Michael Hatley, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission captain for District 8, spoke to the club today. Capt. Hatley manages and supervises enforcement operations for hunting, inland fishing and boating, and coordinates boating safety and hunter education programs.
Capt. Hatley supervises 23 wildlife enforcement officers and one hunter education specialist in a jurisdiction made up of Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, McDowell, Mitchell, Yancey and Rutherford counties. A 22-year veteran with the Wildlife Commission, Capt. Hatley was previously a lieutenant in the district.
“I grew up hunting and fishing with my dad and granddad, so I know the importance of conservation,” Hatley said. “Along with fellow wildlife officers, I will work for conservation in this region and promote the lawful use of resources. And I will continue to promote safety to our constituents who enjoy outdoor recreational activities like hunting, fishing and boating.”
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stated mission is “to conserve North Carolina’s wildlife resources and their habitats and provide programs and opportunities that allow hunters, anglers, boaters; other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy wildlife-associated recreation”.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission was created by the General Assembly in 1947 to conserve and sustain the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of N.C. fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws.
The sale of hunting and fishing licenses, federal grants and other receipts provide financial support of the agency. The Commission has an operational budget of approximately $65 million and employs over 590 full-time men and women across the state, including wildlife and fisheries biologists and technicians, wildlife officers, conservation educators, and public information, customer service, information technology, and administrative professionals.
For more information or to purchase licenses on-line visit www.ncwildlife.org.
