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We set out to create the most simplified guide to North Carolina hunting seasons for 2023.
Want to find out season dates, learn about regulations and bag limits, understand license requirements, and get access helpful links?
Then you’ll love the info outlined in today’s guide. Let’s dive right in.
Having trouble finding the info you need about North Carolina hunting seasons? NC is a great place so if this is your first time hunting you are in for a great experience. Whichever you choose you’re sure to have a safe and fun time while in the state of NC!
Youth Day: September 25, 2023
Urban Archery: January 15, 2024 - February 20, 2024
Archery: September 11, 2023 - November 5, 2023
Muzzleloader/Blackpowder: October 2, 2023 - November 19, 2023
Firearms: October 16, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Spring Youth Season: April 2, 2024 - April 8, 2024
Spring General Season: April 9, 2024 - May 7, 2024
Raccoon and Opossum: October 18, 2023 - February 28, 2024
Gray and Red Squirrel: October 18, 2023 - February 28, 2024
Fox Squirrel: October 18, 2023 - January 31, 2024
Rabbit: October 18, 2023 - February 28, 2024
Quail: November 20, 2023 - February 28, 2024
Grouse: October 18, 2023 - February 28, 2024
Bobcat: October 18, 2023 - February 28, 2024
Pheasant: November 20, 2023 - February 1, 2024
See the map below for a breakdown of NC's hunting zones:
The season and possession bag limit is six deer, two of which may be antlered, and four of which may be antlerless.
There is no daily bag limit.
Antlerless deer harvested and reported on Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards do not count towards the season or possession limit.
Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards allow for the harvest of two additional antlerless deer per card. These are ONLY valid for use for deer taken within participating municipalities during the Urban Archery Season (described on Deer Regulations). Unlimited Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards are available to each hunter. Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards can be obtained on or after Jan. 1 at most wildlife service agents, or online at ncwildlife.org or by calling 888-248-6834.
Antlerless deer harvested under the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and tagged with harvest tags provided with the program are not included in normal statewide bag limits.
Purchase hunting or fishing licenses and permits:
https://www.ncalvin.org/Alvin/default.aspx?MenuTabID=138&SiteID=1&TranTabID=488&trid=41
&vid=0
You can hunt on Sundays (for the most part). You'll have to double check that it's allowed in your zone.
Official State Site: https://www.ncwildlife.org
NC is known for black bear and deer hunting, but you can also hunt turkey, coyote, hog, fox, bobcat, goose, pheasant, duck and more.
NC deer season opens as early at September 11, 2023 and goes as late as January 1, 2024 depending on the zone.
Yes, you can hunt gators in NC but you need a permit.
