Big game hunting could be coming to the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern North Carolina. A new proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would allow limited hunting for white tail deer and feral hogs. Mike Bryant is a refuge manager for six areas including Currituck. He says the rule changes would mark the first time deer and hog hunters would be allowed in the refuge.
Mike Bryant: "We looked at the deer population and found it to be in a state where it could support hunting and as a National Wildlife Refuge we want to accommodate wildlife dependent recreation and hunting is one of those wildlife dependent recreational opportunities."
Bryant says the feral hogs destroy habitat that is meant to shelter migrating waterfowl. Public comments are welcome on the proposal until August fourth. Officials expect to make a decision before this fall's hunting season begins.