The Guide to the North Carolina Hunting Seasons 2025

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.  

Updated May 16, 2025

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. 

Note that we've updated season dates through 2025-2026 and will continue to update this resource as the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission provides future dates. 

For more details, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission website. 

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

What Do I Need to Know About North Carolina Hunting Regulations and 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 tundra swan, 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.

Make Your North Carolina Hunting Season a Success 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 it free for your first week.

Content and season dates reviewed and updated May 16, 2025.