The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission voted to adopt a temporary rule for sheepshead harvest in Inland Fishing Waters and by hook-and-line in Joint Fishing Waters. The daily creel limit for sheepshead is now five fish and the minimum size limit is 14 inches. There is no closed season, and sheepshead shall not be sold.
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The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has announced the approved season dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2026-27 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird (including doves) and extended falconry seasons. The dates and associated regulations are available on the agency’s website and will be published in the 2026-2027 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest this August.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has affirmed Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) primary and secondary surveillance areas for North Carolina’s 2026-27 deer hunting season, effective May 1.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's Rules Committee will meet by webinar on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10:00 am.
The Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee (NWAC) will meet on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Lake Waccamaw State Park Conference Room, 1866 State Park Drive, Lake Waccamaw NC from 1:30pm-3:00pm.
Members of the public may join in person or by Zoom (registration is required).
It’s that time of year – again! Springtime means our native black bears become more active and remain so through summer and fall. Time to remove those wildlife attractants, leash up pets and secure livestock to ensure a BearWise year. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), in partnership with BearWise, provides guidance to residents in preparation for black bears becoming more active in the spring and summer months.
The board will meet in the Commission Room, 5th Floor, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC, on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 9:00 am.
Members of the public may join via Zoom by registering in advance.
The following committees will meet in the Commission Room, 5th Floor, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026:
9:00-9:30am:
Executive Committee
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has closed the recreational harvest of spotted seatrout in inland and joint (by hook-and-line) fishing waters from April 6 through June 30, 2026. NCWRC commissioners voted to adopt a temporary rule implementing the harvest closure during a special business meeting on March 24.
“Barn Owlet Watch 2026” is underway for a nest box with six barn owl eggs located in the North Carolina Mountains. And the public has 24-hour access to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) live cam WITH audio to watch all the action in real time!