In efforts to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) issued new deer hunting regulations that offer hunters increased deer harvest opportunities in counties where CWD has been confirmed.
New regulations for the 2026-2027 deer hunting season include: introduction of a Special Early Season for antlered deer Aug. 22-23, in all CWD Management Areas using any lawful weapon.
These areas include Cumberland, Forsyth, Sampson, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties. Baiting is still prohibited in these areas before Sep 1. They also allowed an earlier start for black powder and gun seasons in five of the CWD counties.