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.
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.
Spring is a busy time of year for N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) biologists. Warmer weather brings wildlife out from winter slumber. Spring is when many species are on the move looking for mates and securing territories for the breeding season. Wild parents are busy building temporary nests or dens and securing enough food to support newborn young.
“This is the time of year people begin to call us about a wildlife encounter they’ve had; the weather’s nice, so both people and wildlife are out and about,” said Extension Biologist Falyn Owens.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is advising the public that if they see smoke on state game lands through summer, they can check whether it's a prescribed burn through its Prescribed Burns Dashboard mapping system.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) invites the public to participate in the 2026 Terrapin Tally, a volunteer-supported survey event conducted each spring to learn more about diamondback terrapins. These small, aquatic turtles live near coastal marshes, estuaries and tidal creeks, and are listed in North Carolina as a Species of Special Concern and federally as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.