North Carolina Bag Limits
Complete daily limits, possession limits, and season limits for hunting and fishing in North Carolina.
North Carolina Bag Limits
Complete guide to daily limits, possession limits, season limits, and size restrictions for hunting and fishing in North Carolina. Updated for the current season.
Big Game
3 species
Game Birds
6 species
Fish Species
4 species
Total Species
15
Big Game
3 species in North Carolina
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | 2 | - | 6 deer | Only 2 may be antlered |
| Black Bear | 1 | - | 1 per year | Western and coastal populations |
| Wild Boar | No limit | - | - | European wild boar in western NC |
Upland Birds
4 species in North Carolina
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | 1 | - | 2 per year | Bearded birds only |
| Dove | 15 | 45 | - | - |
| Quail | 6 | 12 | - | - |
| Grouse | 3 | 6 | - | Mountain counties |
Fish
4 species in North Carolina
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 5 | - | - | 14" minimum | - |
| Smallmouth Bass | 5 | - | - | 12" minimum | - |
| Striped Bass | Varies | - | - | - | Reservoir-specific limits |
| Trout | 4 | - | - | - | Mountain streams; some delayed harvest |
North Carolina Special Notes
North Carolina has diverse hunting from coastal waterfowl to mountain bear and grouse.
Got your license ready to show?
Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport
North Carolina Regulations Overview
State wildlife agency and regulations information
- Species Covered
- 15 species with regulations
- Big Game Species
-
- White-tailed Deer
- Black Bear
- Wild Boar
- Wildlife Agency
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
North Carolina Bag Limits FAQ
Common questions about harvest limits in North Carolina
What is the deer bag limit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the daily deer limit is 2 with a season limit of 6 deer. Only 2 may be antlered
What is the difference between daily and possession limits?
Daily limit is the maximum you can harvest in one day. Possession limit is the maximum you can have at any time, typically 2-3 times the daily limit. In North Carolina, possession limits help ensure hunters don't stockpile beyond reasonable personal use.
What are the fishing limits in North Carolina?
North Carolina fishing limits include: Largemouth Bass: 5/day (14" minimum); Smallmouth Bass: 5/day (12" minimum); Striped Bass: Varies/day; Trout: 4/day. Water-specific regulations may override general limits.
Where can I find official North Carolina bag limits?
For official and current bag limits, check your North Carolina wildlife agency website. Regulations can change annually, and specific areas may have different rules. Always carry current regulations while hunting.
Are there special regulations I should know about in North Carolina?
North Carolina has diverse hunting from coastal waterfowl to mountain bear and grouse.
Other States
View bag limits for more states
Need a North Carolina Hunting or Fishing License?
Store your NC licenses in Hunter Passport for instant offline access in the field.