Polk County’s Aaron Stronach named N.C.’s top wildlife officer

Polk County-based Aaron Stronach, noted for his work against illegal nighttime deer hunters, has been honored as wildlife enforcement officer of the year by the N.C. Wildlife Federation.

Stronach, a master officer and seven-year veteran with the Wildlife Resources Commission, was recognized recently at the federation’s annual Governor’s Conservation Awards program in Cary.

He gained national attention earlier this year after surviving a violent assault during a criminal investigation. Two suspects are in jail awaiting trial for attempted first-degree murder.

The Wildlife Commission called Stronach, a native of Avery County, an innovative officer who uses motion cameras to monitor poaching activities in addition to patrolling on foot. His surveillance once uncovered a large marijuana-growing operation and a subsequent arrest by the SBI.

His work with another patrol unit in a nighttime deer hunting investigation into a poaching ring led to 75 arrests.

Other Governor’s Award recipients:

▪  Jill Palmer of the Matthews-based Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) as Volunteer of the Year, cited for wide-ranging dedication, from working with children to searching Charlotte streets for injured birds.

▪  Gaston County PAWS (Piedmont Area Wildlife Stewards) as Chapter of the Year, cited especially for providing youth functions, assembly of wood duck boxes and osprey nesting platforms. Observer News Services

Despite drought, WNC trout fishing continues

Officials with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission considered delaying scheduled stockings for the annual Delayed Harvest trout season, which begins Oct. 1 on 36 streams in 19 counties in the state’s western mountains.

“Concerns were raised among agency fishery biologists about whether there would be adequate habitat (water flow) for the fish, considering we are in a drought,” said an agency spokesperson. “But the stocking schedule will be met.”

Explained mountain fisheries supervisor Doug Besler:

“Although stream flows are still low in many locations, we decided to stock as planned. With cooling water temperatures, adequate habitat is now available to support stockings.”

From Oct. 1 through June 3, 2016 no trout may be taken or possessed on the 36 streams. No live bait, such as earthworms or crickets, may be used or even in possession. Anglers must use artificial lures with a single hook.

High numbers of trout are stocked to increase anglers’ chances of catching fish. ONS

Briefly

▪  The Wildlife Resources Commission and the Wildlife Federation in North Carolina partnered to help feed the hungry. The two are offering hunters free use of a mobile cooler to collect and transport harvested deer safely to participating certified meat processors. The donated venison will be given to the Hunters for the Hungry program. The cooler can hold up to 20 deer carcasses in cold storage. Information: ncwildlife.org/hunting.

▪  A Georgia man convicted in Ohio on charges involving illegal trafficking in whitetail deer has been ordered to pay fines and restitution of $1.6 million. Federal officials say it is the largest amount an individual has been fined for a U.S. wildlife crime. Benjamin Chason, 61, of Climax, Ga., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Columbus, Ohio, to three charges of violating the Lacey Act. Court documents say Chason and a co-conspirator trafficked in live deer and sold illegal hunts at a preserve in Logan, Ohio. Chason was part-owner of the preserve and owned property containing deer in Georgia. He also was placed on probation for three years. Associated Press

Catches of the week

▪  Limits of crappie during two days by Tim Tisdale of Stanfield while fishing at Cane Creek Park in Union County and baiting with minnows.

▪  A 4-pound white bass at Fontana Lake by Tyler Crisp, 16, of Robbinsville.

▪  Four Lake Norman spotted bass simultaneously on an Alabama rig by Joe Burden of Mooresville.

▪  Two catfish weighing an aggregate 55 pounds by the team of John Terry, Steve Whitley and Jeremy Wright to win a Catawba Catfish Club monthly tournament Saturday at Lake Wateree.

▪  Two red drum of 46 inches and another of 44 boated and released in Pamlico Sound near Hatteras Village by Larry Hartis of Edisto, S.C.

▪  Red drum of 51 and 47 inches near Hatteras Village caught and released by Jerry Holloman of Hot Springs.

▪  A 42-pound wahoo off Hatteras by Zachary Whitt of Southern Pines.

▪  A dozen red drum measuring over 40 inches each boated and released at the Little River jetties by Mike Ashburn, Daniel Simmons and Rickey Beck.

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 2:58 PM with the headline "Polk County’s Aaron Stronach named N.C.’s top wildlife officer."