Hunting in North Carolina is a popular outdoor activity deeply rooted in the state’s culture and tradition. With its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich hunting heritage, North Carolina offers a wide range of hunting opportunities for enthusiasts of all kinds. From the rugged Appalachian Mountains in the west to the coastal plains in the east, hunters can explore a variety of terrains and ecosystems while pursuing their favorite game species.
To make the most of your hunting experience in North Carolina, it’s essential to understand the state’s hunting seasons, regulations, and requirements. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) plays a pivotal role in managing and conserving the state’s wildlife resources while ensuring sustainable hunting practices.
This guide will provide you with an introduction to the North Carolina hunting seasons, offering an overview of the game species available for hunting, the timing of hunting seasons, and the rules and regulations you need to follow to participate in this time-honored tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting, this information will help you plan your hunting adventures in the Tar Heel State responsibly and ethically while respecting the local environment and wildlife populations.
When Do North Carolina Hunting Seasons Begin?
The season dates and broad guidelines for North Carolina hunting seasons are provided below, however, for a more thorough overview of hunting regulations, seasons, and bag limits, hunters may consult the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Rules Compendium for 2023–2024. It should be noted that the counties in which deer are found on the game grounds situated in Buffalo Cove, Nicholson Creek, Rockfish Creek, Sandhills, and South Mountains match with the seasons for deer hunting with various firearms.
For specific restrictions relating to specific game lands seasons, hunters should refer to the Rules Compendium’s “Game Lands” section. Following all rules and hunting regulations is essential for hunters to have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
| Bear – Piedmont Bear Management Unit 1 Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties. | Oct 14, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Bear – Mountain Units 1 | Oct 16, 2023 | Nov 18, 2023 |
| Bear – Coastal Bear Mgmt. Unit 3 Zone 2, Zone 3 (See regulations for specific counties). | Nov 11, 2023 | Nov 19, 2023 |
| Bear – Piedmont Bear Management Unit 2 Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake and Warren counties | Nov 11, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Bear – Coastal Bear Mgmt. Unit 1 Zone 1. (See regulations for specific counties). | Nov 11, 2023 | Nov 26, 2023 |
| Bear – Coastal Bear Mgmt. Unit 5 Zone 5. Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson and Sampson counties. | Nov 13, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Bear – Piedmont Bear Management Unit 3 Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes and Yadkin counties. | Nov 18, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Bear – Coastal Bear Mgmt. Unit 4 Zone 4. Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne and Wilson counties. | Nov 18, 2023 | Dec 17, 2023 |
| Bear – Coastal Bear Mgmt. Unit 2 Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3. (See regulations for specific counties). | Dec 9, 2023 | Dec 24, 2023 |
| Bear – Mountain Units 2 | Dec 11, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Bobcat No limits. | Oct 16, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Coyote No limit on Private Land. | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Deer – Archery W 1 Western Season | Sep 9, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 |
| Deer – Archery NW Northwestern Season | Sep 9, 2023 | Nov 3, 2023 |
| Deer – Archery Central Central Season | Sep 9, 2023 | Oct 27, 2023 |
| Deer – Archery NE & SE Northeastern and Southeastern Season | Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 29, 2023 |
| Deer – Youth Hunting Day On this day, youth under the age of 18 may use any legal weapon to hunt deer of either-sex. Refer to the Regulations Digest for a description of legal weapons. Youth ages 16 and 17 must be properly licensed to hunt deer. | Sep 23, 2023 | Sep 23, 2023 |
| Deer – Blackpowder NE & SE Northeastern and Southeastern Season | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 13, 2023 |
| Deer – Black Powder W Western Season | Oct 2, 2023 | Oct 14, 2023 |
| Deer – Gun NE & SE Northeastern and Southeastern Season | Oct 14, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Deer – Archery W 2 Western Season | Oct 15, 2023 | Nov 19, 2023 |
| Deer – Blackpowder Central Central Season | Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 10, 2023 |
| Deer – Black Powder NW Northwestern Season | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
| Deer – Gun Central Central Season | Nov 11, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Deer – Gun NW Northwestern Season | Nov 18, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Deer – Gun W Western Season | Nov 20, 2023 | Dec 9, 2023 |
| Deer – Archery W 3 Western Season. Antlered Deer Only | Dec 10, 2023 | Jan 1, 2024 |
| Dove – Part 1 Daily bag limit 15. | Sep 2, 2023 | Oct 2, 2023 |
| Dove – Part 2 Daily bag limit 15. | Nov 11, 2023 | Nov 25, 2023 |
| Dove – Part 3 Daily bag limit 15. | Dec 9, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Duck – September Teal Daily bag limit 6. | Sep 13, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| Duck – Inland Zone 1 Daily Limit 6 with the following restrictions: 4 scoters, 4 eiders, 4 long-tailed ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards (only 1 hen mallard), 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck. | Oct 19, 2023 | Oct 21, 2023 |
| Duck – Coastal Zone 1 Daily Limit 6 with the following restrictions: 4 scoters, 4 eiders, 4 long-tailed ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards (only 1 hen mallard), 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck. | Oct 27, 2023 | Oct 28, 2023 |
| Duck – Coastal Zone 2 Daily Limit 6 with the following restrictions: 4 scoters, 4 eiders, 4 long-tailed ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards (only 1 hen mallard), 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 25, 2023 |
| Duck – Inland Zone 2 Daily Limit 6 with the following restrictions: 4 scoters, 4 eiders, 4 long-tailed ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards (only 1 hen mallard), 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 25, 2023 |
| Duck – Coastal Zone 3 Daily Limit 6 with the following restrictions: 4 scoters, 4 eiders, 4 long-tailed ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards (only 1 hen mallard), 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck. | Dec 18, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Duck – Inland Zone 3 Daily Limit 6 with the following restrictions: 4 scoters, 4 eiders, 4 long-tailed ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards (only 1 hen mallard), 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck. | Dec 19, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Fox – Red & Gray Daily limit 2; Season 10 | Nov 18, 2023 | Jan 27, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada Goose Daily bag limit 15. | Sep 1, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| Goose – Light Goose Regular Season Daily bag limit 25. | Oct 10, 2023 | Feb 10, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada & White-fronted 1 Resident Population Zone. Daily bag limit 5. | Oct 19, 2023 | Oct 28, 2023 |
| Goose – Canada & White-fronted 2 Resident Population Zone. Daily bag limit 5. | Nov 4, 2023 | Nov 25, 2023 |
| Tundra Swan Bag limit 1 per season with valid permit | Nov 4, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada & White-fronted 3 Resident Population Zone. Daily bag limit 5. | Dec 18, 2023 | Feb 10, 2024 |
| Goose – Canada and White-fronted 4 Northeast Hunt Zone. Daily bag limit 1 with valid permit. | Dec 18, 2023 | Feb 10, 2024 |
| Goose – Brant Daily bag limit 1 | Dec 28, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Goose – Light Goose Conservation Order Season No daily bag limit. No posession Limit | Feb 12, 2024 | Mar 31, 2024 |
| Grouse Daily bag limit 3. | Oct 16, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Feral Swine No limit. | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Pheasant Daily limit 3 (male pheasant only). | Nov 18, 2023 | Feb 1, 2024 |
| Quail Daily bag limit 6. | Nov 18, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Rabbit and Hare Daily limit 5; No possession or season limits. | Oct 16, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Turkey – Youth Spring Male or bearded Turkey only. | Apr 6, 2024 | Apr 12, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Statewide (Bearded turkey only). | Apr 13, 2024 | May 11, 2024 |
Hunting Rules In North Carolina
Either Sex-Seasons
Youth Deer Hunting Day
Shooters under the age of 18 are allowed to pursue either male or female deer on the day designated for juvenile deer hunting. No restrictions on whether they can take male or female deer are indicated by this.
During the bow deer season, hunting is authorized on game properties in and around Watauga, Wilkes, Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Rutherford, and Polk counties and other regions. This implies that bow hunters in these locations can kill both male and female deer during the bow deer season.
During the first and second bow deer seasons, hunters are permitted to take deer of either sex in any location, including wildlife areas, in or west of the counties of Henderson, Buncombe, McDowell, Burke, Caldwell, and Avery. This means that shooters can kill both male and female deer in certain regions during the first and second bow deer seasons.
Blackpowder
The black powder rifle deer season has regulations that hunters must follow. On the first Saturday of the current North Carolina hunting seasons, hunters may take down deer of either type anywhere within the counties of Henderson, Buncombe, Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery. This includes hunting in certain areas on wildlife holdings.
When the maximum either-sex gun season is in effect, hunters may take down deer of either sex at any time during the black-powder rifle deer season in the areas east of Polk, Rutherford, McDowell, Burke, Caldwell, Watauga, and Ashe counties. Also covered is hunting on wildlife properties in certain areas.
Hunters must adhere to these regulations in order to ensure that they are hunting morally and legally.
Gun
During the North Carolina gun season, only deer of either sex may be taken on the days noted on the Deer Zone Charts and Game Lands Rules. Because the periods for the rifle season vary according to the locality, hunters should consult these charts to decide when they can go hunting.
Maximum, Average, Cautious, and Introductory are the four different categories of firearms or sex seasons in North Carolina.
For the duration of the firearms season, hunters who belong to the Highest category are permitted to take either-sex deer. The either-sex gathering is allowed in the Average group from the first open day of the regular season until the second Friday after. Either-sex picking is permitted under the Republican group from the first available day of the regular season to the first Saturday after. Finally, either-sex capture is only authorized in the Introductory category on the first open Saturday of the regular rifle season.
Hunters must pay attention to which group is relevant to their hunting region to make sure they are hunting within fair boundaries.
Lawful weapons
It is legal to hunt deer in North Carolina with a variety of equipment. All legal kinds of archery include longbows, recurves, composite bows, crossbows, and projectile bows. The minimum draw weight for compound bows is 35 pounds, and the minimum draw weight for crossbows is 100 pounds. However, longbows and sling bows need to be able to tote at least 40 pounds. If the cutting width is at least 7/8 inches, hunters are permitted to use broadheads with fixed and motorized blades.
During the black powder season, hunters in North Carolina are allowed to employ muzzle-loading rifles designed to shoot black powder, a substitute for black powder, or any other explosive put into the muzzle, cylinder, or barrel. Rifles, shotguns, and muzzle- or cylinder-loading handguns are all affected by this. The size of the weapon is unrestricted. During the black powder seasons, hunters are also permitted to utilize shooting equipment.
Except for fully automatic weapons, North Carolina has few limits on the type of gun used for deer hunting. Hunters are free to use any other type of gun or handgun to shoot deer. However, it should be noted that during hunting season, only a.22 rimfire pistols are permitted to take out an injured deer.
Hunter Orange Conditions
In order to be seen from all sides, hunters in North Carolina who are participating in the deer firearms season must wear hunter-orange clothing. This regulation also applies to anyone using a shooting firearm on Youth Deer Hunting Day, regardless of age, and to anyone using bow equipment to pursue deer on Saturdays. If you are the owner’s tenant, companion, or child and you are shooting on your property, you are exempt from wearing orange hunting clothing.
This restriction only applies if you have permission to fire on real estate that you own, rent, or are employed to manage. For safety reasons, to avoid unintended killings, and to make it easier for hunters to identify one another in the field, the requirement for hunter-orange clothing exists. If this regulation is not obeyed, there can be penalties or other repercussions.
North Carolina Hunting Regulations
Bear
Mandatory Bear Tooth Submission
- After the applicable bear hunting season, you must now submit at least one premolar tooth from your harvested bear by January 31.
- Place one of the upper premolar teeth in the bear tooth envelope you got in the mail from the Commission after removing both upper premolar teeth (see the advertisement below and instructions at ncwildlife.org/bear). Once the Commission has informed you that we have received your tooth, hold onto the other tooth as a backup until then.
- If you misplaced the bear tooth envelope, call 919-707-0050 to request a replacement.
*By zone, season dates change. For exact county dates, go to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website. Female bears with cubs or cubs themselves that weigh less than 75 pounds cannot be taken. Nonresidents must obtain a bear hunting license prior to hunting.
Hunter or Blaze Orange
Any individual using a firearm to hunt a bear, wild pig, rabbit, squirrel, grouse, pheasant, or quail must wear a cap or hat made of hunter-orange material or an outer garment that is hunter-orange and is visible from all sides. Regardless of the weapon used, anybody deer hunting during a deer firearms season must wear hunter orange that can be seen from all sides. This applies to anyone using an archery during the Sunday deer firearms season, as well as to anyone using an archery on Youth Deer Hunting Day. When a landowner, his or her husband, and children are out hunting on the landowner’s land, this provision does not apply to them.
Archery
In North Carolina, archery equipment is any tool that propels a single arrow or bolt using non-pneumatic means and has a sturdy fixed handle with two limbs and a string.
- All species that have an open hunting season are lawful to hunt with longbows, recurved bows, compound bows, and crossbows.
- When used to pursue wild turkey, alligators, bears, deer, elk, deer, swine, and wild turkeys:
- The minimum pull required for longbows and recurved bows is 40 pounds.
- A minimum pull of 35 pounds is required for compound bows.
- Crossbows need to be able to pull at least 100 pounds.
- Only arrows and bolts having a fixed minimum broadhead width of 7/8 inch or mechanically opening broadheads with a minimum 7/8 inch broadhead in the open position shall be used.
- During legal hunting seasons, sling bows with a minimum pull of 40 pounds may be used to hunt deer, wild turkeys, small game animals, nongame animals, and nongame fish.
- Small animals and birds like rabbits, squirrels, quail, and grouse may be taken using blunt-type arrowheads.
- No wildlife may be taken with arrowheads that are explosive, toxic or both.
Rifles
Fully automatic rifles are unlawful. All other rifles are legal except:
- Federal law forbids the use of rifles while shooting migrating game birds.
- In several counties, firearms are forbidden or subject to restrictions.
- Using guns to pursue or capture wild turkeyфs is prohibited.
Shotgun
• When shooting migratory game birds, shotguns must be plugged to have a maximum shell capacity of three, and they cannot be larger than 10-gauge.
Pistols
- These species may be killed with a handgun during the open hunting season for rabbits, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, fur-bearing animals, and legal nongame animals and birds. Both barrel length and caliber are unrestricted. Throughout the designated handgun hunting season, deer and bear may be killed. Barrels of any length or caliber may be used without limitations. Except as specified below, a hunter or trapper who is legitimately collecting wildlife in another manner may use a pistol to execute the captured animal or bird.
- Wild turkey hunting and taking with a firearm is prohibited.
- Only a 22-caliber rimfire pistol may be used to kill deer during the designated urban archery season (see “Retrieval”).
Legal Hours
30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
Deer
Archery
In North Carolina, archery equipment is any tool that propels a single arrow or bolt using non-pneumatic means and has a sturdy fixed handle with two limbs and a string.
- All species that have an open hunting season are lawful to hunt with longbows, recurved bows, compound bows, and crossbows.
- When used to pursue wild turkey, alligators, bears, deer, elk, deer, swine, and wild turkeys:
- The minimum pull required for longbows and recurved bows is 40 pounds.
- A minimum pull of 35 pounds is required for compound bows.
- Crossbows need to be able to pull at least 100 pounds.
- Only arrows and bolts having a fixed minimum broadhead width of 7/8 inch or mechanically opening broadheads with a minimum 7/8 inch broadhead in the open position shall be used.
- During legal hunting seasons, sling bows with a minimum pull of 40 pounds may be used to hunt deer, wild turkeys, small game animals, nongame animals, and nongame fish.
- Small animals and birds like rabbits, squirrels, quail, and grouse may be taken using blunt-type arrowheads.
- No wildlife may be taken with arrowheads that are explosive, toxic or both.
Blackpowder
Only black powder shotguns, rifles, and handguns are permitted during the black powder deer season. Bows and arrows, crossbows, and sling bows are also acceptable weapons during the black powder season.
*Season dates vary by zone. Urban archery deer seasons are open in only specific cities.
The Commission defines a black powder firearm as any firearm – including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system – manufactured in or before 1898, that cannot use fixed ammunition; any replica of this type of firearm if such replica is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; and any muzzle-loading rifle, muzzle-loading shotgun, or muzzle-loading or cylinder-loading handgun that is designed to use black powder, black powder substitute, or any other propellant loaded through the muzzle, cylinder, or breech and that cannot use fixed ammunition.
Rifles
Fully automatic rifles are unlawful. All other rifles are legal except:
- Rifles are prohibited by federal law in hunting migratory game birds.
- Local laws prohibit or restrict rifles in some counties.
- It is unlawful to hunt or take wild turkeys with rifles.
Shotgun
When shooting migratory game birds, shotguns must be plugged to have a maximum shell capacity of three, and they cannot be larger than 10-gauge.
Pistols
- These species may be killed with a handgun during the open hunting season for rabbits, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, fur-bearing animals, and legal nongame animals and birds. Both barrel length and caliber are unrestricted. Throughout the designated handgun hunting season, deer and bear may be killed. Barrels of any length or caliber may be used without limitations. Except as specified below, a hunter or trapper who is legitimately collecting wildlife in another manner may use a pistol to execute the captured animal or bird.
- Wild turkey hunting and taking with a firearm is prohibited.
- Only a 22-caliber rimfire pistol may be used to kill deer during the designated archery season (see “Retrieval”).
Legal Hours
30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.
Turkey
Archery
In North Carolina, archery equipment is any tool that propels a single arrow or bolt using non-pneumatic means and has a sturdy fixed handle with two limbs and a string.
- All species that have an open hunting season are lawful to hunt with longbows, recurved bows, compound bows, and crossbows.
- When used to pursue turkey, alligators, bears, deer, elk, deer, swine, and wild turkeys:
- The minimum pull required for longbows and recurved bows is 40 pounds.
- A minimum pull of 35 pounds is required for compound bows.
- Crossbows need to be able to pull at least 100 pounds.
- Only arrows and bolts having a fixed minimum broadhead width of 7/8 inch or mechanically opening broadheads with a minimum 7/8 inch broadhead in the open position shall be used.
- During legal hunting seasons, sling bows with a minimum pull of 40 pounds may be used to hunt deer, wild turkeys, small game animals, nongame animals, and nongame fish.
- Small animals and birds like rabbits, squirrels, quail, and grouse may be taken using blunt-type arrowheads.
- No wildlife may be taken with arrowheads that are explosive, toxic or both.
Shotgun
Shotguns must be no larger than 10-gauge. • When hunting migratory game birds, shotguns must be plugged so as to limit their maximum capacity to three shells.
Legal Turkey
Male or Bearded Turkeys Only.
Waterfowl
Coots – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 15 coots
Mergansers – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 5 with no more than 2 hooded mergansers
Sea Ducks – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 4 total sea ducks with no more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders (only 1 hen eider) or 3 long-tailed ducks.
- All sea ducks taken, whether inside or outside of the Sea Duck Area, count toward the general daily limit of 6 ducks.
Duck – Bag Limits
The daily limits are the same in every zone for duck hunting. Six per day with the following limitations: Only 3 scoters, 3 eiders (only 1 hen eider), or 3 long-tailed ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 mallards (only 1 hen mallard), 2 black ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck may be included in the total number of sea ducks. The restriction for scaup bags is one before January 9 and two after that date. The harlequin duck season has ended. Up to November 19, the season for black and mottled ducks is closed.
September Teal – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 6. The September Teal Season is open only in that area east of U.S. Highway 17.
Brant – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 1
Light Geese CONSERVATION ORDER SEASON (BY PERMIT ONLY) – Bag Limits
No daily limit; no possession limit
- Expanded hunting techniques are permitted during the light geese Conservation Order Season. These involve using unplugged weapons and making electronic calls. Additionally, shooting is permitted up to one-half hour after sunset.
Light Geese – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 25; no possession limit.
Tundra Swan – Bag Limits
By Permit Only. 1 per season with a special permit
September Canada Goose – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 15.
Expanded hunting techniques are only permitted in the region west of U.S. Highway 17 for Canada geese. These include the extension of shooting hours to a half-hour after dark, the acceptance of unplugged firearms, and the acceptance of electronic calls. Only in September does this apply to this region.
Goose – Northeast Hunt Zone – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 1 Canada goose or white-fronted goose
Goose – Resident Population Zone – Bag Limits
Daily Limit 5 Canada geese or white-fronted geese either singly or in the aggregate.
Harvest Information Program (HIP)
Everyone with a hunting license in North Carolina who hunts migratory game birds (doves, rails, gallinules, moorhens, woodcock, snipe, or waterfowl) must have proof of their participation in the federal Harvest Information Program (HIP). By contacting a wildlife service agent, calling 888-248-6834 certification can be obtained without cost.
Shooting Hours
All migratory game birds, including waterfowl, may be shot from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset unless otherwise noted. It is illegal to hunt migrating game birds on Sundays.
Shotguns
When shooting migratory game birds, shotguns must be plugged to have a maximum shell capacity of three, and they cannot be larger than 10-gauge.
Nontoxic Shot Requirements
In North Carolina, it is illegal to hunt waterfowl with shells that are loaded with anything other than steel or other nontoxic permitted materials. Shotgun shells containing lead or toxic shot are prohibited from being used for hunting in game areas with posted waterfowl impoundments; however, lead buckshot-containing shotgun shells may be used for hunting deer. For the purpose of field trials, legitimate dog training, and the taking of captive-reared mallards in shooting preserves, nontoxic shots must be used.
Hunter Education in North Carolina
Hunters must provide verification that they have successfully completed a hunter education course in order to buy a license. The only hunters exempt from this rule are those who possess a North Carolina Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permit or a hunting license that was issued in the state prior to July 1, 2013.
For hunters who wish to attempt hunting but haven’t taken a hunter education course, there is the Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permit. Hunters with this permit may hunt, but they must have an adult with them who is at least 18 years old. In order to always keep an eye on the apprentice hunter’s behavior, the accompanying adult must remain nearby.
In-person classroom instruction for the hunter education course is offered in all of North Carolina’s counties. Online courses and virtual classes are also offered.
Where Are The Public Hunting Areas In North Carolina?
North Carolina Hunting:
1,380,000 acres, or nearly 4.4% of the state’s total land area, are all open for hunting in this state. White-tailed Deer, Bears, Raccoons, Turkeys, Opossums, Squirrels, Rabbits, Quail, Bobcats, Pheasants, and a few other game species are among the creatures that can be hunted in this state. More than 60,000 hunters travel to this state annually to pursue their prey on various public hunting sites.
The price of a hunting license in North Carolina varies significantly depending on whether you are a resident or not. A person must stay in this area for a total of 3 months in order to be considered a resident.
Additionally, hunters are permitted to bring their dogs onto hunting grounds, but they must be leashed and have current immunization records. The physically challenged hunters can hunt the animals they want in defined regions on hunting leases. Last but not least, motor vehicles must be turned off when hunting and are not permitted into hunting grounds unless you are physically disabled.
North Carolina Public Hunting Lands:
In North Carolina, hunting lands are those that are either owned by the state’s Wildlife Resources Commission or are leased from different businesses and government organizations. The minimum age to hunt on any hunting land is 17, and a valid hunting license and permission are also required. Nearly 1,050 public hunting lands are available in this state overall, allowing hunters to pursue their target species at various times of the year. Because hunting grounds are private, there are no crowds for the hunters to contend with. Hunting lands do not permit hunting from vehicles.
What Guns And Equipment Can I Use During Hunting Season?
Archery Equipment
- In North Carolina, archery equipment is any tool that propels a single arrow or bolt using non-pneumatic means and has a sturdy fixed handle with two limbs and a string.
- All species may be legally hunted using longbows, recurved bows, compound bows, and crossbows during the open hunting season.
- When employed to take down bears, deer, elk, wild turkeys, alligators, and feral pigs:
- The minimum pull required for longbows and recurved bows is 40 pounds.
- A minimum pull of 35 pounds is required for compound bows.
- Crossbows need to be able to pull at least 100 pounds.
- Only arrows and bolts having a fixed minimum broadhead width of 7/8 inch or mechanically opening broadheads with a minimum 7/8 inch broadhead in the open position shall be used.
- During the permitted hunting seasons, slingbows with a minimum pull of 40 pounds may be used to take deer, wild turkeys, small game animals, nongame animals, and nongame fish.
- In order to kill tiny animals and birds like rabbits, squirrels, quail, and grouse, blunt-type arrowheads may be employed.
- No wildlife may be taken with arrowheads that are explosive, toxic, or both.
Shotguns
- Shotguns can only be 10 gauge or smaller.
- Shotguns must be plugged to reduce their maximum capacity to three shells when hunting migrating game birds.
Pistols
- These species may be killed with a handgun during the open hunting season for rabbits, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, fur-bearing animals, and legal nongame animals and birds. Both barrel length and caliber are unrestricted.
- During the designated handgun hunting season, deer and bear may be taken. Barrels of any length or caliber may be used without limitations.
- Except as specified below, a hunter or trapper who is legitimately collecting wildlife by another manner may use a pistol to execute the captured animal or bird.
- Wild turkey hunting and taking with a firearm is prohibited.
- Only a 22-caliber rimfire pistol may be used to kill deer during the designated archery season (see “Retrieval”).
Rifles
- Fully automatic rifles are unlawful. All other rifles are legal except:
- Federal law forbids the use of rifles while shooting migrating game birds.
- In several counties, firearms are forbidden or subject to restrictions. See “Local Laws” for more information.
- Using guns to pursue or capture wild turkeys is prohibited.
Blackpowder
- During the black powder deer season, the only lawful firearms are black powder shotguns, rifles, and handguns. The Commission defines a black powder firearm as any firearm — including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system — manufactured in or before 1898, that cannot use fixed ammunition; any replica of this type of firearm if such replica is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; and any muzzle-loading rifle, muzzle-loading shotgun, or muzzle-loading or cylinder-loading handgun that is designed to use black powder, black powder substitute, or any other propellant loaded through the muzzle, cylinder, or breech and that cannot use fixed ammunition.
What Are The Limits For North Carolina Counties?
In North Carolina, deer hunters are allowed to kill a specified number of deer each season. Only six deer can be killed by each shooter, with two deer having horns and the other four lacking antlers. North Carolina does not have a daily cap on the number of deer that may be taken, in contrast to certain other states.
There is, however, one exemption to the statewide bag ban. Participants in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) may take additional antlerless deer without counting them against their national quota. These animals must be recognized using the capture identifiers from the DMAP program.
It is noteworthy to note that while deer with spikes or buttons wrapped in skin or velour are not considered to have antlers in North Carolina, those with bone protrusions through the skin are.
To keep track of how many antlerless deer they take during the Urban Archery Season, hunters must fill out Extra Antlerless Report Cards. These deer are not part of the state quota, and hunters are allowed an unlimited number of cards. Per card, a maximum of two antlerless deer are permitted.
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers Bag Limit
| Game | Daily Limit | Additional Restrictions |
| Ducks | 6 | • 4 total sea ducks, with limits on specific species. • 4 mallards (only 2 hen mallards). • 3 wood ducks • 2 black ducks • 2 redheads • 2 canvasbacks • 1 pintail. • 1 mottled duck • 1 fulvous whistling duck • Scaup bag limit changes on Jan. 9, from 1 to 2. • Season closed for harlequin ducks • Season closed for black and mottled ducks until Nov. 18. |
| Sea Ducks | 4 | • Limits on specific sea duck species. |
| Coots | 15 | |
| Mergansers | 5 | • No more than 2 hooded mergansers. |
Goose Season
| Season Dates | Daily Limit | |
| September Canada Goose Season | Sept 1 – Sept 30 (statewide) | 15 |
| Resident Population Zone | Oct 19 – Oct 28, Nov 4 – Nov 25, Dec 18 – Feb 10 | 5 Canada geese or whitefronted geese either singly or in the aggregate |
| Northeast Hunt Zone | Dec 28 – Jan 31 | 2 Canada geese or white-fronted geese either singly or in the aggregate |
| Light Geese (Regular Season) | Oct 10 – Feb 10 | 25; no possession limit |
| Light Geese (Conservation Order Season), Permit required | Feb 12 – Mar 31 | No daily limit; no possession limit |
| Tundra Swan (By Permit Only) | Nov 4 – Jan 31 | 1 per season with special permit |
Extended Falconry Season
| Season Dates | Daily Limit | |
| Dove (Mourning & White-Winged Dove) | Oct 9 – Oct 21 | 3 |
| King, Clapper and Virginia Rail, Sora, Gallinule, and Moorhen | Dec 9 – Jan 13 | 3 |
| Woodcock | Dec 1 – Dec 9 & Feb 3 – Feb 24 | 3 |
| Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots | Oct 2 – Oct 14 & Feb 1 – Feb 10 | 3 |
Armadillo Season
| Species | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Bag Limit |
| Armadillo | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Sunday, December 31, 2023 | No Limits (Private lands) |
Feral Swine (Hogs) Season
| Species | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Bag Limit |
| Feral Swine (Hogs) | Sunday, January 01, 2023 | Sunday, December 31, 2023 | No Limits (Private lands) |
Where Are The Public Hunting Areas In North Carolina?
| Location | Acres | Game | Zip |
| McKenzie | 987 | Whitetail Deer | 58572 |
| Macon | 13000 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Predator | 28734 |
| Otto | 800 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Predator | 28734 |
| Macon | 531148 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Predator, Exotics | 28734 |
| Craven | 160000 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Predator, Exotics | 28560 |
| Montgomery | 51000 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics | 27371 |
| Haywood | 500000 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Predator, Exotics | 28761 |
| Burnsville | 14779 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Predator | 28754 |
| Haywood | 26400 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Predator, Exotics | 28754 |
| Graham | 3000 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics | 28771 |
| Craven | 800 | Whitetail Deer, Duck, Predator, Exotics | 28560 |
FAQs
What Types of Deer Are Popular in North Carolina?
The only deer species that is indigenous to North Carolina is the whitetail deer. Although there are 200 elk in the state, it is illegal to hunt them. Because of this, whitetail deer are by far the most popular game animal in the nation as a whole. Nearly 250,000 hunters in North Carolina spent 3.7 million days harvesting over 200,000 deer during the 2023 hunting season for deer.
What Else Is Popular to Hunt in North Carolina?
Deer is just the fourth most often harvested animal in North Carolina, despite being hunted by more people than any other game. With a total harvest of more than 830,000, doves were by far the most heavily hunted animal in 2023. Squirrels and ducks came in second and third, respectively.
Other popular game animals include:
- Rabbits
- Raccoons
- Coyotes
- Geese
- Quail
- Wild swine
How To Get A Hunting License In North Carolina?
Depending on your age, you might need the Hunter Education Certificate to lawfully purchase a hunting license or permit.
- Complete the prerequisites for the North Carolina hunter education certification.
- Select the appropriate licensing type.
- Purchase the hunting license through a North Carolina-approved agency or through the Wildlife Resources Commission of North Carolina website.
What Can You Hunt Year-round In NC?
Every winter, hunters are permitted to pursue small game species such as armadillos, coyotes, nutria, and skunks. In addition to the closed season, hunters are not allowed to transport any kind of animal.
Where to Buy a North Carolina Hunting License?
- Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
- Call 1-888-248-6834.
- Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission office or an approved agent.
- Mail in a paper application.
*Season dates vary by zone. Some areas of North Carolina limit hunting to particular dates.
When Can You Start Hunting In NC?
18 years old.