North Carolina 2025-2026 Hunt Season Reference – Zones & Start Dates
Welcome to your ultimate resource for the 2025-2026 North Carolina wildlife adventure calendar! Whether you’re tracking whitetails in the piedmont, calling turkeys in the mountains, or pursuing waterfowl along the coast, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to plan your outdoor excursions. We’ve compiled the official dates, permit requirements, and wildlife management zone information to help both newcomers and seasoned sportspeople navigate the Tar Heel State’s diverse wildlife opportunities.
North Carolina Hunting Season Overview: 2025-2026
North Carolina’s varied landscape creates distinct wildlife habitats across its mountains, piedmont, and coastal regions. The state’s wildlife management approach carefully balances conservation with recreational opportunities through strategically planned seasons and zones. For the 2025-2026 season, wildlife officials have established dates that reflect both tradition and scientific management principles.
Key Hunting Season Dates at a Glance
| Species | Season Type | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (varies by zone) | Archery | Sept. 13, 2025 | Varies by zone |
| Deer (varies by zone) | Blackpowder | Varies by zone | Varies by zone |
| Deer (varies by zone) | Gun | Varies by zone | Jan. 1, 2026 |
| Turkey (Spring) | General | Apr. 12, 2025 | May 10, 2025 |
| Turkey (Youth) | Special | Apr. 5, 2025 | Apr. 11, 2025 |
| Small Game (most) | General | Oct. 13, 2025 | Feb. 28, 2026 |
| Gray Squirrel (Spring) | Private Lands | May 12, 2025 | May 26, 2025 |
🦌 Big Game Hunting: Deer Seasons by Zone
North Carolina divides deer hunting into five distinct management zones, each with customized seasons for different hunting methods. Understanding your zone’s specific dates is essential for planning your hunt.
Northeastern Zone
- Archery: Sept. 13 – Oct. 3, 2025
- Blackpowder: Oct. 4 – 17, 2025
- Gun: Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Southeastern Zone
- Archery: Sept. 13 – Oct. 3, 2025
- Blackpowder: Oct. 4 – 17, 2025
- Gun: Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Central Zone
- Archery: Sept. 13 – Oct. 31, 2025
- Blackpowder: Nov. 1 – 14, 2025
- Gun: Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Northwestern Zone
- Archery: Sept. 13 – Nov. 7, 2025
- Blackpowder: Nov. 8 – 21, 2025
- Gun: Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Western Zone
- Archery: Sept. 13 – Nov. 14, 2025
- Blackpowder: Nov. 15 – 28, 2025
- Gun: Nov. 29, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
Special Deer Hunting Days
- Youth Deer Hunting Days: Statewide – September 27-28, 2025; Western Deer Zone – November 27-28, 2025
- Urban Deer Season (participating cities only): Archery Only – Jan. 10 – Feb. 15, 2026
🐻 Bear Hunting Seasons
Bear hunting in North Carolina requires special attention to management units, as seasons vary significantly across regions to maintain sustainable populations.
While the document I accessed doesn’t contain complete bear season information for 2025-2026, typically bear seasons are structured by management units:
- Mountain Bear Management Unit: Generally opens in October
- Piedmont Bear Management Unit: Usually has split seasons in November and December
- Coastal Bear Management Unit: Typically has regulated seasons with specific county variations
Always check the latest NC Wildlife Resources Commission regulations for exact dates, as bear management is closely monitored and adjusted annually.
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring and Special Hunts
Turkey hunting in North Carolina focuses primarily on the spring season when gobblers are most active.
- Spring Turkey Season (bearded or male turkeys only): Apr. 12 – May 10, 2025
- Youth-only Turkey Season (bearded or male turkeys only): Apr. 5 – 11, 2025
The youth season provides a wonderful opportunity for young hunters to learn skills and traditions with less competition in the field.
🦊 Furbearer Seasons
Furbearers provide both recreational opportunities and wildlife management benefits. Season dates for 2025-2026 include:
- Raccoon and Opossum: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
- Bobcat: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
- Fox: See separate “Fox Season Hunting and Trapping Seasons” publication at ncwildlife.org/foxseasons
- Trapping Season (general): Oct. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
🐿️ Small Game Hunting Opportunities
Small game hunting provides accessible recreation throughout much of the fall and winter seasons.
- Gray and Red Squirrels: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
- Fox Squirrels: Oct. 13, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026
- Spring Gray Squirrel Season (Private Lands only): May 12 – 26, 2025
- Rabbit: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
- Quail: Nov. 22, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
- Grouse: Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026
- Pheasant (Barrier Islands of Carteret, Dare, and Hyde Counties): Nov. 22, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 (male pheasants only)
- Pheasant (Remainder of State): Sept. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 (pheasants of either sex)
🦆 Waterfowl Seasons
While the exact 2025-2026 waterfowl seasons weren’t available in the document I accessed, North Carolina typically divides waterfowl hunting into zones with split seasons. These usually include:
- Duck Seasons: Generally split across fall and winter months
- Goose Seasons: Varies by species and management zone
- Special Sea Duck Season: Usually runs November through January
- Youth Waterfowl Days: Special opportunities for young hunters
For the most current waterfowl regulations, check the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website before planning your hunt, as these dates are set annually in coordination with federal frameworks.
🦅 Additional Game Bird Opportunities
- Crow: Aug. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026, and June 3, 2026 – July 31, 2026 (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of each week)
- Special Crow Hunting Days: Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Independence Day (except when these days fall on a Sunday)
🗺️ North Carolina Hunting Zones Map
Understanding wildlife management zones is crucial for successful and legal hunting. North Carolina divides the state into distinct zones for deer, bear, and waterfowl management. These boundaries help wildlife officials manage game populations according to habitat characteristics and population densities.
You can access detailed, interactive maps of North Carolina’s game lands and hunting zones at the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website. Their interactive mapping tool allows you to search by county or address and filter by species and facilities.
🎟️ License Information
Resident Licenses
- Annual Hunting License: Required for all hunters 16 years and older
- Big Game License: Additional endorsement needed for deer, bear, and turkey
- Bear Management E-Stamp: Required for bear hunting
- HIP Certification: Required for migratory bird hunting
Non-Resident Licenses
- Short-term Hunting Licenses: Available for 10-day periods
- Annual Non-Resident License: Higher fees than resident licenses
- Big Game License: Required for non-residents hunting deer, bear, or turkey
Youth and Special Licenses
- Youth Hunting License: Special rates for hunters under 16
- Lifetime Licenses: Available for residents with various privileges
- Senior Licenses: Discounted rates for residents 65 and older
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the bag limits for deer in North Carolina?
Bag limits vary by zone. Generally, the season limit is six deer, with specific limits on antlered and antlerless deer depending on your zone.
Can I hunt on Sundays in North Carolina?
Sunday hunting on private lands is permitted with restrictions. Hunting with firearms between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM on Sunday is prohibited, and hunting within 500 yards of a place of worship is not allowed.
What public lands are available for hunting in North Carolina?
North Carolina has over 2 million acres of game lands available for public hunting. These include national forests, state game lands, and some wildlife refuges. Always check specific regulations for each property.
Is night hunting allowed in North Carolina?
Night hunting is prohibited for most species. Limited night hunting opportunities exist for certain species like raccoon and opossum. Check regulations for specific details.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in North Carolina?
Yes, anyone born after January 1, 1975, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.
Related Resources
- Turkey Hunting Tips and Regulations
- South Carolina Hunting Seasons
- Virginia Hunting Seasons
- Tennessee Hunting Seasons
Final Thoughts for Your 2025-2026 Adventure
As you prepare for the upcoming 2025-2026 hunting season in North Carolina, remember that regulations can change, and it’s always your responsibility to verify current rules before heading afield. The varied landscapes of the Tar Heel State offer remarkable hunting opportunities from the mountains to the coast. Whether you’re pursuing the challenge of a mountain bear hunt, enjoying the tradition of deer season, or introducing a young hunter to small game, North Carolina’s diverse wildlife and carefully managed seasons provide something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Be sure to purchase your appropriate licenses and permits well in advance, scout your hunting areas ethically, and practice safe hunting techniques. Most importantly, take time to appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife conservation success stories that make North Carolina such a remarkable destination for sportspeople. Good luck in your pursuits, and enjoy your time in North Carolina’s extraordinary outdoors!
