John Litton Clark, an enthusiastic hunter and angler who lives in Clinton, has joined the governing board of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Clark was appointed a wildlife commissioner by N.C. Speaker of the House Joe Hackney. Clark was sworn in this past Friday at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla by District Court Judge James C. Cole.

"I look forward to my service with the commission," Clark said in a recent commission news release. "My goal is to help in any way I can to preserve a way of life that I grew up with, and continue to enjoy as much as I do, being outdoors."

The 19-member board establishes policy and regulations governing hunting, trapping, fishing and boating activities in North Carolina. Members serve until reappointed or replaced. Appointments are made by the governor, the speaker of the state House and the president pro-tem of the state Senate.

Clark serves on the board of directors for the Sampson Community College Foundation and Harrells Christian Academy. He has served as a committee member for Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and is a member of the Quality Deer Management Association.

An Eagle Scout and a member of The Order of the Arrow, Clark also is a multi-engine, instrument-rated private pilot.

Clark earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Campbell University. He works with the family business, Sampson Bladen Oil Company, founded by his grandfather.

Clark and his wife, Tina, have two children -- Abbigail, 7, and John Litton Jr., 5.

Youth shooters test skills in Ellerbe

The 30th annual Youth Hunter Safety Tournament saw perennial favorites emerge again as overall champions, but plenty of newcomers joined the winners' ranks in other competition categories.

Held on April 26, at Millstone 4-H Center near Ellerbe, this year's event saw a record number of participants and a near-record number of spectators, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission said in a news release.

Forbush High School's Red Team won outright honors in the senior division, and Fall Creek Elementary was tops in the junior division. Several first-time teams also competed. Winners will be posted online, once scores are certified. Forbush High is located in West End, and Fall Creek is located in East Bend; both towns are in Yadkin County

Conducted by the commission as an opportunity to showcase outdoor skills and demonstrate safety, the tournament tests teams and individuals in rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader and archery marksmanship, as well as in an orienteering challenge.

"The level of talent shown by these young people is always outstanding," said Capt. Chris Huebner, the state's hunting safety coordinator. "But I have to tell you, the dedication demonstrated by the parents and coaches, and the hunter education instructors and other volunteers, is what makes for the success of this event. You can see the real value of the hunter education program and what it means to the community reflected in everyone here today."

A component of the Commission's Hunter Education Program, the competition is open to teams from public and private middle and high schools. Home-schooled students and teams representing organizations such as 4-H or Future Farmers of America also can compete, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

NOT JUST FOR YOUTH: Though the Youth Hunter Safety Tournament is for students 18 and under, the commission offers free hunter education to all ages in every county. Successful completion of the course is required for all first-time hunting license buyers in North Carolina.

For Hunter Education Program course schedules, game regulations and additional information, go to www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031.

Life jackets save lives when used

Small boats such as open runabouts, personal watercraft, johnboats and paddle-powered craft are popular on U.S. waterways because they are affordable and easy to use.

However, they can also be the most deadly, the BoatU.S. Foundation said in a news release.

According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, of the 474 drowning deaths in 2006, 42 percent (201) involved boats shorter than 16 feet.

With National Safe Boating Week coming up from Saturday to May 23, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water encourages boaters and anglers to don a life jacket every time they hit the water.

To learn more about life jackets, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/ Foundation/toolbox.

The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of the 650,000 members of BoatU.S.