The Overview
If you hunt, boat, or drive in North Carolina, a new state law makes several changes affecting you starting this summer and into next year. North Carolina's 2026 Wildlife Resources Changes, HB 747, became law when Gov. Josh Stein (D) signed it July 7. North Carolina recorded 148 boating incidents and 14 deaths in 2024, ABC11 reported. The special-registration-plate and recreational-boating provisions take effect October 1, 2026.
What the Law Does
The Wildlife Resources Commission must issue one resident elk permit by raffle and one by auction for the 2027 hunting season, with proceeds going to the Wildlife Resources Fund for elk conservation. Raffle tickets cost $20 each, or up to 30 for $500; the Commission may keep up to $25,000 of raffle proceeds for administrative costs. The nonprofit running the auction may keep no more than 25 percent of proceeds. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation called the law a step toward North Carolina's first elk season.
On the water, out-of-state vessel owners now have 60 days to register with North Carolina before they must apply for a state identification number, down from 90 days. The law also requires personal watercraft operators to use their engine cut-off switch whenever the vessel is running on plane or above displacement speed.
Two new special license plates become available: a Lifetime Conservationist plate and a Wildlife Resources plate featuring a native North Carolina species. The Commission must report to the legislature by March 1, 2028, on how the elk raffle and auction programs performed and whether to continue them.
Legislative Status
Republican Reps. Jay Adams, Ben Moss, and Mike Clampitt led the bill, which drew seven cosponsors, including Democrats Brian Turner, Carla Cunningham, Aisha Dew, and Zack Hawkins. The House passed it 109-2 on June 24, 2025. The Senate passed it 49-0 on June 30, 2026.
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