North Carolina Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Complete guide to North Carolina hunting and fishing licenses for 2026. Get current prices, purchase online, and learn about NCWRC's digital license requirements.
Quick Facts
Digital License
Accepted
License Year
August 1 - June 30
Agency
NCWRC
Draw System
random
HIP Required
Migratory birds
Last updated: January 29, 2026
North Carolina License Pricing
Compare resident and non-resident prices for hunting and fishing licenses.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting Annual hunting license | $30.00 | $119.00 |
| Resident Fishing Inland fishing license | $30.00 | $54.00 |
| Sportsman Combo Combination hunting and fishing license for residents | $42.00 | N/A |
Prices are for annual licenses unless otherwise noted. Additional stamps and endorsements may be required.
Go Outdoors NC
Digital licenses accepted via Go Outdoors NC app. Display license on phone screen for game wardens.
Part of the Tyler Technologies GoOutdoors platform family
Hunter Passport
All your licenses, one app
Tired of managing multiple state apps? Hunter Passport stores all your North Carolina licenses alongside every other state - and works completely offline.
- Works offline - no signal needed
- Supports all 50 states
- Quick Display for game wardens
Store up to 2 licenses free. Unlimited with Premium.
Hunter Passport is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state wildlife agency.
North Carolina Tag Draws & Lotteries
random Point System
All applicants have equal odds regardless of previous applications.
Draw Species
Application Deadline
Varies by hunt
Most hunting is over-the-counter. Limited elk hunting reintroduction program with lottery system.
North Carolina Hunting Quirks & Tips
Unique rules and insider knowledge for hunting and fishing in North Carolina.
Affordable Non-Resident Licenses
infoAt $119 for non-resident hunting, North Carolina offers one of the better values in the Southeast for out-of-state hunters.
Elk Reintroduction Success
importantNC successfully reintroduced elk to the Great Smoky Mountains. Limited elk hunts are now available via lottery system.
Game Lands Permit
criticalA separate Game Lands License ($15 resident, $60 non-resident) is required to hunt on public game lands.
Bear Season Complexity
importantBear hunting regulations vary significantly by zone. Western NC has different rules than eastern regions.
Hunting Tools for North Carolina
Free calculators and planning tools to help you hunt smarter in North Carolina.
Legal Shooting Hours
Calculate legal hunting start and end times based on sunrise/sunset
Hunting License Cost
Compare hunting and fishing license costs for North Carolina and residency
Hunter Education
Find hunter education requirements, exemptions, and course providers for North Carolina
Hunting Season Dates
Find hunting season dates for North Carolina, species, and weapon type
Bag Limit & Size Limit
Find daily, possession, and size limits for North Carolina and species
North Carolina Hunting & Fishing FAQ
How much does a North Carolina hunting license cost?
Resident hunting licenses cost $30, while non-resident hunting licenses are $119. A resident Sportsman Combo (hunting and fishing) is available for $42.
Does North Carolina accept digital hunting licenses?
Yes, North Carolina accepts digital licenses displayed through the official Go Outdoors NC app. You can show your license on your phone screen to game wardens.
Do I need a separate permit for public land hunting in North Carolina?
Yes, you need a Game Lands License ($15 resident, $60 non-resident) in addition to your hunting license to hunt on North Carolina game lands.
When does the North Carolina hunting license year run?
North Carolina hunting licenses are valid from August 1 through June 30 of the following year.
Can I hunt elk in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina offers limited elk hunting opportunities through a lottery system. The state successfully reintroduced elk to the Great Smoky Mountains region.
Store Your North Carolina License in Hunter Passport
Keep your North Carolina hunting and fishing licenses alongside all your other states. Works offline, displays instantly, never fumble for paper again.