2027-2028 Annual Rulemaking Cycle - Proposed Rule Changes

Reason for Proposed Action:

The proposed amendments remove Sampson County from the white-tailed deer rule and add it to the CWD management areas rule. This is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to manage the spread of CWD.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has been responsible for managing North Carolina's wildlife resources since 1947. Rules are one means of managing these resources to serve the interests of the public.

Each year, the NCWRC reviews and adjusts seasons, bag limits, and land management regulations, as needed, to achieve conservation management goals, comply with statutory changes, and respond to constituent requests and suggestions.

NCWRC Commissioners will consider the proposed changes at their October 2026 meeting. If adopted, the rules will take effect August 1, 2027, and will be in place for the 2027-2028 Inland Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping seasons.

The public is encouraged to review and comment on the proposed rule changes. Registration for the two public hearings, as well as directions for submitting comments, are detailed below.

Wildlife Management

Inland Fisheries

Land and Water Access

Wildlife Education (Shooting Ranges)

Endangered, Threatened, & Special Concern Species (Permitting)

Public Hearing Information

Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:

Pre-registration is required.
Join by phone: Toll Free (833) 568-8864; Webinar ID:165 897 7256

Date: August 25, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:

Pre-registration is required.
Join by phone: Toll Free (833) 568-8864; Webinar ID:165 787 2139

Submit a Comment

Online:
Email (please include name, county, and state of residence)
Mail written comments to: Rulemaking Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701

Public Comment Period Ends: September 14, 2026