Wildlife Commission Announces New and Reappointed Commissioners

  • 29 October 2015
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RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 29, 2015) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has added five commissioners to its governing board and reappointed six commissioners to new terms.

Landon Zimmer, of Wilmington, was appointed by Senate leader Phil Berger and will serve a two-year term as an at-large commissioner. He enjoys boating, hunting waterfowl and small game, and walking public habitats. As a wildlife commissioner, Zimmer wants to promote hunting and boating education programs to both youth and adults while helping to conserve the state’s wildlife resources for future generations’ enjoyment.  

John Stone, of Jackson Springs, was appointed by House Speaker Tim Moore and will serve a two-year term as an at-large commissioner. A self-described “wildlife geek,” Stone says he loves everything about wildlife — hunting, fishing, and just being out in the woods. He is working to become a certified prescribed burner by the N.C. Forest Service, and lists his main topic of interest as a commissioner as prescribed burning for habitat improvement.  

Mike Johnson, of Hickory, was appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory and will serve a six-year term as the District 8 wildlife commissioner. District 8 encompasses 11 counties in western North Carolina. Johnson is an avid hunter, particularly of turkey, and has been a Hunter Education Instructor for 13 years. In 2007, he was selected as the District 8 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year. He is also a certified bow hunting instructor. Given his background in instruction, Johnson says one of his topics of interest as a wildlife commissioner will be education and the promotion of a pro-gun, pro-hunting platform.

Dean Proctor, also of Hickory, was appointed by Moore for a two-year term as an at-large commissioner. He also is an avid hunter and has travelled extensively in pursuit of both small and large game. One of his goals as a wildlife commissioner will be increasing hunting opportunities for youth.

Richard Edwards, of Wilmington, has served as a wildlife commissioner since 2013, having been appointed by then-House Speaker Thom Tillis for a two-year term that ended in June. He was appointed by McCrory for a six-year term as the commissioner for District 2, which encompasses 12 counties in southeastern North Carolina. Edwards enjoys “anything outdoors” including deer, bear and turkey hunting, as well as offshore and inshore fishing. As a wildlife commissioner, Edwards wants to provide new opportunities and education for youth hunters while helping to protect the state’s wildlife and resources across the state.

The six reappointed commissioners are:

  • Nat Harris, of Whitsett, who was reappointed by McCrory to a six-year term as the commissioner for District 5, which encompasses 11 counties in the Piedmont.
  • Thomas Fonville, of Raleigh, who was reappointed by Moore to a two-year term as an at-large commissioner.
  • Garry Spence, of Charlotte, who was reappointed by Berger to a two-year term as an at-large commissioner.
  • Tom Berry, of Greensboro, who was reappointed by Berger to a two-year term as an at-large commissioner.
  • Tim Spear of Creswell, who was reappointed by Moore to a two-year term as an at-large commissioner.
  • Mark Craig, of Greensboro, who was reappointed by Berger to a two-year term as an at-large commissioner.

The 19-member commission establishes policies and regulations governing hunting, fishing and boating activities in North Carolina. Members serve until reappointed or replaced.


High-resolution photographs of each new wildlife commissioner are below. Please credit Melissa McGaw/NCWRC

Richard Edwards

Landon Zimmer

John Stone

Mike Johnson

Dean Proctor

 

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Media Contact:
Jodie B. Owen
919-707-0187
jodie.owen@ncwildlife.org
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