A Message From the Executive Director

As stewards of our state’s abundant natural resources, we share a responsibility to ensure that the traditions of hunting, fishing, and trapping remain strong, sustainable, and accessible for generations to come. This annual digest reflects that commitment by bringing together the regulations, requirements, and best practices that protect our wildlife, support healthy ecosystems, and promote safe, ethical outdoor recreation.

Whether you are a lifelong sportsman, a new angler discovering the joy of time on the water, or a trapper carrying forward a deeply rooted heritage, your participation plays a vital role in conservation. The licenses you purchase, the seasons you follow, and the respect you show for the land and its wildlife directly support habitat restoration, research, enforcement, and education across our state.

Our agency works year round to balance opportunity with responsibility. These regulations are the product of careful science, public input, and a shared belief that thriving wildlife populations benefit us all. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the changes in regulations since last year, stay informed about updates throughout the year by subscribing to our emails at ncwildlife.gov/updates, and continue to advocate for and help us protect the outdoor traditions we value so deeply.

We have two large-scale projects currently underway. Earlier this year, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission signed a 10 year agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to conduct Hurricane Helene restoration work on the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. As part of that agreement, we are creating a new, time limited division of staff dedicated to addressing essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and boating access areas; improving linear wildlife openings and supporting forest restoration; advancing stream restoration projects; and assessing and restoring terrestrial and aquatic wildlife populations.

Demolition has been completed at the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery. The hatchery will be closed while we replace the 50+ year old raceways, water lines, and buildings. Construction is estimated to take two years. Unfortunately, this means our largest trout hatchery will be offline during this period, requiring us to reduce trout stockings. However, we are working to minimize the reductions and will distribute them equitably across all Hatchery Supported and Delayed Harvest waters. Our staff continue to secure trout from other sources — both private and from other states — to help offset the impact. And when construction is complete and we return to full production capacity, we will be well positioned to continue stocking and supporting North Carolina’s trout fisheries for decades to come. If you would like to learn more about our trout program, including stocking information and updates on the Setzer renovation, please visit ncwildlife.gov/trout.

Thank you for your dedication to ethical harvest of wildlife, conservation, and safe enjoyment of the outdoors. Together, we ensure that the wild places we cherish remain vibrant and resilient.

Kyle Briggs

Executive Director