North Carolina Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 New Regulations & Dates!

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If you are planning for the deer season or any other hunting season North Carolina for the year 2023–2024. You’re in the correct spot! Here are the dates for the forthcoming archery, primitive weapons, and guns seasons, as well as the basic laws and guidelines you need to be aware of.

North Carolina Hunting Categories & Seasons

Content Highlights

The dates and general rules for North Carolina’s hunting seasons are listed below, but hunters should refer to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Rules Compendium for 2023–2024 for a more comprehensive summary of hunting laws, seasons, and bag limits. It should be noted that the seasons for deer shooting with different firearms correspond with the county in which they are found on the game areas located in Buffalo Cove, Nicholson Creek, Rockfish Creek, Sandhills, and South Mountains. Hunters should consult the “Game Lands” portion of the Rules Compendium for special limitations regarding particular game lands seasons. To ensure a secure and good hunting experience, it is crucial for hunters to follow all rules and regulations.

NC Deer Season 2023 – 2024

Dates for the Gun Either-Sex Deer Season on game lands may be found under “Game Lands.”

Dates for the either-sex season and any exceptions to the seasons stated in this table may be found on the Deer Zone Maps.

NC Deer Hunting Season 2023-2024MethodHunting Start DateHunting End Date
NortheasternArchery9-Sep-2329-Sep-23
Blackpowder30-Sep-2313-Oct-23
Gun14-Oct-231-Jan-24
SoutheasternArchery9-Sep-2329-Sep-23
Blackpowder30-Sep-2313-Oct-23
Gun14-Oct-231-Jan-24
CentralArchery9-Sep-2327-Oct-23
Blackpowder28-Oct-2310-Nov-23
Gun11-Nov-231-Jan-24
NorthwesternArchery9-Sep-233-Nov-23
Blackpowder4-Nov-2317-Nov-23
Gun18-Nov-231-Jan-24
WesternArchery9-Sep-231-Oct-23
Blackpowder2-Oct-2314-Oct-23
Archery15-Oct-2319-Nov-23
Gun20-Nov-239-Dec-23
Archery (Antlered Only)10-Dec-231-Jan-24
Urban Deer SeasonArchery Only13-Jan-2418-Feb-24
GunEither-Sex Seasons: First open Saturday (applicable gun season)All open days (applicable gun season)
BlackpowderEither-Sex Seasons: First open Saturday (applicable blackpowder season)All open days (applicable blackpowder season)

You may also read our NC Deer Hunting Season article if want to know complete details on the deer season

Bear Season

SpeciesHunting DatesNote
Mountain Bear16-Oct-23 - 18-Nov-23In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke and Cleveland
Mountain Bear11-Dec-23 - 1-Jan-24In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke and Cleveland
Piedmont Bear11-Nov-23 - 1-Jan-24Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, and Union
Piedmont Bear14-Oct-23 - 1-Jan-24Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake, and Warren
Piedmont Bear18-Nov-23 - 1-Jan-24Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes, and Yadkin
Coastal Bear (Zone 1)Nov 11 – Nov 26, 2023Dare, Hyde, and Tyrrell
Coastal Bear (Zone 2)Nov 10 – Nov 19, 2023Camden, Chowan, and Pasquotank
Coastal Bear (Zone 2)Nov 11 – Nov 19, 2023Gates, Currituck, and Perquimans
Coastal Bear (Zone 3)Nov 11 – Nov 19, 2023Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Martin, and Washington
Coastal Bear (Zone 4)Nov 18 – Dec 17, 2023Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne, and Wilson
Coastal Bear (Zone 5)13-Nov-23 - 1-Jan-24Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico (use of dogs for hunting bears prohibited in this county), Pender, Robeson, and Sampson

Turkey Season

Turkey SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Wild Turkey Spring Season8-Apr-236-May-23(bearded or male turkeys only)
Wild Turkey Spring Season13-Apr-2411-May-24(bearded or male turkeys only)
Wild Turkey1-Apr-237-Apr-23
Youth-only Season6-Apr-2412-Apr-24(bearded or male turkeys only)

If you want to learn more about the 2023 North Carolina turkey hunting season, be sure to check out our full article on it for all the details.

NC Furbearer Season

Coyote Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateBag LimitNote
CoyoteSunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023No LimitsPrivate lands

Bobcat Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Bobcat16-Oct-2329-Feb-24

Raccoon Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Raccoon16-Oct-2329-Feb-24

Opossum Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Opossum Season16-Oct-2329-Feb-24

Rabbit Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Rabbit16-Oct-2329-Feb-24

Squirrel Season

Squirrel SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Gray and Red Squirrels16-Oct-2329-Feb-24
Spring Squirrel Season (Gray Squirrel) Private Lands13-May-2327-May-24
Fox Squirrels16-Oct-2331-Jan-24

Groundhog Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateBag LimitNote
GroundhogSunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023No LimitsPrivate lands

Nutria Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateBag LimitNote
NutriaSunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023No LimitsPrivate lands

Skunk Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateBag LimitNote
Skunk (Striped)Sunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023No LimitsPrivate lands

Beaver Season

SpeciesHunting Date
Beaver SeasonBeaver may be taken with guns or a bow and arrow throughout the year, providing that permission has been acquired from the land's owner or lessee.

Fox Season

County/ZonesFox Trapping SeasonFox Hunting Season w/Weapon
AlamanceJan 2 - Jan 31Oct 16 – end of Feb
AlexanderNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
AlleghanyOct 15 - Mar 1Oct 15 - Mar 1
AnsonJan 2 - Jan 31Nov 18 - Jan 1
AsheNov 1 - Feb 28Year-round
AveryNo Fox Trapping SeasonDec 1 - Feb 1
BeaufortOct 1 – end of FebDec 1 - Jan 1 Jan 2 – Feb 28
BertieNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
BladenJan 2 - Jan 31Dec 1 - Jan 1
BrunswickJan 2 - Jan 31Dec 1 - Jan 1
BuncombeNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
BurkeJan 1 - Jan 31During any season for a game animal
CabarrusOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
CaldwellOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
CamdenNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
CarteretNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
CaswellJun 1 - Feb 28Nov 2 - Feb 10 Jan 5 – Feb 10
CatawbaNo Fox Trapping SeasonYear-round
ChathamDec 1 - Feb 15Nov 18 - Jan 1
CherokeeOct 1 – end of FebNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
ChowanOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
ClayJan 6 - Jan 27Jan 6 - Jan 27
ClevelandOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
ColumbusJan 2 - Jan 31Dec 1 - Jan 1
CravenJan 2 - Feb 28Nov 18 - Jan 1
CumberlandOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
CurrituckNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
DareNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
DavidsonOct 1 - end of FebOct 1 - end of Feb
DavieOct 1 - end of FebOct 1 - end of Feb
DuplinNo Fox Trapping SeasonDuring any open season for a game animal
DurhamNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
EdgecombeJan 2 - Jan 31Nov 18 - Jan 1
Forsyth (excluding Winston-Salem)Oct 1 - end of FebOct 1 - end of Feb
FranklinOct 1 - Jan 31Oct 1 - Jan 31
GastonOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
GatesJan 2 - Jan 31Dec 1 - Jan 1
GrahamJan 6 - Jan 27Jan 6 - Jan 27
GranvilleOct 1 - Jan 31Oct 1 - Jan 31
GreeneNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 – Jan 1
GuilfordNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
HalifaxJan 7 - Feb 10Year-round
HarnettNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
HaywoodNo Fox Trapping SeasonYear-round for gray foxes by any normal hunting means Sale of foxes prohibited.
Year-round for red foxes w/archery or dogs only (no firearms) Sale of foxes prohibited.
HendersonJan 6 - Jan 27Year-round
HertfordNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
HokeJan 2 - Jan 31Dec 1 - Jan 1
HydeOct 1 – end of FebNov 15 - Jan 1
an 2 – end of Feb
IredellNo Fox Trapping SeasonDec 1 - Jan 1 (Only in Fallstown, Davidson, and Coddle Creek townships)
Nov 18 - Jan 1
JacksonNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
JohnstonDec 1 - Feb 20Dec 1 - Feb 20
Nov 18 – Jan 1
JonesNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
LeeNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
LenoirNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
LincolnNo Fox Trapping SeasonYear-round Gray Foxes only Sale of foxes prohibited
MaconJan 6 - Jan 27Jan 6 - Jan 27
MadisonNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
MartinNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
McDowellOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
MecklenburgNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
MitchellOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
MontgomeryOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
MooreNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
NashNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
New HanoverOct 1 – end of FebNov 18 - Jan 1
NorthamptonJan 5 - Feb 10Nov 2 - Feb 10
OnslowNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
OrangeNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
PamlicoNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
PasquotankNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
PenderNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
PerquimansNo Fox Trapping SeasonYear-round
PersonSept 1 – Sept 30Dec 1 - Jan 1
Dec 1 – Feb 20
PittJan 2 - Jan 31Dec 1 - Jan 1
PolkNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
RandolphNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
RichmondJan 2 - Jan 31Nov 18 - Jan 1
RobesonJan 2 - Jan 31Dec 1 - Jan 1
RockinghamJune 1 - Feb. 28Oct. 16 – Feb. 28
May 13 – May 27, 2024
RowanOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
RutherfordOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
SampsonNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
ScotlandJan 2 - Jan 31Dec 1 - Jan 1 (This season only applies in that portion of the county northeast of N.C. Hwy. 381 from the Richmond County line to the South Carolina Border)
Nov 18 - Jan 1
StanlyJan 2 - Jan 31Nov 18 - Jan 1
StokesOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb
SurryOct 15 - Mar 1Oct 15 - Mar 1
SwainNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
TransylvaniaNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
TyrrellJan 6 - Jan 27Jan 6 - Jan 27
UnionNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
VanceOct 1 - Jan 31Oct 1 - Jan 31
WakeNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
WarrenNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
WashingtonNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
WataugaNo Fox Trapping SeasonNo Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon
WayneNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
WilkesOct 1 – end of FebYear-round
WilsonNo Fox Trapping SeasonNov 18 - Jan 1
Winston-SalemOct 1 – end of FebNov 18 - Jan 1
YadkinOct 1 – Feb 28Year-round
YanceyOct 1 – end of FebOct 1 – end of Feb

For complete bag limits and local restriction you may download the NC Fox Hunting Digest.

NC Upland Birds

Quail Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Quail18-Nov-2329-Feb-24

Grouse Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Grouse Season16-Oct-2329-Feb-24

Pheasant Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Pheasant18-Nov-231-Feb-24
Trapping1-Oct-2328-Feb-24

NC Migratory Birds Season

Crow Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End Date
Crow2-Aug-2328-Feb-24

Note: Crows may be hunted on the third Wednesday, sixth Friday, and seventh Saturday of every week, as well as on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Independence Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Thanksgiving Day, unless they occur on a Sunday.

Dove Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Dove (Mourning & White-Winged)2-Sep7-OctDaily Limit 15; either singly or in the aggregate

Rails Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Rails (King, Clapper)2-Sep22-NovDaily Limit 15 King or Clapper Rails either singly or in the aggregate
Rails (Virginia & Sora)2-Sep22-NovDaily Limit 25 Virginia Rails or Sora either singly or in the aggregate

Gallinule and Moorhen Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Gallinule and Moorhen2-Sep22-NovDaily Limit 15 Gallinules and Moorhens either singly or in the aggregate

Woodcock Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Woodcock11-Dec31-JanDaily Limit 3

Snipe Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
Common Snipe27-Oct28-FebDaily Limit 8

NC Waterfowls Season

Waterfowl Days
SeasonSeason DatesDaily Limit
Youth Waterfowl Day(s)Feb 3 & Feb 10 (statewide)Same as regular waterfowl season(s)
Veterans/Military Waterfowl Day(s)Feb 3 & Feb 10 (statewide)Same as regular waterfowl season(s)
Duck Season
Duck SeasonZoneStart DateEnd Date
DucksInland Zone19-Oct21-Oct
DucksInland Zone4-Nov25-Nov
DucksInland Zone19-Dec31-Jan
DucksCoastal Zone27-Oct28-Oct
DucksCoastal Zone4-Nov25-Nov
DucksCoastal Zone18-Dec31-Jan
Sea Ducks27-Oct28-Oct
Sea Ducks4-Nov25-Nov
Sea Ducks18-Dec31-Jan
September Teal Season
SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateNote
September Teal Season13-Sep30-SepDaily Limit 6
Brant Season
SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Limit
BrantDec 28 – Jan 311
Coots Season
Coots SeasonStart DateEnd Date
Inland Zone19-Oct21-Oct
Inland Zone4-Nov25-Nov
Inland Zone19-Dec31-Jan
Coastal Zone27-Oct28-Oct
Coastal Zone4-Nov25-Nov
Coastal Zone18-Dec31-Jan
Mergansers Season
Mergansers SeasonStart DateEnd Date
Inland Zone19-Oct21-Oct
Inland Zone4-Nov25-Nov
Inland Zone19-Dec31-Jan
Coastal Zone27-Oct28-Oct
Coastal Zone4-Nov25-Nov
Coastal Zone18-Dec31-Jan
Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers Bag Limit
GameDaily LimitAdditional Restrictions
Ducks6• 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 Ducks4• Limits on specific sea duck species.
Coots15
Mergansers5• No more than 2 hooded mergansers.
Goose Season
Goose SeasonSeason DatesDaily Limit
September Canada Goose SeasonSept 1 – Sept 30 (statewide)15
Resident Population ZoneOct 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 ZoneDec 28 – Jan 312 Canada geese or white-fronted geese either singly or in the aggregate
Light Geese (Regular Season)Oct 10 – Feb 1025; no possession limit
Light Geese (Conservation Order Season), Permit required Feb 12 – Mar 31No daily limit; no possession limit
Tundra Swan (By Permit Only)Nov 4 – Jan 311 per season with special permit

Extended Falconry Season

Extended Falconry SeasonSeason DatesDaily Limit
Dove (Mourning & White-Winged Dove)Oct 9 – Oct 213
King, Clapper and Virginia Rail, Sora, Gallinule, and MoorhenDec 9 – Jan 133
WoodcockDec 1 – Dec 9 & Feb 3 – Feb 243
Ducks, Mergansers, and CootsOct 2 – Oct 14 & Feb 1 – Feb 103

Armadillo Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateBag LimitNote
ArmadilloSunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023No LimitsPrivate lands

Feral Swine (Hogs) Season

SpeciesHunting Start DateHunting End DateBag LimitNote
Feral Swine (Hogs)Sunday, January 01, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023No LimitsPrivate lands

North Carolina Hunting Bag Limits

Deer hunters in North Carolina can shoot a certain amount of deer each season. Each shooter can only take down six deer, with two deer having horns and the remaining four being antlerless. Unlike some other states, North Carolina does not have a daily limit on the number of deer that may be taken.

The state-wide bag restriction does have one exception, though. Deer management assistance program (DMAP) participants can take extra antlerless deer without putting them against their national quota. The DMAP program’s capture identifiers must be used to identify these animals.

It is significant to observe that deer with bone protrusions through the skin are regarded as having antlers in North Carolina, but those with spikes or buttons wrapped in skin or velour are not.

Hunters must fill out Extra Antlerless Report Cards during the Urban Archery Season to record how many antlerless deer they bag. Hunters are permitted a limitless number of cards, and these deer are not included in the state quota. There are two antlerless deer allowed per card.

Either Sex-Seasons.

Youth Deer Hunting Day

The day set aside for youth deer hunting allows shooters under 18 to pursue either male or female deer. This indicates no limits on whether they can take male or female deer.

Hunting is permitted on game properties in and to the east of Watauga, Wilkes, Alexander, Catawba, Cleveland, Rutherford, Polk counties and other areas during the bow deer season. This indicates that during the bow deer season, shooters in these areas can kill both male and female deer.

Hunters may capture deer of either sex during the first and second bow deer seasons in any area, including wildlife areas, in or west of the counties of Henderson, Buncombe, McDowell, Burke, Caldwell, and Avery. This indicates that during the first and second bow deer seasons, shooters can take both male and female deer in these areas.

Blackpowder.

There are rules that hunters must abide by during the black powder firearm deer season. Hunters can capture deer of either species on the first Saturday of this season in and around Henderson, Buncombe, Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery counties. This includes going shooting on wildlife properties in these regions.

Hunters may capture deer of either sex at any moment during the black-powder rifle deer season in regions where the maximum either-sex gun season is in force and in and east of Polk, Rutherford, McDowell, Burke, Caldwell, Watauga, and Ashe counties. Hunting on wildlife properties within these regions is also included.

To guarantee that they are shooting morally and lawfully, hunters must abide by these rules.

Gun.

Hunters are only permitted to harvest deer of either sex during the North Carolina gun season on the days specified on the Deer Zone Charts and Game Lands Rules. Hunters should use these charts to determine when they can go hunting because the times for the rifle season differ based on the area.

North Carolina has four types of gun or-sex seasons: Maximum, Average, Cautious, and Introductory.

Hunters who fall under the Highest group can capture either-sex deer for the full firearms season. From the first open day of the regular season until the second Friday after, the either-sex gathering is permitted in the Average group. From the first available day of the regular season until the first Saturday after, either-sex picking is allowed under the Republican group. Lastly, in the Introductory group, either-sex capture is only permitted on the first open Saturday of the regular rifle season.

To ensure they are hunting within reasonable restrictions, hunters must take notice of which group pertains to their hunting area.

Lawful weapons

Deer hunting is permitted in North Carolina using a variety of tools. Longbows, recurves, composite bows, crossbows, and projectile bows are all acceptable forms of archery. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 100 pounds, and compound bows must have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds. Sling bows recurve, and longbows must, however, be able to drag at least 40 pounds. Hunters can use motorized and fixed-blade broadheads if the cutting width is at least 7/8 inches.

Hunters in North Carolina are permitted to use muzzle-loading firearms that cannot fire fixed ammo and are made to fire black powder, a substitute for black powder, or any other explosive inserted through the muzzle, cylinder, or barrel during the black powder season. This applies to rifles, shotguns, and muzzle- or cylinder-loading pistols. The weapon’s size is unrestricted. Hunters are also permitted to use shooting gear during the black powder seasons.

North Carolina has few restrictions on the gun used for deer shooting except for entirely automatic firearms. For deer shooting, hunters can use any other kind of firearm or handgun. However, it should be mentioned that only a.22 rimfire pistols can be used to dispatch an injured deer during the hunting season.

Hunter Orange Conditions

Hunters in North Carolina who are partaking in the weapons season for deer must don hunter-orange apparel that is noticeable from all directions. Anyone using a shooting firearm on Youth Deer Hunting Day, regardless of age, and anyone using bow equipment to pursue deer on Saturdays is also subject to this rule. However, you are excused from donning orange hunter apparel if you are shooting on your land and you are the owner’s proprietor, companion, or child. This provision only applies if you have the authorization to fire on property that you own, lease, or hire. The prerequisite for hunter-orange apparel exists for safety reasons, to prevent unintentional killings, and to make it simpler for hunters to recognize one another in the field. There may be sanctions or other consequences if this rule is not followed.

NC Hunting License Fees

The following fees shall apply to obtain various hunting licenses in North Carolina

Combination hunting and inland fishing licenses

CategoryPrice
Resident Annual$35
Disabled Veteran Lifetime$11
Totally Disabled Lifetime$11

Sportsman licenses

CategoryPrice
Annual Sportsman License$53
Infant Lifetime Sportsman License$212
Youth Lifetime Sportsman License$371
Adult Resident Lifetime Sportsman License$530
Nonresident Lifetime Sportsman License$1272
Age 70 Resident Lifetime Sportsman License$16
Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Sportsman License$106
Resident Totally Disabled Lifetime Sportsman License$106

Hunting licenses

License TypePrice
Resident State Hunting License$25
Lifetime Resident Comprehensive Hunting License$265
Controlled Hunting Preserve Hunting License$22
Resident Annual Comprehensive Hunting License$39
Nonresident State Hunting License (Season)$100
Nonresident State Hunting License (Ten-Day)$80
Falconry Hunting License$25

      

Special activity licenses

CategoryPrice
Resident Big Game Hunting License$14
Nonresident Bear Hunting License$239
Bear Management Stamp$11
Nonresident Big Game Hunting License (Season)$100
Nonresident Big Game Hunting License (10-Day)$80
Bonus Antlerless Deer License$11
Game Land License$16
Falconry License$11
Migratory Waterfowl Hunting License$14
Resident American Alligator License$250
Nonresident American Alligator License$500
Resident Elk License$500
Nonresident Elk License$1000

Hunting and fishing guide licenses

License TypePrice
Resident Hunting and Fishing Guide License$16
Nonresident Hunting and Fishing Guide License$159

Trapping licenses

License TypePrice
Resident State Trapping License$32
Resident Lifetime Trapping License$300
Nonresident State Trapping License$133

Hook-and-line licenses in inland and joint fishing waters

CategoryPrice
Resident State Inland Fishing License$25
Lifetime Resident Comprehensive Inland Fishing License$265
Nonresident State Inland Fishing License$45
Resident 10-day Inland Fishing License$9
Nonresident 10-day Inland Fishing License$23
Age 70 Resident Lifetime Inland Fishing License$16
Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Inland Fishing License$11
Resident Totally Disabled Lifetime Inland Fishing License$11
Special Landholder and Guest Fishing License$106
Mountain Heritage Trout Waters 3-Day Fishing License$8

Special device licenses

CategoryPrice
Resident Special Device License$80
Nonresident Special Device License$530

Non-refundable fees fee for a collection license 

$10.00

Non-refundable fees shall apply to captivity licenses

CategoryPrice
Captivity License for Holding$50
Captivity License for Rehabilitation$10

Non-refundable fees shall apply to dealer licenses

CategoryPrice
Resident Fur-dealer License$64
Nonresident Fur-dealer License$318
Fur-dealer Station License$128
Controlled Hunting Preserve Operator License$100
Controlled Hunting Preserve Rabbit Operator License$25
Game Bird Propagation License$10
Furbearer Propagation License$27
Taxidermy License$50
Taxidermy Cervid Certification$5
Wildlife Control Agent License$50
Wildlife Control Technician Certification$25
Alligator Control Agent Certification$25

Non-refundable fees shall apply to permits

CategoryPrice
Possession Permit$10
Exportation or Importation Permit$10
Trophy Wildlife Sale Permit$10
Endangered Species Permit$10
Field Trial Permit$10

Unified hunting and fishing licenses

CategoryPrice
Annual Resident Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$69
Annual Resident Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$41
Infant Lifetime Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$292
Youth Lifetime Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$477
Resident Adult Lifetime Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$716
Nonresident Adult Lifetime Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$1643
Resident Age 70 Lifetime Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$32
Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$117
Resident Totally Disabled Lifetime Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$117
Resident Lifetime Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License$477
Annual Resident Coastal Recreational Fishing License$16
Annual Nonresident Coastal Recreational Fishing License$32
Ten-Day Resident Coastal Recreational Fishing License$6
Ten-Day Nonresident Coastal Recreational Fishing License$11
Infant Lifetime Coastal Recreational Fishing License$106
Youth Lifetime Coastal Recreational Fishing License$159
Resident Adult Lifetime Coastal Recreational Fishing License$265
Nonresident Adult Lifetime Coastal Recreational Fishing License$530
Resident Age 70 Lifetime Coastal Recreational Fishing License$16
Resident Disabled Veteran Coastal Recreational Fishing License$11
Resident Totally Disabled Coastal Recreational Fishing License$11

Please note that these costs may not cover all of the expenses associated with obtaining a deer hunting license in North Carolina, such as any additional fees or permits. In order to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on hunting regulations and costs, it is recommended that you contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

North Carolina Hunting Important Links

Frequently Asked Question

What are the different hunting seasons for small game in North Carolina?

Hunting participants in North Carolina have several small game hunting seasons to choose from. The hunting calendar covers seasons for Gray, Red, Fox, Rabbit, Quail, Grouse, Bobcat, Pheasant, Raccoon, Opossum, and others. For example, Gray and Red Squirrel, Grouse, and Raccoon seasons run from October 16 to February 29. Hunters may also anticipate Fox Squirrel from October 18 to January 31 and Quail from November 20 to February 28.

What are the bag limits for turkey hunting in North Carolina?

Turkey hunting in North Carolina is regulated to maintain the population. Hunters may only harvest two turkeys each season and one per day. One turkey is allowed during the youth season for hunters under 18.

What are the requirements for obtaining a hunting license in North Carolina?

State regulations for North Carolina hunting licenses are set by the Wildlife Resources Commission. Completing an authorized hunter education course and carrying the certification card at all times are required, except for individuals possessing a hunting license before July 1, 2013. Hunters must choose the right license based on age and residence. Hunting bear or ducks requires special permits. Wildlife Resources Commission licenses and permits are available to disabled residents. If convicted of certain felonies or serious offenses, including domestic abuse, hunters cannot carry a gun.

Dates Source: NC Wildlife

John Lewis

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