NC/SC Outdoor Weekly – Mid-April 2026 Bear Safety, Turkey Season & Fishing Action
Dear Friends Outdoor Journal Reader,
North Carolina wildlife officials continue emphasizing proactive bear safety as spring activity increases. On April 17, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission released guidance urging residents and outdoor enthusiasts to prepare for a BearWise® year by securing trash, removing bird feeders, and avoiding intentional feeding to reduce human-bear conflicts. Recreational spotted seatrout harvest remains closed in inland and joint waters through June 30, 2026, following an earlier temporary rule. Striped bass hook-and-line harvest stays suspended in the Roanoke River Management Area through April 30. Coastal anglers report strong inshore action with striped bass and big drum in the surf, plus nearshore bonito and improving offshore opportunities for tuna, dolphin, and wahoo as waters warm. The 2025-26 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest is available, and the Barn Owl Live Cam remains active for wildlife viewing. Upcoming meetings include a Rules Committee webinar on April 23 and NWAC on April 30.
In South Carolina, turkey hunting season continues with a noted correction on printed tag forms: private lands run April 3–May 3 statewide, while WMA lands are April 3–May 2 (no Sunday hunting). The actual tags are correct despite the misprint. SCDNR highlighted a positive safety trend with a sharp drop in hunting-related fatalities in 2025 (down to two from five the prior year), crediting ongoing education and enforcement efforts. Inshore and nearshore fishing reports from mid-April show solid action on bull reds, flounder, and other species in areas like Charleston Harbor, with warming waters and tidal movements creating good opportunities. Red drum conservation discussions remain active from earlier legislative proposals, though no new closures hit this week. Statewide fishing and hunting rules continue under the current guide—anglers should verify limits and seasons.
Conservation, safety, and access remain key themes across both states. NC Wildlife stresses responsible practices amid dry conditions and high fire danger in national forests, while encouraging use of the Go Outdoors NC app for licenses and real-time info. South Carolina's land dedication efforts, such as the recent Little Eastatoe Connector expansion in Jocassee Gorges WMA, support better public access for hunting and fishing. No major emergency closures or disease alerts emerged in the past seven days, but both agencies remind outdoor users to check current regulations, practice ethical harvest, and report incidents. Public input periods for future rule changes (including potential Sunday hunting in NC) are ongoing.
Tight lines and safe outings this week, Your Friends Outdoor Journal Team https://friendsoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/
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