The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has introduced a special early season for antlered deer in seven North Carolina counties, marking a significant development in the state's deer hunting regulations. This two-day special season, scheduled for August 22-23, 2026, is a strategic move to manage Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the state's CWD Management Areas. The affected counties include Cumberland, Forsyth, Sampson, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, and Yadkin, where hunters will be allowed to use any lawful weapon, with baiting prohibited before September 1st.
One of the most notable changes is the removal of restrictions on transporting deer carcasses from CWD Surveillance and Management Areas. The NCWRC has replaced these restrictions with statewide requirements for disposing of deer carcasses, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal methods to prevent the spread of CWD. Hunters must now adhere to specific disposal methods, including lining a landfill, burying carcasses 3 feet below ground and 300 feet from a waterbody, or leaving them on the ground within the county of origin. These rules, available online, are crucial for hunters to follow to ensure responsible deer management.
The NCWRC also introduced the CWD Management Assistance Program (CWDMAP), allowing landowners and hunters with exclusive hunting rights on private property to apply for additional tags. This program enables hunters to harvest more deer in CWD Management and Surveillance Areas or within 10 miles of a CWD positive detection. The number of tags provided is based on the acreage enrolled, with applications opening on July 1st. Deer Biologist April Boggs Pope highlights the role of hunters in managing CWD, emphasizing their ability to slow the disease's spread while maintaining quality hunting opportunities across the state.
The new hunting regulations aim to move buck harvest earlier in the season, reducing the dispersal of young bucks and minimizing contact with other deer during the rut. This strategic shift is expected to contribute to the overall management of CWD in North Carolina. As the regulations take effect, hunters are encouraged to stay informed and follow the guidelines to ensure a sustainable and responsible deer hunting experience in the state.
