If the Government shut down Fed Lands will be Closed
Anyone that has a permit hunt for any of the Federal lands in NC or had planned to hunt Game Lands Owned by the Federal Government this weekend better watch the news closely. If the Government shutdown takes place many of these areas will be closed to the public.
“Visitor activities that require a permit, including public events, will not be allowed or will be cancelled or postponed. Visitor centers will be closed and access to park and refuge areas denied, including Patuxent NWR, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Independence Hall, Alcatraz, and the Washington Monument. Visitors using overnight concession accommodations and campgrounds will be notified and given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements. The National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and some Bureau of Land Management roads will be closed except when they are necessary as thruways.
Don’t think there won’t be anyone to notice if you decide to still try to hunt because Law Enforcement as well as Fire and Rescue personnel are considered essential.
If there is a government shutdown, on North Carolina national wildlife refuges specifically, the following closures and cancellations apply:
* Alligator River – The tram tour scheduled for Saturday, April 9 will be canceled. The refuge will be closed to all public uses.
* Cedar Island will be closed to all public uses.
* Currituck will be closed to all public uses.
* Mackay Island will be closed to all public uses.
* Mattamuskeet will be closed to all public uses.
* Pea Island – The Visitor Center and restrooms (operated by the National Park Service) will be closed. The refuge will be closed to all public uses.
* Pee Dee – The permitted turkey hunts will be canceled. The refuge will be closed to all public uses.
* Pocosin Lakes – The Visitor Center and boardwalk in Columbia will be closed. The refuge will be closed to all public uses.
* Roanoke Rive r- The permitted turkey hunts will be canceled. The refuge will be closed to all public uses.
* Swanquarter will be closed to all public uses.
So I guess if you have a permit for the Pee Dee or the Roanoke I’d make sure I had a plan B for opening day.
