North Carolina [NC] Hunting Seasons
Last Updated on August 31, 2022 by Albert Smith
Hunting Seasons in North Carolina [NC] 2022-2023
North Carolina offers many different hunting seasons throughout the year, giving hunters the opportunity to pursue a variety of game. The state’s deer season is divided into two segments, with the first running from early September to late December and the second from early January to late February. Other popular game animals in North Carolina include squirrel, rabbit, quail, dove, turkey, and waterfowl.
The North Carolina hunting seasons are fast approaching. If you are a hunter, now is the time to start making your plans. The seasons vary depending on the animal you are hunting, so be sure to check the regulations. Some of the most popular animals to hunt in North Carolina are deer, bear, turkey, and quail. There are also many opportunities to hunt small game such as rabbits and squirrels. No matter what you are looking to hunt, North Carolina has something for everyone.
While hunting season dates are fairly predictable each year, rules and regulations often change. Keeping up with North Carolina hunting seasons and other hunting rules is important if you want to get the most out of your season. Here is a look at the season ahead and what you can expect.
With more than 20 different species to hunt, North Carolina is a popular destination for hunters. The terrain is varied, allowing for hunts in forests, mountains, swamps, and plains. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or this will be your first season, HuntingLife is here to help with the latest news and updates on hunting seasons and rules in North Carolina.
North Carolina [NC] Hunting License:
The North Carolina hunting seasons are fast approaching. If you are a hunter, now is the time to start making your plans. The seasons vary depending on the animal you are hunting, so be sure to check the regulations. Some of the most popular animals to hunt in North Carolina are deer, bear, turkey, and quail. There are also many opportunities to hunt small game such as rabbits and squirrels. No matter what you are looking to hunt, North Carolina has something for everyone.
North Carolina offers many different hunting seasons throughout the year, giving hunters the opportunity to pursue a variety of game. The state’s deer season is divided into two segments, with the first running from early September to late December and the second from early January to late February. Other popular game animals in North Carolina include squirrel, rabbit, quail, dove, turkey, and waterfowl.
You need to have license to hunt in north corolina . Here you will find more details about it: https://www.eregulations.com/northcarolina/hunting/hunting-trapping-licenses
Interested in finding out more information about hunting changes in North Carolina? Visit North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission website for more information on licensing, hunter education, and details on hunting seasons.
North Carolina Deer Hunting Seasons:
There are four deer hunting seasons in North Carolina: the early season, the late season, the extended season, and the primitive weapons season. The North Carolina deer hunting season dates are set by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The early deer hunting season in North Carolina typically runs from the first Saturday in September through the last day of February. The late deer hunting season in North Carolina typically runs from the first Saturday in March through the last day of May. The extended deer hunting season in North Carolina typically runs from the first Saturday in June through the last day of August. The primitive weapons deer hunting season in North Carolina typically runs from the first Saturday in September through the last day of February.
Youth Day | Sept. 25 |
Urban Archery | Jan. 15-Feb. 20 |
Archery | Sept. 11-Nov. 5** |
Muzzleloader/Blackpowder | Oct. 2-Nov. 19** |
Firearms | Oct. 16-Jan. 1** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Urban archery deer seasons are open in only specific cities. For more information on specific season start and end dates in your area, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
North Carolina Black Bear Hunting Seasons:
In North Carolina, black bear hunting season typically starts in early October and can last until the end of December. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission sets the exact dates for the season each year. Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and bear tag to hunt black bears in North Carolina. The bag limit is one black bear per person per season.
General Season | Oct. 18-Jan. 1** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website for more information about specific county seasons. It is illegal to hunt or kill bear cubs (under 75 pounds), or female bears with cubs. Nonresidents must obtain a signed bear permit prior to hunting.
North Carolina Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission sets the hunting seasons for wild turkeys each year. The season dates are typically announced in late winter or early spring. The Commission considers many factors when setting the season dates, including the breeding and nesting habits of turkeys, as well as the availability of food and cover.
Turkey hunting is a popular sport in North Carolina. The state offers two wild turkey hunting seasons: the spring season and the fall season. The spring season runs from April 1st to May 31st, and the fall season runs from September 1st to October 31st. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a valid North Carolina turkey hunting permit to hunt turkeys during the spring and fall seasons.
Spring Youth Season | Apr. 2-8 |
Spring General Season | Apr. 9-May 7 |
North Carolina Small Game Hunting Seasons:
North Carolina’s small game hunting seasons are some of the best in the country. With a variety of game to choose from, and a variety of seasons to hunt them in, there’s something for everyone. From quail and rabbits, to doves and squirrels, there’s a reason North Carolina is a top destination for small game hunters.
The North Carolina Small Game Hunting Seasons are upon us! Get ready for some great hunting this season by familiarizing yourself with the dates, bag limits, and license requirements. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has set the following dates for small game hunting seasons: squirrel, September 1- February 28/29; rabbit, October 15- February 28/29; quail, November 17- February 28/29; and grouse, November 17- February 28/2 Remember, you must have a valid hunting license to hunt small game in North Carolina, and there are bag limits for each species. Make sure to check the NCWRC website for more information on license requirements and bag limits.
Raccoon and Opossum | Oct. 18-Feb. 28 |
Gray and Red Squirrel | Oct. 18-Feb. 28 |
Fox Squirrel | Oct. 18-Jan. 31 |
Rabbit Hunting | Oct. 18-Feb. 28 |
Quail Hunting | Nov. 20-Feb. 28 |
Grouse Hunting | Oct. 18-Feb. 28 |
Bobcat | Oct. 18-Feb. 28 |
Pheasant | Nov. 20-Feb. 1 |