North Carolina rolls out deer rules to slow chronic wasting disease spread

North Carolina's Wildlife Resources Commission announced the 2026-27 deer regs to slow Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) spread, including an early antlered-deer season in CWD areas and earlier NW blackpowder/gun seasons, plus updated carcass disposal rules. Starting July 1, landowners and hunters in CWD zones can apply for extra harvest tags through the CWD Management Assistance Program, as state officials say the changes balance disease control with hunting opportunities; the CDC notes no human CWD infections and advises hunters not to eat meat from deer that test positive.