North Carolina Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Dates, Licenses & Game Zones
Planning your next outdoor adventure in the Tar Heel State? You’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about North Carolina’s 2025-2026 game calendar, from weapon-specific dates to permit requirements and wildlife management areas.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident who knows every deer trail in the mountains or a visiting sportsman looking to experience what North Carolina has to offer, getting familiar with the latest regulations is crucial. The Wildlife Resources Commission has made several important changes this year, including adjusted youth seasons and expanded bear management areas.
Let’s dive into the specifics so you can plan your adventures responsibly and make the most of what promises to be an excellent year in North Carolina’s diverse landscapes.
📅 Quick Highlights
Major Season Highlights:
- Deer: Archery starts September 13 across all zones
- Turkey: Youth weekend April 4-5, Spring season April 11-May 9
- Bear: Mountain zones open October 4, with expanded management areas
- Waterfowl: Duck seasons vary by coastal vs. inland zones
- Small Game: Most species open October 13 through February 28
Key Changes for 2025-2026:
- Youth age reduced from under 18 to under 16 for special seasons
- Extended mountain bear seasons (11 additional days)
- Increased pintail daily limit from 1 to 3
- Three new Designated Bear Management Areas added
Big Game Overview
Deer Season Breakdown by Zone
North Carolina divides deer management into five distinct zones, each with specific weapon schedules designed to optimize harvest and population management.
| Zone | Archery | Blackpowder | Gun Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern/Southeastern | Sept. 13 – Oct. 3 | Oct. 4 – Oct. 17 | Oct. 18 – Jan. 1 |
| Central | Sept. 13 – Oct. 31 | Nov. 1 – Nov. 14 | Nov. 15 – Jan. 1 |
| Northwestern | Sept. 13 – Nov. 7 | Nov. 8 – Nov. 21 | Nov. 22 – Jan. 1 |
| Western | Sept. 13 – Nov. 14 | Nov. 15 – Nov. 28 | Nov. 29 – Jan. 1 |
Special Deer Opportunities:
- Youth Deer Days: September 27-28 (Statewide), November 27-28 (Western zone only)
- Urban Archery Season: January 10 – February 15, 2026 (participating municipalities)
- Bag Limits: 6 deer per season (2 antlered, 4 antlerless maximum)
The staggered approach means you can potentially enjoy extended opportunities if you’re willing to travel between zones. Many hunters appreciate how the western mountains offer the latest gun season, perfect for those crisp late-November mornings.
Elk Hunting
Currently, North Carolina doesn’t offer general elk seasons, though the state continues monitoring the small population in the western counties. Keep an eye on future regulations as this could change.
Turkey Dates
Wild turkey management focuses on spring gobbler seasons when birds are most active and vocal.
| Season Type | Dates | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Weekend | April 4-5, 2026 | 1 | Male or bearded birds only |
| Statewide Spring | April 11 – May 9, 2026 | 1 | Male or bearded birds only |
| Season Possession Limit | 2 total | One may be taken during youth season |
The Commission shortened the youth season from seven days to just a weekend, focusing the opportunity on peak activity periods. This change helps maintain healthy populations while still providing excellent mentorship opportunities for new hunters.
Legal Methods: Shotgun, archery, crossbow (where legal). No rifles permitted for turkey.
Bear Season Details
Black bear management has seen significant expansion this year, with longer seasons and additional permit areas.
Mountain Bear Management Unit
Dates: October 4 – November 22, 2025 and December 13, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Counties: In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke, Cleveland
Piedmont Bear Management Unit
The Piedmont unit operates with staggered openings based on county groupings:
| County Group | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake, Warren | Oct. 18 – Jan. 1 |
| Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Union | Nov. 15 – Jan. 1 |
| Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes, Yadkin | Nov. 22 – Jan. 1 |
Coastal Bear Management Unit
Five distinct zones with varying dates:
- Zone 1 (Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell): Nov. 8-23 & Dec. 13-28
- Zone 2 (Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank, Perquimans): Nov. 8-16 & Dec. 13-28
- Zone 3 (Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Martin, Washington): Nov. 8-16 & Dec. 13-28
- Zone 4 (Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne, Wilson): Nov. 15 – Dec. 14
- Zone 5 (Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson, Sampson): Nov. 10 – Jan. 1
Daily and Season Limits: 1 bear per day, 1 per season maximum
New Management Areas: Panthertown-Bonas Defeat, Pisgah, and Standing Indian now offer permit-only bear opportunities.
Furbearer Opportunities
North Carolina provides excellent furbearer and small predator opportunities throughout the fall and winter months.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Oct. 13 – Feb. 28 | 3 | No season limit |
| Opossum | Oct. 13 – Feb. 28 | No limit | No season limit |
| Bobcat | Oct. 13 – Feb. 28 | No daily limit | 30 season limit |
| Coyote | Year-round | No limit | Private lands only |
| Skunk | Year-round | No limit | Private lands only |
| Groundhog | Year-round | No limit | Private lands only |
Trapping Season: October 1 – February 28 for most furbearers including beaver, mink, muskrat, otter, and weasel.
The expanded opportunities for predator control help landowners manage wildlife populations while providing additional recreation for hunters and trappers.
Small Game Section
Small game hunting represents some of the most accessible and enjoyable outdoor experiences North Carolina offers.
Upland Game Birds & Small Mammals
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Season Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray/Red Squirrel | Oct. 13 – Feb. 28 | 8 | Spring season: May 11-25 (Gray only, private land) |
| Fox Squirrel | Oct. 13 – Jan. 31 | 1 | Special protection due to population concerns |
| Rabbit | Oct. 13 – Feb. 28 | 5 | Cottontail and marsh rabbit |
| Quail | Nov. 22 – Feb. 28 | 6 | Population management priority |
| Grouse | Oct. 13 – Feb. 28 | 3 | Mountain areas primarily |
Other Small Game
Several species offer extended or year-round opportunities:
- Armadillo: No closed season on private lands
- Nutria: No closed season east of I-77
- Feral Swine: No closed season on private lands (encouraged for agricultural protection)
The late November quail opener aligns with traditional Southern hunting practices, while the extended squirrel season provides excellent opportunities for youth mentorship and dog training.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl management in North Carolina balances federal regulations with state-specific needs across diverse coastal and inland habitats.
Duck Season Framework
Inland Zone Dates:
- Early Split: October 16-18, 2025
- Main Season: November 8-29, 2025
- Late Split: December 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Coastal Zone Dates:
- Early Split: October 24-25, 2025
- Main Season: November 8-29, 2025
- Late Split: December 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Daily Bag Limits: 6 ducks total with species-specific restrictions (check current regulations for pintail, canvasback, and other species limits)
Goose Seasons
| Season Type | Dates | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Early Canada Goose | Sept. 1-30 | 15 |
| Resident Population Zone | Oct. 16-25, Nov. 8-Dec. 6, Dec. 18-Feb. 7 | 5 |
| Northeast Hunt Zone | Dec. 29-Jan. 31 | 1 |
Special Waterfowl Opportunities
- September Teal Season: September 11-20 (east of US 17) – 6 teal daily
- Tundra Swan: November 8 – January 31 (permit required, 1 per season)
- Youth/Veterans/Military Days: December 6, 2025 & February 7, 2026
Dove Season
Mourning & White-winged Dove:
- September 1 – October 4, 2025
- November 8 – November 29, 2025
- December 16 – January 31, 2026
- Daily Limit: 15
The increased pintail limit to three birds reflects improving population trends, while the December youth/military waterfowl day provides additional family hunting opportunities during the holidays.
Other Available Game
North Carolina’s diverse ecosystems support numerous additional species for specialized hunting interests.
| Species | Season Dates | Limits/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coots | Same as duck season | 15 daily |
| Rail | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9 | Varies by species |
| Snipe | Nov. 8 – Feb. 16 | 8 daily |
| Woodcock | Dec. 14 – Jan. 27 | 3 daily |
| Brant | Dec. 29 – Jan. 31 | 1 daily |
Shooting Hours: All migratory game birds may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Sunday hunting is prohibited for migratory species.
Frog Season: Year-round opportunities exist for bullfrog harvest with specific method restrictions (check local regulations).
These specialty opportunities often provide unique challenges and can extend your time afield well into winter months. Woodcock hunting, in particular, offers excellent opportunities for dog work in North Carolina’s diverse cover types.
Hunting Zones
North Carolina’s management zones reflect the state’s geographic and ecological diversity, from coastal plains to Appalachian peaks.
Deer Management Zones
The state divides into five deer zones based on habitat, population density, and harvest objectives:
- Western Zone: Mountain counties with later seasons
- Northwestern Zone: Foothills and northern piedmont
- Central Zone: Core piedmont region
- Northeastern Zone: Upper coastal plain
- Southeastern Zone: Lower coastal plain and southeastern counties
Zone Map Reference: Detailed county listings and boundary maps are available in the official regulations digest. Each zone’s timing reflects local deer behavior patterns and agricultural considerations.
Bear Management Units
Three primary bear management regions:
- Mountain Unit: Concentrated in Appalachian counties
- Piedmont Unit: Central North Carolina with county-specific dates
- Coastal Unit: Five sub-zones reflecting coastal population distribution
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Areas
Special surveillance zones exist in counties with confirmed CWD cases. These areas may have additional restrictions on:
- Carcass transportation
- Mandatory testing requirements
- Baiting prohibitions
- Enhanced reporting requirements
Current CWD Counties: Check the latest regulations for updated county lists and specific restrictions.
For hunters planning to pursue game across multiple zones, understanding these boundaries is crucial for legal compliance and successful planning. Unlike some states that use complicated Alaska hunting regulations, North Carolina’s zone system remains relatively straightforward while still providing effective wildlife management.
Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Annual License Options
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combination Hunting & Fishing | $42 | N/A | Most popular option |
| State Hunting | $30 | $119 | Hunting only |
| State Fishing | $30 | $54 | Fishing only |
| Sportsman | $63 | N/A | Premium package |
| Comprehensive Hunting | $47 | N/A | Enhanced hunting privileges |
Special Stamps & Add-ons
Required Stamps:
- Federal Duck Stamp: $29 (required for waterfowl)
- State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp: $17
- Bear Management E-Stamp: $14 (required for bear)
- Big Game Harvest Report Card: $17
Lifetime Options: Available for residents in various age categories with one-time payments ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on age at purchase.
Youth Licensing (Under 16)
- Exempt from hunting and fishing license requirements
- Must have Big Game Harvest Report Card when hunting deer, bear, or turkey
- Must be accompanied by licensed adult (21 or older) except for youth-only seasons
Special Categories
- Military/Veterans: Discounted rates available with proper documentation
- Disabled Hunters: Special provisions and license reductions
- Short-term (10-day) licenses: Available for visitors
Harvest Information Program (HIP): Free registration required for migratory game bird hunting – easily completed online or at license vendors.
Getting your licenses early in the season ensures you’re ready when opportunities arise. Many vendors offer online purchasing, making it convenient to secure your tags before heading to your favorite hunting spots.
North Carolina Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Can I hunt on my own property without a license in North Carolina?
A: Landowners, their spouses, and dependents under 18 residing with them may hunt on their own land without a license. However, federal stamps (like duck stamps) and harvest report cards may still be required for certain species.
Q: What’s the minimum age for hunting in North Carolina?
A: There’s no minimum age, but youth under 16 must be supervised by a licensed adult (21 or older) except during designated youth-only seasons. Youth-only seasons now apply to those under 16 (changed from under 18).
Q: Are there Sunday hunting restrictions?
A: Sunday hunting is prohibited for migratory game birds statewide. Some counties may have additional Sunday restrictions for other species – check local ordinances.
Q: How do I report my harvest?
A: Big game harvests (deer, bear, turkey) must be reported within 72 hours using the Go Outdoors NC system online or by phone. Harvest report cards are required.
Q: Can I use lead ammunition?
A: Lead ammunition is prohibited for waterfowl hunting. Some public lands may have additional lead restrictions – check specific area regulations.
Q: What happens if I’m caught hunting without proper licenses?
A: Hunting without required licenses is a criminal offense that can result in fines, loss of hunting privileges, and potential court proceedings. Always carry proper documentation while hunting.
Q: How do CWD regulations affect my hunt?
A: In CWD surveillance areas, you may face restrictions on transporting whole carcasses, mandatory testing requirements, and enhanced reporting. Check county-specific rules before your hunt.
Related Resources & Important Links
Official North Carolina Sources:
- NC Wildlife Resources Commission – Primary regulatory authority
- Go Outdoors NC – License sales and harvest reporting
- eRegulations North Carolina – Comprehensive regulation digest
- Public Game Lands Maps – Detailed maps and specific area rules
Federal Requirements:
- Federal Duck Stamp Purchase – Required for waterfowl
- HIP Registration – Free migratory bird hunter registration
Planning Tools:
- Weather and conditions monitoring services
- Tide charts for coastal waterfowl hunting
- Moon phase calendars for optimal timing
Hunter Education:
- NC Hunter Education Program – Required for new hunters
- Advanced courses for specific species and methods
These resources provide current information beyond what any single guide can cover. Bookmark them for quick reference throughout the season, and remember that regulations can change – always verify current information before hunting.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s 2025-2026 game schedule offers incredible diversity across the state’s varied landscapes. From the expanded mountain bear seasons to the improved waterfowl opportunities with increased pintail limits, this year presents excellent prospects for both resident and visiting hunters.
The key changes – particularly the youth age adjustment and extended bear management areas – reflect the Commission’s ongoing commitment to adaptive wildlife management. These modifications, while requiring some adjustment from hunters, ultimately support healthier wildlife populations and more sustainable outdoor recreation.
Essential Reminders:
- Verify your specific county’s regulations, as local rules may be more restrictive
- Purchase required licenses and stamps early in the season
- Complete mandatory harvest reporting within 72 hours
- Stay informed about CWD restrictions in surveillance areas
- Check public land regulations before hunting game lands
Plan your adventures early, respect the resource, and enjoy what promises to be an outstanding year in North Carolina’s great outdoors. Whether you’re pursuing whitetails in the piedmont, calling turkeys in the mountains, or pass-shooting ducks on the coast, the Tar Heel State delivers world-class opportunities for ethical sportsmen and women.
Remember to bookmark this page for updates throughout the season, and consider exploring regulations in neighboring states like Georgia hunting seasons if you’re planning multi-state adventures.
Safe hunting, and tight lines!
