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
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 | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Northeastern | ||
| Archery | 9-Sep-23 | 29-Sep-23 |
| Blackpowder | 30-Sep-23 | 13-Oct-23 |
| Gun | 14-Oct-23 | 1-Jan-24 |
| Southeastern | ||
| Archery | 9-Sep-23 | 29-Sep-23 |
| Blackpowder | 30-Sep-23 | 13-Oct-23 |
| Gun | 14-Oct-23 | 1-Jan-24 |
| Central | ||
| Archery | 9-Sep-23 | 27-Oct-23 |
| Blackpowder | 28-Oct-23 | 10-Nov-23 |
| Gun | 11-Nov-23 | 1-Jan-24 |
| Northwestern | ||
| Archery | 9-Sep-23 | 3-Nov-23 |
| Blackpowder | 4-Nov-23 | 17-Nov-23 |
| Gun | 18-Nov-23 | 1-Jan-24 |
| Western | ||
| Archery | 9-Sep-23 | 1-Oct-23 |
| Blackpowder | 2-Oct-23 | 14-Oct-23 |
| Archery | 15-Oct-23 | 19-Nov-23 |
| Gun | 20-Nov-23 | 9-Dec-23 |
| Archery (Antlered Only) | 10-Dec-23 | 1-Jan-24 |
| Urban Deer Season Archery Only | 13-Jan-24 | 18-Feb-24 |
| Gun - Either-Sex Seasons | First open Saturday / of the applicable gun season | All open days / of the applicable gun season |
| Blackpowder - Either-Sex Seasons | First open Saturday / of the applicable blackpowder season | All open days / of the applicable blackpowder season |
You may also read our NC Deer Hunting Season article if want to know complete details on the deer season
Raccoon and Opossum Season
| NC Raccoon Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoon and Opossum | 16-Oct-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Squirrel Season
| NC Squirrel Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Gray and Red Squirrels | 16-Oct-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
| Fox Squirrels | 16-Oct-23 | Jan 31, 2024 |
Rabbit Season
| NC Rabbit Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit | 16-Oct-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Bobcat Season
| NC Bobcat Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | 16-Oct-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Fox Hunting Season
| County | Fox Hunting Dates |
|---|---|
| Alamance County | Oct 17 – end of Feb |
| Alexander County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Alleghany County | Oct 15 - Mar 1 |
| Anson County | Nov 18 - Jan 1 |
| Anson County | Year-round |
| Ashe County | Year-round |
| Avery County | Dec 1 - Feb 1 |
| Beaufort County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Bertie County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Bladen County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Brunswick County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Buncombe County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Burke County | During any season for a game animal |
| Cabarrus County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Caldwell County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Camden County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Carteret County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Caswell County | Nov 2 - Feb 10 |
| Catawba County | Year-round |
| Chatham County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Cherokee County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Chowan County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Clay County | Jan 7 - Jan 28 |
| Cleveland County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Columbus County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Craven County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Cumberland County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Currituck County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Dare County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Davidson County | Nov 1 - end of Feb |
| Davie County | Nov 1 - end of Feb |
| Duplin County | During any open season for a game animal |
| Durham County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Edgecombe County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Forsyth County (excluding Winston-Salem) | Nov 1 - end of Feb |
| Franklin County | Oct 1 - Jan 31 |
| Gaston County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Gates County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Graham County | Jan 7 - Jan 28 |
| Granville County | Oct 1 - Jan 31 |
| Greene County | Nov 19 – Jan 1 |
| Guilford County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Halifax County | Year-round |
| Harnett County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Haywood County | Year-round for gray foxes by any normal hunting means |
| Haywood County | Year-round for red foxes w/archery or dogs |
| Henderson County | only (no firearms) |
| Hertford County | Jan 7 - Jan 28 |
| Hoke County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Hyde County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Iredell County | Nov 15 - Jan 1 |
| Iredell County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Jackson County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Johnston County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Johnston County | Dec 1 - Feb 20 |
| Jones County | Nov 19 – Jan 1 |
| Lee County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Lenoir County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Lincoln County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Macon County | Year-round |
| Madison County | Jan 7 - Jan 28 |
| Martin County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| McDowell County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Mecklenburg County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Mitchell County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Montgomery County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Moore County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Nash County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| New Hanover County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Northampton County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Onslow County | Nov 2 - Feb 10 |
| Orange County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Pamlico County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Pasquotank County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Pender County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Perquimans County | Nov 196 - Jan 1 |
| Person County | Year-round |
| Pitt County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Polk County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Randolph County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Richmond County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Robeson County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Rockingham County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Rowan County | Oct 17 – Feb 28 |
| Rutherford County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Sampson County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Scotland County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Scotland County | Dec 1 - Jan 1 |
| Stanly County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Stokes County | Nov 18 - Jan 1 |
| Surry County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
| Swain County | Oct 15 - Mar 1 |
| Transylvania County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Tyrrell County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Union County | Jan7 - Jan 28 |
| Vance County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Wake County | Oct 1 - Jan 31 |
| Warren County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Washington County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Watauga County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Wayne County | No Fox Hunting Season w/Weapon |
| Wilkes County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Wilson County | Year-round |
| Winston-Salem | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Yadkin County | Nov 19 - Jan 1 |
| Yancey County | Year-round |
| Yancey County | Nov 1 – end of Feb |
Note: For Complete Fox Trapping & Hunting Season with bag limits download the schedule here.
Crow Season
| NC Hunting Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Crow | 2-Aug-23 | 28-Feb-24 |
| Crow | 5-Jun-24 | 31-Jul-24 |
Pheasant Season
| NC Hunting Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pheasant | Nov. 18, 2023 | Feb. 1, 2024 |
Quail Season
| NC Quail Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Quail | 18-Nov-23 | Feb 29, 2024 |
Grouse Season
| NC Grouse Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Grouse | 16-Oct-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Black Bear hunting season in North Carolina.
| Black Bear (Types) | Zones | Schedule Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Western Bear Seasons | In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke, and Cleveland counties | Dec. 12, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023 |
| Piedmont Bear Seasons | Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties. | Nov. 12, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023 |
| Piedmont Bear Seasons | Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake and Warren counties. | Oct. 15, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023 |
| Piedmont Bear Seasons | Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes, and Yadkin counties. | Nov. 19, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023 |
| Eastern Bear Seasons | Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne, and Wilson counties. | Nov. 14, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023 |
Turkey hunting seasons in North Carolina.
| NC Turkey Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey Spring Season | 8-Apr-23 | 6-May-23 |
| Wild Turkey Spring Season | 13-Apr-23 | 11-May-24 |
| Wild Turkey Youth-only Season | 1-Apr-23 | 7-Apr-23 |
| Wild Turkey Youth-only Season | 6-Apr-24 | 12-Apr-24 |
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.
Small game hunting seasons in North Carolina.
| North Carolina hunting seasons for small game (Types) | Schedules Dates | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Armadillo | No Closed Season | |
| Beaver | Check the Hunting Regulations Digest | |
| Bobcat | Oct. 17, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 | |
| Coyote | No Closed Season | |
| Crow | Aug. 3, 2022 – Feb. 25, 2023 June 7 – July 29, 2023 Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of each week. | Additionally, if not on a Sunday, crows may be hunted on Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Independence Day. |
| Feral Swine | No Closed Season | |
| Fox | Visit www.ncwildlife.org/foxseasons for the publication "Fox Hunting & Trapping Seasons." | |
| Groundhog | No Closed Season | |
| Grouse | Oct. 17, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 | |
| Nutria | No Closed Season | |
| Opossum | Oct. 17, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 | |
| Pheasant (Male Only) | Nov. 19, 2022 – Feb. 1, 2023 | |
| Quail | Nov. 19, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 | |
| Rabbit (Includes Box-Trapping) | Oct. 17, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 | |
| Raccoon | Oct. 17, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 | |
| Skunk (striped) | No Closed Season | |
| Squirrel – Gray and Red | Oct. 17, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023 | |
| Squirrel – Fox | Oct. 17, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023 | |
| Controlled Hunting Preserves | By Regulation | |
| Extended Falconry | By Regulation |
Waterfowl hunting seasons in North Carolina.
| North Carolina hunting seasons for Waterfowl (Type) | Schedules Dates | Additional Note |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfowl – General (That includes ducks, geese, swans and youth waterfowl days) | Seasons / Limits, Youth Waterfowl Day(s), Extended Falconry Seasons | Requiring non-toxic shot, information on baiting, license requirements, and numerous reports |
| Canada Goose | Seasons / Limits | |
| Light Goose |
Seasons for migratory game birds in North Carolina.
| Hunting Species | Season Dates | Specified Limits |
|---|---|---|
| DOVE (MOURNING DOVE & WHITE-WINGED DOVE INCLUDED) | Sept. 3 – Oct. 1, Nov. 5 – Nov. 26 & Dec. 10 – Jan. 31 | Daily Limit 15 for mourning doves and white-winged doves, either individually or collectively. |
| RAILS (KING, CLAPPER AND VIRGINIA RAILS AND SORA INCLUDED) | Sept. 3 – Nov. 23 | • 15 King or Clapper Rails, either individually or together, are the daily limit. • Limit of 25 Virginia Rails or Sora each day, either individually or collectively. |
| (GALLINULE AND MOORHEN) | Sept. 3 – Nov. 23 | 15 Gallinules and Moorhens every day, either individually or together |
| WOODCOCK | Dec. 10 – Jan. 31 | Everyday Limit 3 |
| COMMON SNIPE | Oct. 27 – Feb. 28 | Everyday Limit 8 |
| SEPTEMBER TEAL SEASON (GREEN-WINGED TEAL, BLUE-WINGED TEAL AND CINNAMON TEAL INCLUDED) | Sept. 13 – Sept. 30 | Everyday Limit 6 |
| Only the region east of U.S. Highway 17 is open during the September Teal Season. | ||
| (DUCKS)- Inland Zone | Oct. 21 – Oct. 22, Nov. 5 – Nov. 26 & Dec. 17 – Jan. 31 | 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 is ended. Up to November 19, the season for black and mottled ducks is closed. |
| (DUCKS)- Coastal Zone | Oct. 28 – Oct. 29 Nov. 5 – Nov. 26 & Dec. 17 – Jan. 31 | 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 is ended. Up to November 19, the season for black and mottled ducks is closed. (Refer to the Goose & Duck Zones Map.) |
| (COOTS) | Season dates same as ducks | Everyday Limit 15 coots |
| MERGANSERS | Season dates same as ducks | No more than two hooded mergansers in the daily limit of five |
| SEA DUCKS | • Oct. 28 – Oct 29, • Nov. 5 – Nov. 26 &, • Dec. 17 – Jan. 31, | A maximum of 3 scoters, 3 eiders (with only one hen eider), or 3 long-tailed ducks may be included in the daily limit of 4 sea ducks. |
| • The general daily restriction of 6 sea ducks applies to all sea ducks taken, whether they are caught inside or outside of the Sea Duck Area. • Wounded waterfowl may be taken from a motorboat while under power in the designated Sea Duck Area (which includes the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and those coastal waters south of U.S. 64 that are separated by at least 800 yards of open water from any shore, island, or marsh) (see Migratory Game Bird Regulations). | ||
| (SEPTEMBER CANADA GOOSE SEASON) | Sept. 1 – Sept. 30 | Everyday Limit 15 |
| Only west of U.S. Route 17 can more aggressive hunting methods be used on Canada geese. Acceptance of unplugged firearms, electronic calls, and an extra half-hour of shooting time after dark are all examples. September is the only month in which this holds true for this part of the world. | ||
| CANADA GEESE (WHITE-FRONTED GEESE INCLUDED) | View the Goose Zone Map in the Duck & Goose Zones Map. | |
| (RESIDENT POPULATION - ZONE) | Oct. 21 – Oct. 29, Nov. 5 – Nov. 26 & Dec. 17 – Feb. 11 | 5 Canada geese or white-fronted geese are allowed each day, either individually or collectively. |
| NORTHEAST HUNT ZONE | Dec. 28 – Jan. 31 | Daily Limit 1 Canada goose or white-fronted goose |
| TUNDRA SWAN (BY PERMIT ONLY) | Nov. 5 – Jan. 31 | with a special authorization, one every season |
| • There will only be a few licences given out for tundra swan hunting. A random selection will determine the recipients of permits, each of which allows them to take one tundra swan. Call 888-248-6834 or visit ncwildlife.org/PermitHunt for more on the application process. | ||
| LIGHT GEESE - (SNOW GEESE AND ROSS’S GEESE INCLUDED)- REGULAR SEASON | Oct. 11 – Feb. 11 | 25 daily limits; there no possession limits |
| CONSERVATION ORDER SEASON - (BY PERMIT ONLY) | Feb. 13 – Mar. 31 | There is No daily limit and no possession limit |
| • During the Light Goose Conservation Order Season, expanded hunting methods are allowed. Among them are the use of electronic communication and the discharge of electrically charged weaponry. In addition, you may keep firing for up to half an hour after the sun goes down. • For more information or to apply for a permit, please visit ncwildlife.org/LightGoose beginning July 1. | ||
| (BRANT) | Dec. 17 – Jan. 31 | Everyday Limit 1 |
| YOUTH WATERFOWL- DAY(S) | Feb. 4 & Feb. 11 (statewide) | similar daily limits as during the normal waterfowl season (s) |
| • Only on the day(s) specifically designated as "Youth Waterfowl Day" is it legal to hunt waterfowl outside of the typical season. All of the following waterfowl are allowed: ducks, geese, brant, tundra swans, mergansers, and coots. The youngster requires a valid hunting license in order to pursue tundra swans. Check out the General Game Lands Regulations for information on hunting on public and private game lands, as well as areas where permits are required. • Minors (those under 18 years old) may take part if they meet the following requirements. • Children less than 16 who have their Hunter Education Certification must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. | ||
| YOUTH WATERFOWL- DAY(S) (CONT.) | ||
| • A properly licensed adult must accompany any hunter less than 16 who has not completed a hunter education program. This person is required to be above the age of 18. • Children 16 and 17 must have a federal duck stamp, HIP certification, and a valid driver's license, and they must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 18. • Duck hunting is not permitted during youth waterfowl days, although other open seasons are. | ||
| VETERANS/MILITARY-WATERFOWL DAY(S) | Feb. 4 & Feb. 11 (statewide) | Same daily limits as during the regular waterfowl season(s) |
| • Waterfowl hunting is authorized on days outside of the typical season to honor veterans and active-duty military personnel. All of the following waterfowl are allowed: ducks, geese, brant, tundra swans, mergansers, and coots. Under the following circumstances, active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve members (other than those in training), and veterans are welcome to take part: • must be in possession of a federal duck stamp, current HIP certification, and other required licenses and certifications. • A legal hunting permit is required for the takedown of tundra swans. | ||
| (EXTENDED FALCONRY SEASONS) | ||
| DOVE (MOURNING DOVE AND WHITE-WINGED DOVE INCLUDED) (EXTENDED FALCONRY SEASON) | Oct. 3 – Oct. 15 | Everyday Limit 3 |
| KING, CLAPPER AND VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, GALLINULE AND MOORHEN (EXTENDED FALCONRY SEASON) | Dec. 10 – Jan. 14 | Everyday Limit 3 |
| WOODCOCK (EXTENDED FALCONRY SEASON) | • Dec. 1 – Dec. 10 &, • Feb. 1 – Feb. 25 | Everyday Limit 3 |
| DUCKS, MERGANSERS AND COOTS (EXTENDED FALCONRY SEASONS) | • Oct. 3 – Oct. 15 &, • Feb. 1 – Feb. 11 | Everyday Limit 3 |
| • In accordance with the established gun seasons, falconers may pursue migrating game birds. The daily bag and possession limits of three and nine, respectively, still apply during gun hunting seasons. • Falconry can begin half an hour before sunrise and end an hour after sunset, regardless of species. • "Any time between half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset is acceptable for training falcons of any species. • Falconry for waterfowl and other migratory game birds is banned on Sundays." • All species, individually or in the aggregate, are subject to the daily bag and possession limits. For example, if the appropriate seasons are open, a daily limit could be three doves or one dove, one duck, and one woodcock. |
Also Read : Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons [Updated Schedule]
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
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual | $35 |
| Disabled Veteran Lifetime | $11 |
| Totally Disabled Lifetime | $11 |
Sportsman licenses
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| 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 Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 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
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| 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 Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Resident Hunting and Fishing Guide License | $16 |
| Nonresident Hunting and Fishing Guide License | $159 |
Trapping licenses
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 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
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| 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
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| 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
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Captivity License for Holding | $50 |
| Captivity License for Rehabilitation | $10 |
Non-refundable fees shall apply to dealer licenses
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| 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
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| 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
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| 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.