The Guide to North Carolina Hunting Seasons 2024

Living in North Carolina means you have easy access to plenty of excellent hunting opportunities. It’s also a popular destination for traveling hunters to plan a trip and enjoy an adventure and challenge. So, no matter if you’re local or visiting the state, make sure you know when the season starts for the game you’re after. 

You’ll also need to know about hunting licenses and bag limits to hunt legally in North Carolina. 

We’re here to help! In this resource, you’ll find details you need to hunt in North Carolina, whether you’re after a big buck, a turkey, or waterfowl. We also recommend downloading the HuntWise app to find the best spots to hunt and help you get the most out of your days in the field! 

Here’s what hunters need to know about North Carolina hunting seasons.  

Why Do Hunters Hunt in North Carolina?

We already mentioned that North Carolina is an exceptional place to hunt deer. It could also be your destination for a successful bear hunt.

Many hunters also enjoy hunting in North Carolina because of the abundance of small game, such as rabbits and raccoons, turkeys, and waterfowl. With a range of different types of game, there’s something for almost every hunter here. 

Where Should I Hunt?

From plains to plateaus, there is plenty of land to hunt in North Carolina. It’s a large state covering more than 53,000 miles. 

With that much space, you’ll need to pinpoint specific hunting areas to improve your chances of a successful hunt. HuntWise can help! With the app, you can find areas that are ideal for the game you plan to hunt. Then, use map layers and markers to plan specific hunting areas (public and private) to help you tag out. 

When Can I Hunt?

Ready to get out in the field? Make sure the season is open! Knowing when and where to hunt in North Carolina starts with thorough research, especially if you hunt different species year-round. 

We’ve done a lot of the work for you in this guide! We’ve compiled the latest information to help you get out in the field faster (and more often) this year. 

However, because information can always change, we also recommend conducting your own research as you plan your hunts. Check with state agencies to confirm the latest information about bag limits, regulations, and open season dates. 

Deer Seasons

North Carolina manages deer hunts by zones and hunting methods (archery, gun, and blackpowder). 

Northeastern and Southeastern
 

• Archery: September 7 – 27
• Blackpowder: September 28 – October 11
• Gun: October 12 – January 1

Central
 

• Archery: September 7 – November 1
• Blackpowder: November 2 – 15
• Gun: November 16 – January 1

Northwestern
 

• Archery: September 7 – November 8
• Blackpowder: November 9 – 22
• Gun: November 23 – January 1

Western
 

• Archery: September 7 – November 15
• Blackpowder: November 9 – 29
• Gun: November 30 – January 1

Gun (Either-Sex)
 

• Introductory Season: First open Saturday of the applicable gun season
• Conservative Season: Opening day through the first Saturday of the gun season
• Moderate Season: Opening day through the second Saturday of the gun season
• Liberal Season: Opening day through the fourth Saturday of the gun season
• Maximum Season: All open days of the applicable gun season

Blackpowder (Either-Sex)
 

• No Either-Sex Gun Season: Second open Saturday of the applicable blackpowder season
• Introductory Either-Sex Gun Season: Second open Saturday through the first Friday of the applicable blackpowder season
• All Other Either-Sex Season: All open days of the applicable blackpowder season

Urban Deer Season
 

• Archery Only: January 11 – February 16

For more information about NC deer season 2024 check this resource. 

Turkey Seasons
 

• Spring (Bearded or Male Only): April 13 – May 11 
• Youth Only (Bearded or Male Only): April 6 – 12

Grouse

October 14 – February 28

Duck
 

• Inland Zone: October 19 – 21, November 4 – 25, and December 19 – January 31
• Coastal Zone: October 27 – 28, November 4 – 25, and December 18 – January 31

Canada Geese
 

• September Canada Goose (Statewide): September 2 – 30
• Resident Population Zone: October 17 – 26, November 9 – 30, and December 18 – February 8
• Northeast Hunt Zone: December 28 – January 31

Light Geese
 

• Regular Season: October 8 – February 8
• Conservation Order Season (Permit Only): February 10 – March 31

For more details about zones for geese and duck hunting, reference the Goose & Duck Zones Map. 

Dove

September 2 – October 5, November 9 – 30, and December 16 – January 31

Bear
 

• Mountain Bear Management: October 16 – November 18 and December 11 – January 11
• Piedmont Bear Management (By Counties): October 14 – January 1, November 11 – January 1, and November 18 – January 1
• Coastal Bear Management (By Counties): October 14 – January 1, November 11 – January 1, and November 18 – January 1
  • Zone 1: November 11 – 26 and December 9 – 24
  • Zone 2: November 11 – 26 and December 9 – 24
  • Zone 3: November 11 – 19 and December 9 – 24
  • Zone 4: November 18 – December 17
  • Zone 5: November 13 – January 1

Small Game 
 

• Rabbit: October 14 – February 28
   
• Squirrel:
  • Gray and Red: October 14 – February 28
  • Spring Season (Gray) Private Lands: May 12 – 26
  • Fox Squirrels: October 14 – January 31
     
• Fox: See the official North Carolina guide for trapping and hunting details
   
• Pheasant
  • Mainland: September 2 – February 28
  • Outer Banks: November 12 – February 28

For more details about other species, including season dates and bag limits, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission website. 

You can also find more details about all species and season dates through eRegulations. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

All hunters in North Carolina need a license, either as a resident or a non-resident. You can purchase a license for hunting, trapping, or combination hunting and fishing online. Hunters can also visit a wildlife service agent in person to get the necessary licenses for hunting. 

What Are the Bag Limits for Hunting in North Carolina?

How many mink, deer, or mourning doves can you bring home this season? To comply with hunting regulations in North Carolina, follow the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

In North Carolina, all hunters need a hunter safety certification before purchasing a license and hunting. 

Along with the right safety education and license, hunters also need the right gear! As a HuntWise subscriber, you’ll enjoy discounts on gear from our partners with the potential to save hundreds on gear like binoculars, calls, clothing, scopes, hunting knives, and more.

Have a Successful North Carolina Hunting Season with HuntWise

We hope the information in this guide helps you plan your hunts throughout the year! We want every hunter to bring home the game they’re after every season. 

While the details we provided today should help you get out in the field, you’ll also want to take the best tool for hunting any species this season. Download the HuntWise app for immediate access to current information on hunting in North Carolina, including season dates and regulations.

The app gives you access to hundreds of map layers, landowner boundaries and contact information, wind and weather forecasting, real-time animal behavior predictors, and more. 

Make sure you’re ready on opening day! Get the app and enjoy access to every feature – free for a week.