Hunting Seasons & Licensing · NC
North Carolina Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonNorth Carolina offers diverse hunting from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal plains and Outer Banks. The state has approximately 250,000 deer hunters and over 1 million acres of public game lands. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, waterfowl, and dove are the primary game species. North Carolina is divided into multiple seasons and weapon types with different dates for the mountains, piedmont, and coastal regions.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sep 6 – Oct 31, 2025 | 6 deer per season (2 antlered) | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Gun | Oct 11 – Jan 3, 2026 (varies by region) | 6 deer per season (2 antlered) | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct 4 – Oct 10, 2025 | Included in season total | Muzzleloader only |
| Black Bear | General | Nov through Jan (varies by region) | 1 bear per day | Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader |
White-tailed Deer (Archery): Dates vary by region
White-tailed Deer (Gun): Western NC has shorter season. Eastern NC has longer season. Check zone dates.
Black Bear (General): Mountain and coastal regions have different seasons. Hound hunting permitted in some areas.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring (youth) | Apr 4, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 11 – May 9, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct through Nov (select counties) | 1 turkey either sex daily / 2 season | Shotgun, bow, rifle |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 15 – Feb 28, 2026 | 6 daily | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 1 – Oct 4 & Nov 15 – Nov 29 & Dec 20 – Jan 31, 2026 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 11 – Feb 28, 2026 | 3 daily | Shotgun |
Mourning Dove (General): Split season
Ruffed Grouse (General): Mountain region only
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 15 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Squirrel | General | Oct 11 – Feb 28, 2026 | 8 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Sportsman License | $36 | Covers hunting, fishing, and all game |
| Non-Resident Season Hunting License | $100 | — |
| Resident Big Game License | $25 | — |
| Non-Resident Big Game License | $100 | — |
| Youth (under 16) | Free | Hunter education required |
| Senior (70+) | Free | — |
| Game Lands Use License | $15 | Required for hunting on public game lands |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most North Carolina hunting licenses are available over the counter. No drawing system is required for deer or turkey. Special permit hunts on Game Lands require an application through the NCWRC system. There is no preference point system. Black bear permits in some areas may be limited.
Harvest Reporting
North Carolina does not require mandatory electronic harvest reporting for most species statewide, but voluntary reporting is encouraged through the NCWRC website. Mandatory check stations may be required on certain Game Lands. Check your specific Game Land regulations for reporting requirements.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: NC WILDTIP: 1-800-662-7137
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.