The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is holding a day-long Outdoor Skills Academy for Women Sampler event on May 30 at the John E.
Topics Related to News
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will open 30 trout streams and two lakes classified as Delayed Harvest to trout harvest on June 6. They will remain open through Sept. 30.
On the first Saturday in June, anglers may begin harvesting trout from Delayed Harvest waters. From 6 a.m. until noon, fishing in those waters is limited to youth only. The age that qualifies as a youth is now under 16 years old. It changed from the previous age of under 18 during the 2025-2026 regulations cycle.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) and its partners are participating in National Fishing and Boating Week, held the first week of June each year, with events being held throughout North Carolina.
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.
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.
Most seasons remain unchanged from the previous year, but there are some notable changes, including:
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.
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 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! The expected “hatch” date is between April 9 and 15.