North Carolina Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for North Carolina including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
North Carolina Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for North Carolina including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in North Carolina
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 11 - May 9, 2026
Opens in 39 days
Complete Season Calendar
All North Carolina hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 3 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 6 - Oct 3, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Bow only | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Oct 11, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Gun season - varies by zone | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 4-10, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Blackpowder only | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 11 - May 9, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring gobbler | |
Bear 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Nov 10, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Limited zones | |
Waterfowl 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Nov 10, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Zone-specific | |
Got your license ready to show?
Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport
North Carolina Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Aug 1, 2025 - Jul 31, 2026
- Available Species
-
- Bear
- Deer
- Turkey
- Waterfowl
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Rifle/Firearm
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Shotgun
- 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
Important Note for North Carolina
North Carolina has different dates by zone. Check county regulations.
Hunting Method Legend
North Carolina Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in North Carolina
What are the hunting season dates for North Carolina?
North Carolina offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl. The license year runs from Aug 1, 2025 to Jul 31, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in North Carolina?
Deer season in North Carolina typically begins with archery season starting Sep 6, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Oct 11, 2025.
Does North Carolina require a draw for hunting?
North Carolina offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in North Carolina?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 11, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in North Carolina?
North Carolina has different dates by zone. Check county regulations.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
Need a North Carolina Hunting License?
Store your NC license in Hunter Passport for instant offline access.