning dove, woodcock, rails, snipe, tundra swan, ducks, geese, coots, mergansers, beaver, nutria, fox, raccoon, opossum and boar. Hunting during daylight hours only. State seasons and bag limits apply with certain exceptions. These include no rifles for deer hunting, no dogs to run deer, and no bear hunting. A portion of the refuge has also been designated as a non-toxic shot zone for all migratory birds and upland game. Only designated roads are open for vehicular traffic. These roads may become impassable during inclement weather. Hunters are encouraged to check with the Refuge headquarters for additional regulations. The Pungo Unit will be closed to all hunting except for limited deer hunts.


Pungo (Refuge) Unit Deer Hunt Information
Archery deer hunt = All State season dates prior to December 1, except closed September 24-25, October 1-2, 7-8, 15-16, 22-23. Special bow hunting permits are not required. The General Hunting Permit (see new regulation below) is required. Hunting will be in accordance with state regulations.

The Pungo Unit permit only (either sex) deer hunts with shotguns or primitive weapons will be five 2-day hunts on September 24-25, October 1-2, 7-8, 15-16, 22-23. 200 permits per hunt will be issued as a result of the public drawing to be held on August 20 at 1:00 pm in Columbia, NC headquarters office. Completed application forms must be received prior to the drawing. Federal regulations require a $12.50 permit fee payable after the drawing.

New Regulation

You must have a valid Refuge General Hunting Permit to hunt on the refuge. Simply sign the front of the hunting and fishing regulations leaflet and keep it with you while hunting.


Hunting regulations and Pungo Unit hunt applications may be obtained (after July 1) by writing the Refuge Manager, Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife refuge, P.O. Box 329, Columbia, NC 27925; calling 252-796-3004; or may be picked up at the headquarters office or the Pungo Unit sub-headquarters.


The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses almost 540 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 70 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.

- FWS -