NC Wildlife Resources Commission Proposed 2027-2028 Hunting and Wildlife Changes

North Carolina (WNN) - The NC Wildlife Resources Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on September 14, 2026, regarding the 2027-2028 rule changes. There are 9 total proposed changes to seasons, bag limits, and practices. If you want to speak on any of these changes, you will need to attend the hearing in the link in the press release found at the bottom of this article. 

Proposed Changes

Easter River Cooters found in the South Fork River in Cramerton, NC - April 4, 2026

Submitted by: Mason Beam

• Wildlife Collectors - Possession Limit (15A NCAC 10B .0119): Due to previous ambiguity, the wording of regulations surrounding possessing native species of reptiles will change. The law is meant to limit unlicensed individuals to capturing and keeping 4 native reptiles total, while it is currently worded in a way that could be interpreted as you can have four of each species.
• White-Tailed Deer – Urban Season (15A NCAC 10B .0203): Currently, municipalities must annually opt in to the urban season for deer. This change would mean cities are enrolled in perpetuity unless they opt out. This would prevent incidental lapses in the season and result in one less item on the city staff's plate.
•  Raccoon – Bag Limit (15A NCAC 10B .0205): This change would see the removal of a bag limit on raccoons due to there being no current biological reason to limit hunting them. 

A Grey Squirrel found in Shelby, NC - April 22, 2026

Submitted by: Mason Beam

• Squirrels – Season (15A NCAC 10B .0206): This change would extend the fall grey and red squirrel season by two weeks. The season would begin on October 1st or the nearest Saturday, and it would further align NC with surrounding state seasons.
• Red and Gray Foxes – Season and Bag Limit (15A NCAC 10B .0212): The bag limit on foxes is currently unclear. This needs to be amended to specify the bag limit. 
• Coyote & Feral Swine – Artificial Light (15A NCAC 10B .0219, 15A NCAC 10B .0223): The commission intends to “Prohibit shining of artificial light from a motorized conveyance from a public road or public road right of way in search of coyotes or feral swine,” due to a loophole being used to allow for hunting deer in this manner. 
• Chronic Wasting Disease Management Areas – Sampson County (15A NCAC 10B .0203, 15A NCAC 10B .0502): Due to a confirmed case in Sampson County, the commission wants to add the county to the CWD Management Area Rule. 
• Designated Bear Management Areas – Running Dogs (15A NCAC 10D .0106): A rule exists that prevents running dogs off leash during the season start for the Mountain Bear Management Unit. The change will allow this from the start.
• Taking Raptors – Species and Dates (15A NCAC 10D .0106): Currently, nesting dates for American Kestrels and Great Horned Owl nestlings do not fall within the allowed window for nestling removal. This will expand the range of falconry species available in NC.

The following is the press release provided by the NCWRC concerning when the public hearing for these changes is to take place:

Wildlife Commission Accepting Public Comments for 2027-28 Rules Changes

Virtual Public Hearings Scheduled for August

RALEIGH, N.C. (August 3, 2026) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is accepting public comments through September 14, 2026, for the agency’s proposed 2027-28 hunting, fishing and game land regulation changes. Virtual public hearings on the proposed changes are scheduled for August 20 and August 25.

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. The public is encouraged to review and comment on the proposed rule changes.

Submit a comment:

Online

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:

Date: August 20, 2026

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Virtual: Zoom Online Webinar.

Pre-registration is required.

Date: August 25, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Virtual: Zoom Online Webinar.

Pre-registration is required.

All proposed regulations and information on submitting comments may be found on the agency’s website.

NCWRC Commissioners will consider the proposed changes at the October 2026 meeting. If adopted, most of the rules will take effect August 1, 2027, and will be in place for the 2027-2028 inland fishing, hunting, and trapping seasons. A few approved rules would have a January 1, 2027 effective date.

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.

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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