Wildlife Commission Accepting Public Comments for 2026-27 Rules Changes

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 15, 2025) — 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. 

The proposed changes include: 

Inland Fishing 

·         Rule Change Summary 

·         Proposed Rule Text 

·         Fiscal Note 

Land and Water Access 

·         Rule Change Summary 

·         Proposed Rule Text 

·         Fiscal Note 

Wildlife Management 

·         Rule Change Summary 

·         Proposed Rule Text 

·         Fiscal Note 

Submit a comment: 

·         Online: 

o    Inland Fishing 

o    Land and Water Access 

o    Wildlife Management 

·         Email:  regulations@ncwildlife.gov  (please include name, county, and state of residence) 

·         Mail:  Rulemaking Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701 

Participate in the virtual public hearings: 

August 5, 2025, 4 p.m. 

Access Zoom Online Webinar 

Pre-registration is required. Click to Register 

Join by phone: Toll Free (833) 568-8864; Webinar ID: 161 629 0758 

August 7, 2025, 7 p.m. 

Access Zoom Online Webinar 

Pre-registration is required. Click to Register 

Join by phone: Toll Free (833) 568-8864; Webinar ID: 160 223 3918 

Participants may join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device. 

NCWRC Commissioners will consider the proposed changes at the October 2025 meeting. If adopted, the rules will take effect August 1, 2026, and will be in place for the 2026-2027 inland fishing, hunting, and trapping seasons. 

NCWRC has been responsible for managing North Carolina's wildlife resources since 1947. Each year, 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. 

Visit NCWRC’s Regulations Digest to review the state’s current hunting and fishing regulations. 

All proposed regulations may be found on the agency’s website. 

Anna Gurney
Public Relations Manager, Communications, Marketing & Digital Engagement
Work: 919-707-0124/ Mobile: 919-410-2111
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
Mailing Address: 1712 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699

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