The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is seeking public comment on the 2026-2027 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons for waterfowl, webless migratory species and extended falconry.
Comments are being accepted on NCWRC’s online comment portal through 5 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2026. The agency’s Commissioners will consider all online comments as well as staff-recommended season dates and bag limits before approving the final season dates for 2026-2027 migratory game bird seasons during its April 16, 2026 business meeting.
The public may access a detailed overview of the 2026-2027 season frameworks for waterfowl and webless migratory species, extended falconry guidelines and Canada goose and duck hunting zones on the comment portal webpage.
Each year, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provides season date frameworks from which NCWRC may choose hunting season dates within the established guidelines. Compensatory days are allowed for those states that do not allow hunting of migratory birds on Sunday. The season dates being considered include compensatory days for both waterfowl and webless migratory species.
Avian Flu Update: NCWRC continues to track highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds across the state. New cases of avian influenza emerge due to the high numbers of migratory waterfowl that congregate in North Carolina, and particularly the Outer Banks, during the winter. Additionally, influenza viruses are typically cold-hardy and are therefore able to proliferate more easily during the cold winter months.
“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza will continue to circulate through our bird populations, however, more birds are developing antibodies against the virus which creates a ‘herd immunity’ which means we will likely see fewer impacts to bird populations from the flu,” says Wildlife Health Biologist Miranda Turner.
HPAI cases in wild birds have decreased compared to this time last year. However, cases have been suspected or confirmed in 25 counties across the state so far during the 2025-2026 sampling season. The birds most likely to be found with HPAI are waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds, although cases can occur in songbirds and wild mammal species.
The best way to help prevent the spread of HPAI is by removing food sources that encourage birds to congregate in one location, such as feeding ducks or setting out bird feeders. Report dead wild animals, especially five or more dead birds in one area within a week, by contacting the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or anytime via email at HWI@ncwildlife.gov
More information on NCWRC’s monitoring of HPAI including frequently asked questions may be found on the agency’s website.