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.
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 are the headline fishing limits in North Carolina?
Top species in North Carolina: Largemouth Bass 5/day (14" minimum); Smallmouth Bass 5/day (12" minimum); Striped Bass Varies/day; Trout 4/day. Water-body-specific regs can override the statewide line.
Are there North Carolina-specific regulations to flag?
North Carolina has diverse hunting from coastal waterfowl to mountain bear and grouse.
Other States
View bag limits for more states
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