By: President of the Fall Line Outdoors Chapter
As we step into 2026, I am filled with immense pride reflecting on the inaugural year of the Fall Line Outdoors Chapter (FLOC). Since our formation in April 2025 as an affiliate of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, we have hit the ground running. Our mission is clear: to bridge the gap for adults (18+) who are eager to enter the world of conservation, hunting, and fishing but may not know where to start.
A Year of Firsts
In 2025, our students didn’t just learn about the outdoors; they experienced them. From mastering weapon and tree stand safety to the milestone of harvesting and processing their first deer, our participants gained the confidence necessary to be ethical hunters. The response was overwhelming—demand for our deer processing workshops was so high that we implemented additional sessions to clear our growing waiting list.
Beyond skills training, we are strengthening the infrastructure of North Carolina’s outdoor community. We successfully certified 12 new NC Wildlife Resources Commission Hunter Education Instructors. This achievement directly benefits Cumberland, Harnett, and Lee counties, where these instructors will now facilitate essential safety classes for the public.
Stewardship and Science
Conservation is the heartbeat of FLOC. In 2025, combating Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was a top priority. To ensure the health of our local herds, every deer harvested through FLOC and the New Hill Education and Mentoring Program (NHEMP) was taken to an official NC CWD testing drop-off point.
This commitment to science and ethical management has sparked significant interest from local farmers. Several have graciously opened their land to our programs, allowing us to assist with population control and CWD monitoring while providing our students with premier learning environments.
Expanding the Horizon for 2026
The success of our deer processing events has driven a surge of interest in our partner program, NHEMP. As we move into 2026, we are not slowing down. We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our stewardship into three new programs:
- Turkey Hunting
- Waterfowl (Duck) Hunting
- Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing
These additions will provide our students with a well-rounded understanding of North Carolina’s diverse ecosystems. We are currently finalizing the application process for these new programs and look forward to sharing them with the community soon.
Join Us in the Field
Whether you are a seasoned mentor or a beginning outdoorsman or woman, my team and I look forward to meeting you. Our goal is to empower you with the skills to enjoy our state’s natural beauty and, eventually, pass that knowledge on to others.
Let’s make 2026 a year to remember. Together, we will ensure that the outdoor heritage of North Carolina remains vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.