The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting public comments on proposed updates to hunting, fishing, and game land regulations for the 2026-27 season. The changes range from trout stream reclassifications in Buncombe County to expanded deer hunting seasons and new spring camping timelines on game lands.
Public comments will be accepted through September 15, ahead of the commission’s October meeting, where final decisions will be made. If approved, the changes will take effect August 1, 2026.
Key Proposed Changes in Western North Carolina:
- Deer Season Expansion: One of the most significant proposals is to extend the either-sex white-tailed deer hunting season in several WNC counties. Madison County could see the longest extension—25 additional days. Deer season would also be extended by 18 days in Avery, Caldwell, Burke, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.
- According to NCWRC deer biologist April Pope, increased antlerless harvests are sustainable due to growing herd sizes and could help balance buck-to-doe ratios.
- Pope noted the extension may also support efforts to manage Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological illness detected in North Carolina in 2022.
- Fishing Restrictions and Access Changes:
- Henderson County: Fishing would be prohibited from March to May at the Kings Bridge floodplain slough off the French Broad River, to protect the muskie population.
- Jackson County: Year-round fishing would be allowed in a half-mile section of the Tuckasegee River behind Cullowhee Dam, designated as a hatchery-supported trout area.
- Buncombe County: Reclassify Corner Rock Creek and Rich Branch as Wild Trout Waters due to strong wild rainbow trout populations.
- Buncombe, Graham, Madison counties: Update boundaries of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters to better reflect stocked areas. Affected streams include the Swannanoa River, Bent Creek, Cane Creek, and Stoney Creek.
- Additional Deer Season Extensions:
- Polk, Cleveland, Rutherford counties: Antlerless deer season on private lands would be extended by 11 days.
Residents can view all proposed changes and submit feedback on the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website through mid-September.
