The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is accepting public comments through October 14, 2025, for the agency’s proposed regulation changes to establish Paynes Branch Game Land. A virtual public hearing on the proposed changes is scheduled for September 23, 2025.For more information and to submit a public comment, visit the proposed regulations page.
Topics Related to Hunting
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is accepting public comments through September 15, 2025, for the agency’s proposed 2026-27 hunting, fishing and game land regulation changes. Virtual public hearings on the proposed changes are scheduled for August 5 and August 7, 2025.The proposed changes include: Inland Fishing
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has opened the public comment period for proposed rule changes to the 2026-2027 regulations related to inland fisheries, land and water access, and wildlife management. The comment period will be open through Monday, September 15, 2025.Comments may be submitted online, emailed to regulations@ncwildlife.gov (must include name, county and state of residence in e-mail) or mailed to:
New rules adopted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have shifted the timing of the western zone black-powder and gun seasons, and increased antlerless hunting opportunities in many western zone counties. The new black-powder season will begin on Saturday, November 16, and end Friday, November 29. Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 28 and 29, 2024) are designated as Youth Days in the western zone. Youth under 18 may use a gun to harvest antlered or antlerless deer during those two days of the black-powder season.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will host two family-friendly event to recognize National Hunting and Fishing Day, an annual celebration promoting outdoor recreation and conservation.
The 2024-25 hunting season for mourning and white-winged doves opens Monday, Sept. 2. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reminds seasoned and novice hunters about the importance of being properly licensed, observing state and federal regulations and following safe hunting practices.
Reason for Proposed Action: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 State’s citizens.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.
Results from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) 2024 Wild Turkey Harvest Summary report show that hunters recorded 24,074 birds harvested statewide in 2024, including 2,372 birds taken during the youth season. Hunters harvested 15 fewer turkeys than last year’s record total, making the 2024 Spring Turkey season the second-highest year on record. Both the Mountain and Coastal ecoregions reported increases in harvest numbers compared to the 2023 season, particularly in the Coastal region.
Officials with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission have announced the approved season dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2024-25 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird (including doves) and extended falconry seasons. The dates are available on the website and will be published in the 2024-25 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest this August.Although the majority of seasons remain unchanged, notable changes include: