Proposed Regulations

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has the authority, granted by the Legislature, to create regulations called “rules” which although not state law, have the force of law. The complete set of rules under the jurisdiction of the Commission can be found here. From Proposal to Regulation describes the Commission's rule-making procedures. Below is a list of the rules the Commission is currently proposing to change, a description of each, and ways to submit your comments. We welcome your feedback.

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15A NCAC 10D .0252 - Needmore Game Land Permanent Amendment

2025-2026 Proposed Regulation Changes

15A NCAC 10D .0252 - Needmore Game Land in Macon and Swain Counties (Permanent Amendment)

Reason for Proposed Action:

Because of the changes to the 2024 deer season, this amendment is needed to remove the one day of introductory antlerless deer harvest during the gun season on the Needmore Game Land in Macon and Swain County and will align Needmore Game Land to the same antlerless deer season structure as the adjacent Nantahala Game Land in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties.

Proposed Rule Text:

15A NCAC 10D .0252

Fiscal Note:

2024-2025 Land and Water Access Fiscal Note

Public Hearing Information:

Date: August 28, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:

  • Registration required. Register for Public Hearing.
  • Join by phone. Toll free (833) 568-8864, Webinar ID: 160 525 8341 and registration passcode.

Submit a Comment:

Public Comment Period Ends: September 13, 2024

2025-2026 Proposed Regulation Changes

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.

NCWRC Commissioners will consider the proposed changes at their October 2024 meeting. If adopted, the rules will take effect August 1, 2025, and will be in place for the 2025-2026 Inland Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping seasons.

Proposed Rule Text

Proposed Changes Summary

Fiscal Notes:

2025-2026 Inland Fishing Fiscal Note

2025-2026 Land and Water Access Fiscal Note

2025-2026 Wildlife Management Fiscal Note

Public Hearing Information:

Date: August 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Southwestern Randolph High School Auditorium, 1641 Hopewell Friends Road, Asheboro, NC 27250

Date: August 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:

  • Registration required. Register for Public Hearing.
  • Join by phone. Toll free (833) 568-8864, Webinar ID: 161 300 5238 and registration passcode.

Date: August 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Pitt Community College (Smith Center), 1935 Warren Drive, Winterville, NC 28590

Submit a Comment:

Public Comment Period Ends: September 13, 2024

Proposed Regulation Updates

To receive updates on proposed regulations, email regulations@ncwildlife.org.

Subjecting a Proposed Rule to Legislative Review

Written objections to proposed rules can be submitted to the Rules Review Commission. If the Rules Review Commission receives written and signed objections from 10 or more individuals clearly requesting review by the legislature and the Rules Review Commission approves the rule, the rule will become effective as provided in G.S.150B-21.3(b1). The Rules Review Commission will receive written objections until 5:00 p.m. on the day following the day the Rules Review Commission approves the rule. The Rules Review Commission will receive those objections by mail, delivery service, hand delivery, or facsimile transmission.

Rule Suggestions

As part of the Annual Cycle Rulemaking Process, the Commission considers suggestions and recommendations from NCWRC staff and the public. If you have a suggestion or recommendation you would like to be considered, please submit them here.