North Carolina Hunting Season 2025: Dates, Limits, Fees

*The dates and rules have been updated for the latest 2025-2026 season!

Hunting deer in North Carolina can be thrilling. Before you go on the hunt, explore the North Carolina Deer Season for 2025-2026 schedules as well as regulations to ensure a legal and successful hunting experience.

Whether you’re an avid hunter or simply curious about the state’s wildlife management, this guide has covered the latest dates, regulations, and key information for you. Join us as we navigate the seasons and bag limits, providing essential insights for a successful and enjoyable North Carolina hunting season.

North Carolina Deer Seasons

Deer season in North Carolina varies each year in different areas. Now let’s explore the key dates across different regions:

Northeastern Region Season

The deer hunting season starts with Archery on September 13 and continues until October 3. The Blackpowder season starts shortly after, taking place from October 4 to October 17. Finally, the Gun season begins on October 18 and continues until January 1, 2026.

Southeastern Region Season

The archery season is the same as in the Northeastern Region, lasting from September 13 to October 3. One day later, the Blackpowder season begins on October 4, and continues through October 17, while the Gun season kicks off on the same day and extends until the beginning of the new year.

Central Region Season

In this area, the Archery season starts on September 13 and ends on October 31. The Blackpowder season lasts from November 1 until November 14. The Gun season marks the end of hunting season, beginning on November 15 and continuing until the first day of the next year.

Northwestern Region Season

The Archery season starts on September 13 and lasts until November 7. The Blackpowder season takes place between November 8 and November 21. The Gun season starts on November 22 and goes on until January 1, 2026.

Western Region Season

The Archery season in this region runs from September 13 to November 14. The Blackpowder season starts on November 15 and ends on November 28. The Gun season begins on November 29 and runs until the start of the new year.

A Quick View of Deer Seasons

SEASON	ARCHERY	BLACKPOWDER	GUN
Northeastern	Sept. 13 – Oct. 3, 2025	Oct. 4 – 17, 2025	Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Southeastern	Sept. 13 – Oct. 3, 2025	Oct. 4 – 17, 2025	Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Central	Sept. 13 – Oct. 31, 2025	Nov. 1 – 14, 2025	Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Northwestern	Sept. 13 – Nov. 7, 2025	Nov. 8 – 21, 2025	Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Western	Sept. 13 – Nov. 14, 2025	Nov. 15 – 28, 2025	Nov. 29, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026

North Carolina Deer Bag Limits

Season limits: 6 deer in total. Maximum of 2 antlered deer, and 4 antlerless deer.

Daily limits: No limits.

With the Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards, hunters can harvest two additional antlerless deer per card. They are valid only within participating municipalities during the Urban Archery Season.

Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards can be obtained on or after January 1 at most wildlife service agents or online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com.

It is critical for hunters to follow these bag limits to ensure compliance with North Carolina’s regulations while contributing to effective deer management strategies.

Deer Hunting Regulations

1. Hunting deer during firearms season requires wearing hunter orange, including on Sundays and Youth Deer Hunting Day.
2. Antlered deer can be taken during open antlered seasons, while antlerless deer can only be taken during antlerless seasons.
3. Hunting with firearms between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. is prohibited on Sunday.
4. Processing food products as bait is unlawful in areas with established black bear seasons.
5. Placement of commercially available mineral supplements for attracting or feeding deer is allowed, except on game lands and CWD Surveillance Areas.
6. Possession and use of natural deer excretions, including urine, is not allowed.
7. Hunters may use dogs to hunt deer during open deer seasons in limited counties.
8. Antlerless deer may only be taken during the gun season dates.

Key Takeaway for North Carolina Deer Season

When Does Deer Season Start In North Carolina?

Deer season in North Carolina typically starts in early September.

When Does Deer Season End In North Carolina?

Deer season in North Carolina normally ends in early January. But in 2025, there is a special season that lasts till February.

How Many Deer Can You Shoot In North Carolina?

You can shoot 6 deer in total, with a maximum of two antlered deer and four antlerless deer.

What Time Of Year Are Deer Most Active In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, deer are most active during the rut, which occurs from late October to early December. And, deer are more active during this time of year, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Can You Bait Deer In North Carolina?

Yes, baiting deer in North Carolina during deer season is legal.

Can I Hunt On My Land Without a License In North Carolina?

To hunt on your own land in North Carolina, you must have a hunting license unless you qualify for an exemption.

While deer hunting is popular in North Carolina, there are plenty of other hunting seasons and game animals to explore. Whether you’re interested in small games, big games, or unique hunting experiences, each season offers its own set of regulations and opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at what else is available for hunters this year.

Hunting License Fees In North Carolina

License Types	Residents	Non-Residents
State Hunting 10-Day	N/A	$95
Annual Licenses	$30	$119
Lifetime Hunting License	$315	N/A

Hunting Training For New Hunters

In North Carolina, the Getting Started Outdoors (GSO) Hunting Program is designed to help individuals who are interested in hunting learn basic skills, equipment, and strategies.

The program is designed to address informational barriers and provide a mentored experience for those lacking social support.

Participants must never have hunted, have minimal hunting experience, lack social support, or be a failed hunter.

To participate, individuals must complete the GSO workshop and meet certain pre-requirements, including Hunter Safety Certification and a valid NC hunting license.

Learn more about hunter education from here: Learn to Hunt Program.

North Carolina Bear Seasons

Except for the big game deer, you can also hunt bears in this state. The bear hunting seasons are divided into different management units. so it is important to know when and where you can hunt.

Below, we’ve outlined the open season dates for each bear management unit, ensuring you have all the information you need to prepare for your adventure. Hunt big, be safe!

1. Mountain Bear Management Unit

• Oct. 4 – Nov. 22, 2025
• Dec. 13, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026

2. Piedmont Bear Management Unit

• Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, and Union: Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
• Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake, and Warren: Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
• Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes, and Yadkin: Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026

3. Coastal Bear Management Unit

• Zone 1 (Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell): Nov. 8 – Nov. 23, 2025 and Dec. 13 – Dec. 28, 2025
• Zone 2 (Camden, Chowan, Pasquotank): Nov. 7 – Nov. 16 and Dec. 13 – Dec. 28, 2025
• Zone 3 (Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Martin, Washington): Nov. 8 – Nov. 16 and Dec. 13 – Dec. 28, 2025
• Zone 4 (Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne, Wilson): Nov. 15 – Dec. 14, 2025
• Zone 5 (Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson, Sampson): Nov. 10, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026

Turkey and Waterfowl Hunting Seasons

Turkey Seasons

Spring Season:

• Apr. 12 – May 10, 2025
• Apr. 11 – May 9, 2026

Youth Only Season:

• Apr. 5 – 11, 2025
• Apr. 4 – 5, 2026

Waterfowl Seasons

Species	Date	Daily Bag Limit / Possession Limit
Youth Waterfowl Days Veterans/Military Waterfowl Days	December 6 & February 7	/
September Teal	September 11 – September 20	6 and 18
Ducks,Coots and Mergansers	Inland Duck Zone: October 16 – October 18, November 8 – November 29 December 19 – January 31Coastal Duck Zone: October 24 – October 25, November 8 – November 29 December 18 – January 31	Duck: 6 and 18 Coots: 15 and 45 Mergansers: 5 and 15
Sea Ducks	October 24 – October 25, November 8 – November 29 December 18 – January 31	4 in total
Canada goose	September 1 – September 30 (statewide)	15 and 45
Canada Geese (also includes white-fronted geese)	Resident Population Hunt Zone: October 16 – October 25, November 8 – December 6 December 18 – February 7 Northeast Hunt Zone: December 29 – January 31	5 in the Resident Population Hunt Zone;1 in the Northeast Hunt Zone
Light geese	October 24 – February 7	No Limit
Brant	December 29 – January 31	1 and 3
Tundra Swan	November 8 – January 31	1

Some of the season dates listed above may be subject to change. Keep updated with the info with us!

Small Game Hunting Seasons

Want to hunt more games in North Carolina? Here we also summarize other season dates for small game so that you can fully enjoy the hunt.

Click on each tab to check out the specific date schedule:

Squirrel Season:

• Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
• May 12 – May 26, 2025, and May 11 – May 25, 2026
• Oct. 13, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026

Rabbit Season: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Quail Season: Nov. 22, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Grouse Season: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Bobcat Season: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Opossum and Raccoons: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Crow Season

• Aug. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
• June 3 – July 31, 2026

Pheasant Season

• Sep. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 (The rest state)
• Nov. 22, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 (Barrier Islands of Carteret, Dare, and Hyde Counties)

Trapping Season: Oct. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026

Conclusion

Deer hunting opportunities in North Carolina change with the seasons. To summarize, it is important to know the latest Deer Season dates and regulations for both experienced hunters and newbies.

This guide has provided a valuable roadmap for anyone interested in planning hunting trips or learning more about hunting in North Carolina. Good luck with your hunt!