New to Hunting?

Interested in learning about hunting but don’t know any hunters?

Then our Hunting Webinars or Getting Started Outdoors (GSO) Hunting Workshops are for you! Come learn about the basics of hunting including:

• Hunting skills
• Equipment and strategies
• Wild game processing and cooking

 

Attend a Hunting Webinar (ALL skill levels welcome)

REQUEST to Attend a GSO Hunting Workshop (NOTE: Please review all below before requesting to attend).

What are GSOs?

Getting Started Outdoors Hunting Workshops address informational barriers to participation and primarily meant for those who are interested in hunting, but don’t know how to get started. GSO is accomplished by providing a surrogate mentored experience for those lacking social support via existing hunting family member or friend.

GSO workshops are designed to teach new to hunting individuals "how to hunt" via a multi-faceted hunting-related skills and strategies experience and then begin hunting on their own, or with the support from family member and friends following the GSO.

Potential hunts, although not guaranteed, may/might follow the GSO workshop, but are largely dependent on conservation partner support (i.e., experienced hunter volunteers) with dates/times TBD and individuals must complete the GSO workshop to be eligible….no exceptions.

GSO Attendance REQUIREMENTS

  • NEVER Hunted (primary target audience).
  • MINIMAL Hunting Experience (you have NOT ACTIVELY hunted for MORE than THREE years).
  • LACKING Social Support (you have no readily available hunting family members or friends).
  • LAPSED (non-active) hunters including those that have NEVER harvested big game (i.e., turkey or deer).
GSO Attendance PREREQUISITES

NOTE: If you have additional questions regarding hunting license requirements, contact NCWRC Customer Service Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. @ 888-248-6834 or licenses@ncwildlife.org.

WEBINAR & GSO MUST READ:

  • Best way to be informed about upcoming webinars is to sign up for Wildlife Update @  Email Sign Up (ncwildlife.org)
  • GSO attendance is by request only and subject to attendance requirements and prerequisites as noted above.    
  • Since GSO’s are largely dependent on conservation partner facilitation, existing, experienced hunters are sorely needed as instructors, assistant instructors, logistics assistants and scouting/hunting mentors.

For additional webinar and GSO information including volunteer opportunities to be part of the GSO team, Contact Walter “Deet” James, the Commission’s Hunting Engagement Specialist at gso@ncwildlife.org (preferred), 919-707-0059 (office), 984-202-1387 (mobile)

Before the Hunt

Hunting information on a variety of hunting topics including equipment, methods, processing and more.

What to Hunt/Seasons & Limits

​​You can also call 800-I-GOT-ONE (800-446-8663) to report your harvest.

Review a list of your previous harvests with authorization numbers.  You can also print a personalized harvest certificate for display.

Interactive and downloadable maps compiled by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission of over two million acres of North Carolina game lands.

Big Game

Big Game” status includes species that can be hunted and must be registered with the NCWRC upon harvest.

Black Bear

Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

photo by: Mike Carraway

Please click image for additional information

 

2022-23 Bear Season Dates

Western Bear Season

(Mountain Bear Mgmt Unit)

Oct. 17 - Nov. 19, 2022 

  • In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke and Cleveland counties

Dec. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 

  • In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke and Cleveland counties

 

Piedmont Bear Season

​(Piedmont Bear Mgmt. Unit)

Nov. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023

  • Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties

Oct. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 

  • Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake and Warren counties 

Nov. 19, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023

  • Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes and Yadkin counties

 

Eastern Bear Season

​(Coastal Bear Mgmt. Unit)

Zone 1:  Nov 12 - 27, 2022 and Dec. 10 - 25, 2022

  • Dare, Hyde and Tyrrell counties

Zone 2:  Nov. 11 - 20, 2022 and Dec. 10 - 25, 2022

  • Camden*, Chowan*, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank*, and Perquimans counties

               *Per local law, bear season opens Nov. 12, 2022 for these 3 counties

Zone 3:  Nov. 12 - 20, 2022 and  Dec. 10 - 25, 2022

  • Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Martin and Washington counties

Zone 4:  Nov. 19 - Dec. 18, 2022

  • Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne and Wilson counties

Zone 5:  Nov. 14, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 

  • Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico*, Pender, Robeson and Sampson counties

 *The use of dogs for hunting bears is prohibited in Pamlico county.

White-tailed Deer

White-tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Photo by: Ken Taylor

Click image to see additional information

 

2022-23 Deer Season

Deer Zone Maps

Limits

Western Deer Season
  • Archery:  Sept. 10 - Sept. 30, 2022
     Oct. 16 - Nov. 20, 2022
     Dec. 11, 2022- Jan. 2, 2023 (antlered deer only)
  • Blackpowder:  Oct. 3 -  Oct. 15, 2022
  • Gun:  Nov. 21 - Dec. 10, 2022
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​No Season:  Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties
    • ​Introductory Season:  Nov. 26, 2022 - Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties
    • Conservative Season:  Nov. 22 - 27, 2022 - Avery, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Mitchell and Yancey counties

Northwestern Deer Season

  • Archery:  Sept. 10 -  Nov. 4, 2022
  • Blackpowder:  Nov. 5 - 18, 2022
  • Gun:  Nov. 20, 2021 - Jan. 1, 2022
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​Moderate Season:  Nov. 19 - Dec. 2, 2022 - Cleveland, Polk and Rutherford counties

Central Deer Season

  • Archery:  Sept. 10 -  Oct. 28, 2022
  • Blackpowder:  Oct. 29 - Nov. 11, 2022
  • Gun:  Nov. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​Maximum Season:  Entire Gun Season - All other counties and in Buncombe County east of NC 191 south of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, west of US 25 and north of NC 280 and in Henderson County east of NC 191 and north and west of NC 280

Northeastern Deer Season

  • Archery:  Sept. 10 -  Sept. 30, 2022
  • Blackpowder:  Oct. 1 - Oct. 14, 2022
  • Gun:  Oct. 15, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​Maximum Season:  Entire Gun Season - All other counties and in Buncombe County east of NC 191 south of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, west of US 25 and north of NC 280 and in Henderson County east of NC 191 and north and west of NC 280

Southeastern Deer Season

  • Archery:  Sept. 10 -  Sept. 30, 2022
  • Blackpowder:  Oct. 1 - Oct. 14, 2022
  • Gun:  Oct. 15, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​Maximum Season:  Entire Gun Season - All other counties and in Buncombe County east of NC 191 south of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, west of US 25 and north of NC 280 and in Henderson County east of NC 191 and north and west of NC 280

Youth Deer 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.

  • Any Legal Weapon:  Sept. 24, 2022

 

Deer Urban Archery Season

Open in participating cities only (refer to the Regulations Digest for a list and contact information)

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Click image to see additional information

 

2022-23 Turkey Season Dates

2022-23 Wild Turkey Spring Season  (male or bearded turkey only)

  • April 9 - May 7, 2022 - Statewide
  • April 8 - May 6, 2023 - Statewide

 

2022-23 Wild Turkey YOUTH ONLY Season  (male or bearded turkey only)

  • April 2 - 8, 2022 - Statewide
  • April 1-7, 2023  - Statewide

Small Game and Other Seasons

2020-2021 Small Game and Other Seasons

Species 

Regulations
 Armadillo
 No Closed Season

 Hunting Regulations  

 Trapping Regulations

 Beaver
 Refer to Regulations Digest

 Hunting Regulations  

 Trapping Regulations

 Bobcat
 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations  

 Trapping Regulations

 Coyote
 No Closed Season

 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 5-County Coyote Hunting & Depredation Permits 

 Crow
 Aug. 5, 2020 – Feb. 27, 2021 
 June 2, 2020 – July 31, 2021
 
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of each week.  Crows may also be hunted on Labor Day,  Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, New Year’s   Day,  Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Independence Day; except when these days fall on a Sunday.
 Hunting Regulations
 Feral Swine
 No Closed Season
 Hunting Regulations

 Fox 

 Refer to "Fox Hunting & Trapping Seasons" publication

  at www.ncwildlife.org/foxseasons

 Fox Seasons by County
 Groundhog
 No Closed Season
 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Grouse
 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations
 Nutria
 No Closed Season
 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Opossum
 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Pheasant (Male Only)
 Nov. 21, 2020 - Feb. 1, 2021
 Hunting Regulations
 Quail
 Nov. 21, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations

 Rabbit (Including Box-Trapping)

 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021

 Hunting Regulations
 Raccoon
 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Skunk (striped)
 No Closed Season

 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Squirrel

 Gray and Red - Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021

 Fox - October 12, 2020 - Jan. 31,2021

 Hunting Regulations
 Controlled Hunting Preserves   Regulations
 Extended Falconry  Regulations

Mourning Doves

Species  Season Dates and Information

 Doves (includes mourning

 and white-winged dove)

 Seasons / Limits​

 Extended Falconry Seasons

 State Regulations

 Federal Regulations

 Game Land Dove Fields

 Surveys and Reports

Waterfowl

Webless Migratory Game Birds (woodcock, rail, snipe)

Species Season Dates and Information
 Woodcock

 Seasons / Limits

 Extended Falconry Seasons  

 State Regulations

 Federal Regulations (Summary)

 Snipe

 Seasons / Limits

 State Regulations

 Federal Regulations (Summary)

 Rails (includes Sora &

 Clapper, King, & 

 Virginia Rail)

 Seasons / Limits

 Extended Falconry Season

 State Regulations

 Federal Regulations (Summary)

Where to Hunt & Shoot

  Public Lands 

 

 

 

 

 

Private Land Hunting Tips

Sportsmen now need written permission, dated within the past 12 months, signed by the landowner or lessee, to hunt, fish, or trap on private lands posted with signs or purple paint.​

 

Landowner Protection Act

EXAMPLES

Laws & Safety

Hunting Regulations

Game Lands

  • Game Lands Regulations
    This page contains information about game land restrictions, Youth Waterfowl Day, Disabled Access and Disabled Sportsman Programs. Also, either-sex seasons and other rules applying to individual game lands.

     
  • View Interactive Game Lands Maps
    Here you can view an interactive map of game lands. The view can be filtered by specific species, county and available access options such as camping grounds.  Also available are downloadable PDF maps of the game lands.

Local Laws

Big Game Harvest Reporting

Landowner Protection Act

The new Landowner Protection Act provides two ways for landholders to post their lands to allow only hunters, trappers and anglers with written permission to legally enter their property:

  • As permitted in the past, the landholder can place notices, signs, or posters on the property boundaries at a distance of 200 yards apart or closer.
  • A new way for landholders to post their property is with purple paint. The landholder can paint a vertical line of purple paint on trees or posts around property boundary, or areas intended to prohibit trespass. The paint line needs to be at least 8" long and the bottom of the line should be between 3' and 5' from the base of the tree or post. The paint marks need to be placed 100 yards apart or closer.

Sportsmen need written permission, dated within the past 12 months, signed by the land owner or lessee, to hunt, fish, or trap on lands posted with signs or purple paint. You must carry written permission on your person. If a hunting club has leased the land, hunters must have a copy of their hunting club membership and a copy of the landowner permission given to that club. Wildlife officers will enforce the Landowner Protection Act.

The Landowner Protection Act does not change general trespass laws nor have any effect on lands which are not posted. It does not repeal any local acts currently in effect that require written permission to hunt, fish or trap.

North Carolina law encourages owners of land to make property available for recreational use. The law states that a landowner who allows someone, without charge, onto their land for recreational purposes owes them the same duty of care they would owe a trespasser.


Unlawful Harassment

In North Carolina, it is unlawful for a person to interfere intentionally with the lawful taking of wildlife resources or to drive, harass, or intentionally disturb any wildlife resources for the purpose of disrupting the lawful taking of wildlife resources on public or private property. NOTE: This law does not apply to activity by a person on land he owns or leases or to a person who incidentally interferes with the taking of wildlife resources while using the land for other lawful activity such as agriculture, mining, or recreation.

Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable for a first conviction by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00, by imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or by both and punishable for a second or subsequent conviction by a fine left to the discretion of the court. (North Carolina General Statute 295)

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you experience unlawful harassment, immediately notify your nearest wildlife enforcement officer, county sheriff's office or local police department. Advise the authorities of this law and that you wish to hunt peacefully.

WHAT NOT TO DO
Do not provoke a fight, threaten reprisals or use profanity. Remember these anti-hunting activists are seeking confrontation and may be accompanied by the news media.

Night Hunting FAQs

Access Guide for Sportsmen with Disabilities

 

After the Hunt

It has been said that after the hunt the work begins. However, field dressing, game processing and preparing wild game for the table need not be difficult. With a little information and insight, after the hunt preparations can be accomplished easily.

  • Donations

Hunting Publications

Click image to view document.

 

2020-21 North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting, & Trapping Regulations Digest

Contains information on license requirements, inland fishing regulations, hunting regulations, trapping regulations, Game Lands regulations and restrictions, local laws, Big Game Harvest Reports, and Permit Hunt Opportunities.

This publication is available free of charge.

By Mail
Request a copy be mailed to you
(opens in a new window)

View Online:
View the Registrations Digest online at Eregulations.com
or Download PDF booklet

Contact 
Obtain a digest from one our Wildlife Service Agents.
 
Write or Call
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
1707 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1707
(919) 707-0391

 

Click image to view document.

 

County Fox Harvest Seasons Legislated by the North Carolina General Assembly

This document provides a general listing of current statutes pertaining to allowing the harvest of foxes by the NCGA. It includes all known “local laws” as well as a listing of those counties that fall under the fox firearms season set by G.S. 113-291-4A. “Local laws” which prohibit an activity or harvest are listed in the Regulations Digest.

Additional Hunting Resources

Important Hunter Information

Hunting Heritage

  • Publications

2012 Hunting Matters! "Hats On" Mentoring Campaign Final Report


Hunting Heritage Program Strategic Plan


Hunter Retention and Recruitment in North Carolina: Analysis and Implications from the "Maintaining the Heritage" 2005 Workshop

Hunter Education Information

The Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides free hunter education courses throughout the year in every county. More than a firearm safety course, instruction includes ethics and responsibility, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting and tree stand safety.

There are no minimum age requirements, however, classes are taught at a sixth grade level and tests must be completed without assistance. Courses are a minimum of 6 hours, taught by wildlife officers, hunter education specialists and certified volunteer instructors, and certification is accepted in every state and province in North America.

Due to hunter education, hunting accidents have decreased by over 50% during the last twenty years making hunting one of the safest recreational activities.

 

 

  • Online Courses
    • Currently, there are four online hunter education courses (with varying fees) that provide a convenient alternative to the classroom course. Once you complete an online course, you will need to attend a local, 2-hour review session with proctored exam to complete certification. Click here to register for a review session near you.

 

 

 

  • Home from the Hunt Learn more about Home from the Hunt, a nationally recognized campaign that encourages everyone to be prepared and be safe during time spent outdoors.

 

 

Improving Hunting Skills

  • Skill-Based Seminars - Visit the Skills-based Seminars calendar page for the current schedule.
    • Turkey Hunting
    • Squirrel Hunting
    • Waterfowl Hunting
    • Deer Hunting 101
    • Deer Processing

 For questions or more information, contact Walter "Deet" James at walter.james@ncwildlife.org, 919-707-0059 (office), or 984-202-1387 (mobile).

 

 

 

Additional Publications

  Fox and Coyote Populations Study Final Report (April 1, 2012)

In June 2011, the North Carolina General Assembly directed the Wildlife Resources Commission (Commission) to study fox and coyote populations and to recommend management methods and controls designed to ensure statewide conservation of fox populations while managing adverse effects of coyote populations. Since that time, the Commission has gathered information about the attitudes and perspectives of numerous stakeholder groups.

In addition, the Commission compiled all available information on the harvest and status of foxes and coyotes by hunters and trappers. Included herein is a detailed presentation of the different authorities for regulating take of foxes and coyotes, including the Commission’s limited authority for regulating take of foxes, and the resulting significant variation in fox hunting and trapping seasons.


 

   Quick Facts: From the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife -Associated Recreation (USFWS)

The 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation is a comprehensive source of wildlife-related recreation information. Information is provided in national and state printed reports and at https://www.census.gov/prod/2008pubs/fhw06-nat.pdf 


 

   Tarheel Wildlife

A Guide for Managing Wildlife on Private Lands In North Carolina.


   Click for information on The Upland Gazette

Stay up-to-date with North Carolina small game issues and wildlife habitat information in the Upland Gazette newsletter!



  Wildlife Restoration in North Carolina 

Learn more about the Wildlife Restoration Program in North Carolina and its accomplishments in this report.

Surveys and Reports

Recipes

Seen a Sick Deer?

If you have seen or harvested a sick deer, please contact your local District Biologist or the Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401.

Signs to look for:

  • Isolation from other animals
  • Listlessness or showing little or no interest in their surroundings
  • Lack of coordination
  • Frequent lowering of the head
  • Blank facial expressions
  • Walking in set patterns    
  • Drooling and grinding of teeth
  • Drinking lots of water and increased urination
  • Low weight

For more information, see our Deer Diseases page.

Big Game

Big Game” status includes species that can be hunted and must be registered with the NCWRC upon harvest.

Black Bear

Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

photo by: Mike Carraway

Please click image for additional information

 

2022-23 Bear Season Dates

Western Bear Season

(Mountain Bear Mgmt Unit)

Oct. 17 - Nov. 19, 2022 

  • In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke and Cleveland counties

Dec. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 

  • In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke and Cleveland counties

 

Piedmont Bear Season

​(Piedmont Bear Mgmt. Unit)

Nov. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023

  • Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties

Oct. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 

  • Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake and Warren counties 

Nov. 19, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023

  • Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes and Yadkin counties

 

Eastern Bear Season

​(Coastal Bear Mgmt. Unit)

Zone 1:  Nov 12 - 27, 2022 and Dec. 10 - 25, 2022

  • Dare, Hyde and Tyrrell counties

Zone 2:  Nov. 11 - 20, 2022 and Dec. 10 - 25, 2022

  • Camden*, Chowan*, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank*, and Perquimans counties

               *Per local law, bear season opens Nov. 12, 2022 for these 3 counties

Zone 3:  Nov. 12 - 20, 2022 and  Dec. 10 - 25, 2022

  • Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Martin and Washington counties

Zone 4:  Nov. 19 - Dec. 18, 2022

  • Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne and Wilson counties

Zone 5:  Nov. 14, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023 

  • Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico*, Pender, Robeson and Sampson counties

 *The use of dogs for hunting bears is prohibited in Pamlico county.

White-tailed Deer

White-tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Photo by: Ken Taylor

Click image to see additional information

 

2022-23 Deer Season

Deer Zone Maps

Limits

Western Deer Season
  • Archery:  Sept. 10 - Sept. 30, 2022
     Oct. 16 - Nov. 20, 2022
     Dec. 11, 2022- Jan. 2, 2023 (antlered deer only)
  • Blackpowder:  Oct. 3 -  Oct. 15, 2022
  • Gun:  Nov. 21 - Dec. 10, 2022
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​No Season:  Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties
    • ​Introductory Season:  Nov. 26, 2022 - Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties
    • Conservative Season:  Nov. 22 - 27, 2022 - Avery, Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Mitchell and Yancey counties

Northwestern Deer Season

  • Archery:  Sept. 10 -  Nov. 4, 2022
  • Blackpowder:  Nov. 5 - 18, 2022
  • Gun:  Nov. 20, 2021 - Jan. 1, 2022
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​Moderate Season:  Nov. 19 - Dec. 2, 2022 - Cleveland, Polk and Rutherford counties

Central Deer Season

  • Archery:  Sept. 10 -  Oct. 28, 2022
  • Blackpowder:  Oct. 29 - Nov. 11, 2022
  • Gun:  Nov. 12, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​Maximum Season:  Entire Gun Season - All other counties and in Buncombe County east of NC 191 south of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, west of US 25 and north of NC 280 and in Henderson County east of NC 191 and north and west of NC 280

Northeastern Deer Season

  • Archery:  Sept. 10 -  Sept. 30, 2022
  • Blackpowder:  Oct. 1 - Oct. 14, 2022
  • Gun:  Oct. 15, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​Maximum Season:  Entire Gun Season - All other counties and in Buncombe County east of NC 191 south of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, west of US 25 and north of NC 280 and in Henderson County east of NC 191 and north and west of NC 280

Southeastern Deer Season

  • Archery:  Sept. 10 -  Sept. 30, 2022
  • Blackpowder:  Oct. 1 - Oct. 14, 2022
  • Gun:  Oct. 15, 2022 - Jan. 2, 2023
  • Gun Either-Sex Deer Seasons
    • ​Maximum Season:  Entire Gun Season - All other counties and in Buncombe County east of NC 191 south of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, west of US 25 and north of NC 280 and in Henderson County east of NC 191 and north and west of NC 280

Youth Deer 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.

  • Any Legal Weapon:  Sept. 24, 2022

 

Deer Urban Archery Season

Open in participating cities only (refer to the Regulations Digest for a list and contact information)

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Click image to see additional information

 

2022-23 Turkey Season Dates

2022-23 Wild Turkey Spring Season  (male or bearded turkey only)

  • April 9 - May 7, 2022 - Statewide
  • April 8 - May 6, 2023 - Statewide

 

2022-23 Wild Turkey YOUTH ONLY Season  (male or bearded turkey only)

  • April 2 - 8, 2022 - Statewide
  • April 1-7, 2023  - Statewide

Small Game and Other Seasons

2020-2021 Small Game and Other Seasons

Species 

Regulations
 Armadillo
 No Closed Season

 Hunting Regulations  

 Trapping Regulations

 Beaver
 Refer to Regulations Digest

 Hunting Regulations  

 Trapping Regulations

 Bobcat
 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations  

 Trapping Regulations

 Coyote
 No Closed Season

 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 5-County Coyote Hunting & Depredation Permits 

 Crow
 Aug. 5, 2020 – Feb. 27, 2021 
 June 2, 2020 – July 31, 2021
 
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of each week.  Crows may also be hunted on Labor Day,  Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, New Year’s   Day,  Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Independence Day; except when these days fall on a Sunday.
 Hunting Regulations
 Feral Swine
 No Closed Season
 Hunting Regulations

 Fox 

 Refer to "Fox Hunting & Trapping Seasons" publication

  at www.ncwildlife.org/foxseasons

 Fox Seasons by County
 Groundhog
 No Closed Season
 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Grouse
 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations
 Nutria
 No Closed Season
 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Opossum
 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Pheasant (Male Only)
 Nov. 21, 2020 - Feb. 1, 2021
 Hunting Regulations
 Quail
 Nov. 21, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations

 Rabbit (Including Box-Trapping)

 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021

 Hunting Regulations
 Raccoon
 Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021
 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Skunk (striped)
 No Closed Season

 Hunting Regulations

 Trapping Regulations

 Squirrel

 Gray and Red - Oct. 12, 2020 - Feb. 28, 2021

 Fox - October 12, 2020 - Jan. 31,2021

 Hunting Regulations
 Controlled Hunting Preserves   Regulations
 Extended Falconry  Regulations

Mourning Doves

Species  Season Dates and Information

 Doves (includes mourning

 and white-winged dove)

 Seasons / Limits​

 Extended Falconry Seasons

 State Regulations

 Federal Regulations

 Game Land Dove Fields

 Surveys and Reports

Waterfowl

Webless Migratory Game Birds (woodcock, rail, snipe)

Species Season Dates and Information
 Woodcock

 Seasons / Limits

 Extended Falconry Seasons  

 State Regulations

 Federal Regulations (Summary)

 Snipe

 Seasons / Limits

 State Regulations

 Federal Regulations (Summary)

 Rails (includes Sora &

 Clapper, King, & 

 Virginia Rail)

 Seasons / Limits

 Extended Falconry Season

 State Regulations

 Federal Regulations (Summary)

Important Hunter Information

Hunting Heritage

  • Publications

2012 Hunting Matters! "Hats On" Mentoring Campaign Final Report


Hunting Heritage Program Strategic Plan


Hunter Retention and Recruitment in North Carolina: Analysis and Implications from the "Maintaining the Heritage" 2005 Workshop

Hunter Education Information

The Hunter Education Program of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission provides free hunter education courses throughout the year in every county. More than a firearm safety course, instruction includes ethics and responsibility, conservation and wildlife management, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting and tree stand safety.

There are no minimum age requirements, however, classes are taught at a sixth grade level and tests must be completed without assistance. Courses are a minimum of 6 hours, taught by wildlife officers, hunter education specialists and certified volunteer instructors, and certification is accepted in every state and province in North America.

Due to hunter education, hunting accidents have decreased by over 50% during the last twenty years making hunting one of the safest recreational activities.

 

 

  • Online Courses
    • Currently, there are four online hunter education courses (with varying fees) that provide a convenient alternative to the classroom course. Once you complete an online course, you will need to attend a local, 2-hour review session with proctored exam to complete certification. Click here to register for a review session near you.

 

 

 

  • Home from the Hunt Learn more about Home from the Hunt, a nationally recognized campaign that encourages everyone to be prepared and be safe during time spent outdoors.

 

 

Improving Hunting Skills

  • Skill-Based Seminars - Visit the Skills-based Seminars calendar page for the current schedule.
    • Turkey Hunting
    • Squirrel Hunting
    • Waterfowl Hunting
    • Deer Hunting 101
    • Deer Processing

 For questions or more information, contact Walter "Deet" James at walter.james@ncwildlife.org, 919-707-0059 (office), or 984-202-1387 (mobile).

 

 

 

Additional Publications

  Fox and Coyote Populations Study Final Report (April 1, 2012)

In June 2011, the North Carolina General Assembly directed the Wildlife Resources Commission (Commission) to study fox and coyote populations and to recommend management methods and controls designed to ensure statewide conservation of fox populations while managing adverse effects of coyote populations. Since that time, the Commission has gathered information about the attitudes and perspectives of numerous stakeholder groups.

In addition, the Commission compiled all available information on the harvest and status of foxes and coyotes by hunters and trappers. Included herein is a detailed presentation of the different authorities for regulating take of foxes and coyotes, including the Commission’s limited authority for regulating take of foxes, and the resulting significant variation in fox hunting and trapping seasons.


 

   Quick Facts: From the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife -Associated Recreation (USFWS)

The 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation is a comprehensive source of wildlife-related recreation information. Information is provided in national and state printed reports and at https://www.census.gov/prod/2008pubs/fhw06-nat.pdf 


 

   Tarheel Wildlife

A Guide for Managing Wildlife on Private Lands In North Carolina.


   Click for information on The Upland Gazette

Stay up-to-date with North Carolina small game issues and wildlife habitat information in the Upland Gazette newsletter!



  Wildlife Restoration in North Carolina 

Learn more about the Wildlife Restoration Program in North Carolina and its accomplishments in this report.

Surveys and Reports

Recipes