North Carolina Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in North Carolina

North Carolina is recognized for its forested areas and mountainous scenery, which all combine to provide a perfect hunting experience. Deer, turkeys, black bears, ducks, predators, and other small game species are frequent game throughout the state.

North Carolina Hunting Laws

North Carolina hunters must follow all federal, state, and local hunting laws and restrictions. There may also be additional requirements for governments and private landowners.

The following are North Carolina hunting regulations:

Regulations for Hunting with Firearms:

The following are some of the North Carolina hunting regulations affecting the possession and usage of weapons.

Possessing a loaded firearm, hunting wildlife, or discharging a firearm within 500 feet of structures containing persons and/or domestic animals, as well as facilities used to store combustible substances and materials, is illegal.

However, if you acquire permission from the owner of such structures, their family, or spouses, you may make an exemption. In addition, the 500-foot firearm restriction does not apply to archery hunting in North Carolina.

• Vehicle Possession of Hunting Firearms

Loaded guns in automobiles are illegal in North Carolina, regardless of whether they are hunting firearms or not. The state’s gun regulations allow only registered handguns and revolvers to be carried in cars.

• Hunting with Rifles and Handguns

For hunting, North Carolina prohibits the use of rifles, revolvers, and handguns that fire.22 caliber or bigger ammunition. In addition, any sort of rifle or pistol is illegal in state-leased hunting grounds or in regions where hunting permits are required. It is also unlawful to hunt waterfowl, turkey, and any other migratory birds in the state using handguns or rifles. Crows, on the other hand, are exempt.

• Using Shotguns for Hunting

Shotguns that shoot more than two shots are not permitted for hunting on state-leased or owned land, or in areas where a hunting permission is necessary. Shotguns are also illegal on private property.

The use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting is prohibited. However, you can hunt waterfowl in the state with shotguns that are less than 10 gauge.

Waterfowl and other migratory bird shotguns in North Carolina must have no more than three shells, two for the magazine and one for the chamber. There are exceptions for North Carolina turkey hunting, North Carolina crow hunting, and North Carolina deer hunting.

Another exception to shotgun laws in North Carolina is the use of unplugged shotguns during the September goose season. Shotguns may be subject to additional restrictions depending on where you hunt.

• Using Muzzleloaders for Hunting

Muzzleloaders are shotguns or rifles of at least.45 calibers that shoot a projectile and gun powder from the muzzle end of the firearm. It is permissible in North Carolina to use a shotgun converter, but smoothbore muzzleloaders are prohibited in the same way that shotguns are.

There is an exception for the use of muzzleloaders on state-owned territory, and it is permissible to use muzzleloading rifles with calibers of about.36 and round ball ammunition.

Regulations for Bow Hunting

Some of the North Carolina Bow Hunting Regulations are as follows:

• Bowhunter Training

Before you can take wildlife and games with a bow and arrow, you must first complete a bowhunter education course. North Carolina requires all bowhunters in the state to have documentation of completion of the course while hunting small game.

• Arrows and a Lawful Bow

In North Carolina, not all bows and arrows are permitted. In North Carolina, the bow allowed for turkey and deer hunting must be long, compound, recurved, and have a draw weight of at least 40 crossbows and pounds. Mechanical strings are also permitted, however covering a projectile with chemicals, poison, or narcotics is prohibited.

• Crossbows

Crossbows are legal for hunting a variety of game. The crossbow, on the other hand, should have a draw weight of at least 125 pounds. It must also have a fixed rifle and an effective automatic safety device.

The state also allows the use of adjustable crossbow sticks, but not adjustable folding stocks. The arrow must be at least 18 inches long, not including the broadhead length. When a crossbow has been pulled to its utmost and the bolt is in place, it is said to be loaded.

For deer and turkey hunting in North Carolina, the arrowhead must have at least two blades and be no more than eight inches wide. It makes no difference if an arrowhead was designed to open on impact; as long as it fits these specifications, it is permissible.

Possession of Bowhunting Firearms

It is illegal to carry a firearm while bow hunting in North Carolina.

Baggage Restrictions

The bag limit is another crucial restriction that hunters should be aware of. It contains the following items:

• Baggage Limit Per Day

This refers to the number of game species that a hunter can take in a day, which is calculated as the hours between 12 a.m. and 12 a.m. the following day. It is illegal for a hunter to take more than the daily limit while hunting during these 24 hours.

• Possession while in storage

From the start of the season, this is a seasonal bag restriction for the number of non-migratory wildlife and game species that may be stored for a certain game. Excessive bag limits for a season are a breach of bag limit regulations. Federal hunting laws govern the possession and storage of migratory game such as snipe, ducks, and coots.

• Season Bag Cap

This is the maximum number of wildlife and games that can be taken during open season.

Hunter Harassment Statute

North Carolina also has hunter harassment regulations in place to preserve the sport.

The legislation provides that no one should interfere with a legal hunting practice taking place in a wildlife area or anywhere else in the state.

This law is broken when someone commits any of the following on purpose:

• Wildlife is drawn in to disrupt hunting activities.
• Prevents hunting by impeding or bothering a hunter while he or she is engaged in the activity.
• Any artificial or olfactory stimuli are used to disrupt wildlife behavior patterns.
• Install barriers to prohibit or limit hunters’ actions.
• While attempting to shoot down a game, enters a hunter’s line of fire.
• Disturb a publicly or privately held property used for authorized game hunting in the state.
• Without the approval of people in control, impedes a private land section.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

You can open carry while hunting activities in North Carolina, including state government land and privately held areas, as long as you have a hunting license.

You can also open carry while bow hunting, but you must have a state concealed firearm permit to conceal carry.

However, using a firearm for game-taking during bow hunting or any other hunting session that does not allow the use of guns is illegal.

North Carolina also has hunter harassment statutes, which include the following:

• It is unlawful to interfere with or disrupt any authorized hunting activity in wildlife by purposefully impeding any wildlife resources.
• Tampering with property or hunting dogs utilized for a licensed hunting activity is prohibited in the state.
• A person who intentionally harms animals by using the land for other authorized purposes such as mining, agriculture, or enjoyment is exempt from this portion of the law.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in North Carolina

To take games and animals in North Carolina, you must have a hunting license or permit. Residents and non-residents can purchase a variety of hunting licenses.

The following license tags and permits are available for hunting in North Carolina:

License to Hunt with Firearms

This is a general firearm hunting permit that is available to both North Carolina citizens and nonresidents. It costs $19 for adult residents, $10 for adolescent residents, and $91 for non-residents.

License for Firearms Hunting and Inland Fishing

This license is valid in North Carolina for both hunting and inland fishing. It is open to both state residents and non-residents and costs $38 for adult residents, $19 for teen residents, and $110 for non-residents.

All Waters Fishing License and Firearm Hunting License

This license allows for firearm hunting and fishing in all water bodies in North Carolina. It is open to both residents and non-residents for a fee of $40 for adults, $20 for teenagers (16 and 17 years old), and $120 for non-residents.

License for Firearm Hunting and Marine Water Fishing

This license is valid in North Carolina for both guns hunting and marine water fishing. It is available to both residents and non-residents and costs $25 for adults, $13 for teenagers (16 and 17 years old), and $94 for non-residents.

License for Archery Deer and Small Game Hunting

Holders of this license may take deer using archery and may also take small game animals in North Carolina. It is available to residents as well as non-residents as an out-of-state North Carolina hunting license. Adult residents pay $41, juvenile residents (16 and 17 years old) pay $21, and non-residents pay $135.

Archery Deer and Small Game Hunting License in addition to an All Water Fishing License

This license permits you to shoot deer and small game as well as fish in all of North Carolina’s bodies of water. It costs $65 for adults and $33 for teenagers (16 and 17 years old).

Trapping Permit

This license permits hunters in North Carolina to set traps or bait wildlife and games. Adult residents pay $34, teen residents (16 and 17 years old) pay $17, and non-residents pay $250.

In North Carolina, licenses are also issued based on age, and they include the following.

Junior Firearms Hunting Permit

Residents and nonresidents of North Carolina between the ages of 12 and 15 are eligible for this license. Both residents and non-residents must pay $11.

Deer and Small Game Junior Archery License

Residents and nonresidents between the ages of 12 and 15 can use the license to take deer and hunt small game in North Carolina. Residents pay $10, while nonresidents pay $19.

Junior Trapping Permit

This is only valid for North Carolina citizens under the age of 15. It is $11.00.

Annual Hunting Permit

This hunting license is accessible to North Carolina citizens aged 65 and up. It is completely free.

Annual Trapping Permit

This is a trapping license given to residents aged 65 and up. It is completely free.

Permits and tags for fishing in North Carolina

North Carolina fishing licenses include the following:

Resident All-Water Fishing Permit

This is a resident-only fishing license that allows holders to fish in both inland and coastal waters. Adult residents pay $32 and teenagers pay $16.

Inland Fishing License for Residents

This license allows holders to fish solely in inland waters. Adult residents pay $28 and teenagers pay $14.

Inland fishing and small game hunting are popular pastimes among residents.

Holders of this license will be able to fish in inland waters and hunt small game across the state. It costs $38 for adults and $19 for teenagers to live there.

Residents have access to all-water fishing, bow and arrow hunting, small game hunting, and deer hunting.

This license permits you to fish in all waters and shoot deer and small game with an archery. Adult residents pay $65 and teen residents pay $32.

Season Inland Fishing License for Non-Residents

Nonresidents who want to fish in inland waters must obtain this license. It will set you back $55.

Nonresident All Waters Seasonal Fishing License

Nonresidents are permitted to fish in both inland and marine waters. It will set you back $63.

3-Day Inland Fishing License for Nonresidents

Nonresidents who want to fish in inland waters can obtain this license. It is only good for three days and costs $22.

Residents who have obtained a Marine Water Fishing License

This license allows holders to fish in maritime waters. Adult residents pay $10, while teen residents pay $5.

One Day of Marine Water Fishing for Residents

allows locals to fish in salt water, however the license is only good for one day. Adult residents pay $5, while non-residents pay $3.

Marine Water Fishing and Firearm Hunting Residents

This license permits for both marine fishing and hunting during rifle season. Adult residents pay $25, while teen residents pay $13.

Nonresident Marine Fishing Permit

Non-residents of North Carolina may obtain this license to fish in marine waters. It is priced at $15.

Nonresident Firearms and Marine Water Fishing License

Non-residents will be able to fish in marine waters and hunt with guns with this license. It will set you back $94.

Three-Day Marine Fishing License for Nonresidents

Non-residents can fish in marine waters with this license, however it is only valid for three days. It will set you back $8.

Marine Water Fishing License for Armed Forces

This is a special license granted to members of the United States military or National Guard for fishing in North Carolina’s marine waters. It costs ten dollars.

Permit for Armed Forces Inland Fishing

This is a special license granted to members of the United States military or National Guard for fishing in North Carolina’s inland waters. It is priced at $28.

Permit for Armed Forces Inland Fishing with Small Game Firearms Hunting

Members of the United States Armed Forces can now fish in inland waters and hunt small game species in North Carolina.

All Water Permit for Armed Forces

This permission will allow members of the armed forces to fish in all bodies of water in the United States.

2020/2021 North Carolina Hunting Season

North Carolina, like the rest of the western United States, has a favorable climate and weather for hunting season.

North Carolina’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020-21 includes the following:

Deer Hunting Season in North Carolina

• Archery Season (September 15th to December 31st)
• Shotgun and Rifle Season (Public Lands: November 18th to December 8th; Private Lands: November 2nd to December 31st)
• Muzzleloader Season (December 9th to December 31st for private land and December 9th to December 22nd for state land)

Turkey Season in North Carolina

• Fall Archery Season (September 15th to September 31st)
• Fall Firearm Season (October 3rd to October 31st)
• Seasons for hunting black bear in North Carolina
• General Hunting Season (October 12th to January 1st)

Small Game Hunting Season in North Carolina

• Cotton Rabbit Season (October 1st to December 31st)
• Squirrel Season (September 1st to December 31st)
• Quail Season (October 17th to November 2nd)
• Pheasant Season (October 17th to December 31st)
• Grouse Season (October 17th to December 30th)

Season dates for each species may fluctuate depending on the hunting zone in North Carolina.

Wildlife, Game, and Fish in North Carolina

The following are some of the fauna and games accessible for hunting in North Carolina:

Deer hunting in North Carolina

Whitetail deer shooting in North Carolina is not a revered sport in and of itself, but the deer horns serve as hunting trophies. Deer hunting is popular in North Carolina because of the excellent deer meat known as venison.

Turkey hunting in North Carolina

North Carolina turkey hunting is enjoyable. In this state, the game is quite unique. They are difficult to hunt since they blend in well with their surroundings and are really effective games.

Duck hunting in North Carolina

Duck hunting in North Carolina is usually an exciting experience. Ducks are quite swift, with the ability to traverse a mile in one minute. Ducks can travel as far as South America and back during their annual migration.

Goose hunting in North Carolina

North Carolina offers a variety of geese for hunting. It is one of the states most popular with goose hunters in the United States. Snow geese, blue geese, and Canada geese are the most common goose species in the state.

Pheasant hunting in North Carolina

Pheasant hunting in North Carolina is not for the faint of heart. Pheasants blend in with their surroundings and use this to hide from hunters. Pheasants are plentiful in North Carolina, as they are in most other sections of the country. They live in parts of the state such as meadows, woodland areas, and field areas.

Quail hunting in North Carolina

Quail hunting is a popular activity in North Carolina. They live in the state’s fields and farming towns. They come in a variety of color combinations, including black, grey, and brown. They are also quite difficult to hunt.

Grouse hunting in North Carolina

Because of their hues, grouses can blend with their surroundings and hide from hunters. They are common in North Carolina and live in farming regions, wooded areas, meadows, and fields.

Season for Hunting Black Bears in North Carolina

North Carolina black bear hunting takes place in the southern Appalachian Mountains and swampy areas of the state. They also live in forested sections of the state and other locations where they can adapt.

Shooting ranges in North Carolina

The following are some of the shooting ranges open to the public in North Carolina:

• Outer Banks Gun Club and Dare County Shooting Complex
• Outdoor Sports by DeWitt, LLC
• Duncan’s Gun Store
• Archery Range
• Outfitters in the Flatwoods
• Gastonia Parks and Recreation Dept. Range of Skeet and Trap
• Hunters Pointe Sporting Clays are a type of sporting clay.
• Firearms Education and Training Center of Wake County

Hunting Land in North Carolina for Sale and Lease

North Carolina hunting lands for sale include the following:

• 5.4-acre Lake Lure in Rutherford County, North Carolina
• 308.81 acres in Rockingham, North Carolina (Richmond County).
• 1.8 acres in Mars Hill, North Carolina (Madison County).
• 10.04 acres in Pittsboro, North Carolina (Chatham County)
• 144.71 acres in Morganton, North Carolina (Burke County).

North Carolina hunting lands for lease include the following:

• Trophy Whitetail Hunting Lease (Martin County, Oak City Area), 1440 acres available
• Garza County deer hunting lease, 120 acres
• 100 acres of prime trophy NC whitetails in Northampton County are ranked first for whitetail trophies.