Waterfowl Rule Changes Adopted

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) approved season dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2025-26 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird and extended falconry seasons. The dates are available on the agency’s website and will be published in the 2025-26 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest.

The majority of seasons remain unchanged from the previous year, but there are some notable changes, including:

The daily bag limit for Northern pintail increased from 1 bird to 3 birds.

The September teal season was shortened from a 16-day season to 9-days.

The first Youth and Veterans/Military waterfowl day will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, between the second and third waterfowl season splits.

The second Youth and Veterans/Military day will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, following the closing of the general duck season.

The definition of “youth” has been updated to include only hunters ages 15 or younger.