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.
Quick Reference: Key Species & Dates
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date | Method | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (varies by zone) | Sept. 13, 2025 | Jan. 1, 2026 | Archery/Gun | Varies |
| Wild Turkey (Spring) | Apr. 12, 2025 | May 10, 2025 | Gun/Bow | 2 |
| Dove | Sept. 1, 2025 | Jan. 31, 2026 | Gun | 15 |
| Duck | Oct. 16, 2025 | Jan. 31, 2026 | Gun | 6 |
| Rabbit | Oct. 13, 2025 | Feb. 28, 2026 | Gun/Bow | No limit |
| Squirrel | Oct. 13, 2025 | Feb. 28, 2026 | Gun/Bow | No limit |
🦌 All Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons
Deer Season by Zone
North Carolina’s deer management zones offer extended opportunities across different regions:
Northeastern Zone:
- 🏹 Archery: September 13 – October 3, 2025
- 💥 Blackpowder: October 4 – 17, 2025
- 🔫 Gun Season: October 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Southeastern Zone:
- 🏹 Archery: September 13 – October 3, 2025
- 💥 Blackpowder: October 4 – 17, 2025
- 🔫 Gun Season: October 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Central Zone:
- 🏹 Archery: September 13 – October 31, 2025
- 💥 Blackpowder: November 1 – 14, 2025
- 🔫 Gun Season: November 15, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Northwestern Zone:
- 🏹 Archery: September 13 – November 7, 2025
- 💥 Blackpowder: November 8 – 21, 2025
- 🔫 Gun Season: November 22, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Western Zone:
- 🏹 Archery: September 13 – November 14, 2025
- 💥 Blackpowder: November 15 – 28, 2025
- 🔫 Gun Season: November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Youth Deer Days 🎯
- Statewide: September 27-28, 2025
- Western Zone: November 27-28, 2025
Urban Deer Program
- Archery Only: January 10 – February 15, 2026 (participating cities only)
Black Bear Season 🐻
Mountain Bear Management Unit:
- October 14 – November 23, 2025
- December 16, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Counties: Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke, Cleveland (and west)
Piedmont Bear Management Unit: Various dates from October through January depending on specific counties
Coastal Bear Management Unit: Multiple zones with different date ranges from November through January
Daily limit: 1 bear, Season limit: 1 bear
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth
Spring Turkey Season
- General Season: April 12 – May 10, 2025 | April 11 – May 9, 2026
- Youth-Only Season: April 5 – 11, 2025 | April 4 – 5, 2026
- Bearded or male turkeys only
- Daily bag limit: 2
🦊 Furbearers
Fox Season:
- October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- See specific fox regulations at ncwildlife.org/foxseasons
Bobcat Season:
- October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Raccoon and Opossum:
- October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026
General Trapping Season:
- October 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
🐦 Upland Birds
Ring-necked Pheasant:
- Barrier Islands (Carteret, Dare, Hyde): November 22, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (males only)
- Remainder of State: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (either sex)
Ruffed Grouse:
- October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Northern Bobwhite Quail:
- November 22, 2025 – February 28, 2026
🐿️ Upland Animals
| Species | Season Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gray & Red Squirrel | Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | No bag limit |
| Fox Squirrel | Oct. 13, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | No bag limit |
| Spring Squirrel | May 12–26, 2025 & May 11–25, 2026 | Private lands only |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Oct. 13, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | No bag limit |
🕊️ Other Small Game
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept. 1–Oct. 4, Nov. 8–29, Dec. 16–Jan. 31 | 15 | Split season |
| White-winged Dove | Same as mourning dove | 15 | – |
| American Woodcock | Dec. 11, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | 3 | – |
| Common Snipe | Oct. 28, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 8 | – |
| American Crow | Aug. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 & June 3–July 31, 2026 | No limit | Wed/Fri/Sat only |
🦆 Migratory Birds
Rails & Marsh Birds:
- King & Clapper Rails: September 1 – November 20, 2025 (Daily: 15)
- Sora & Virginia Rails: September 1 – November 20, 2025 (Daily: 25)
- Gallinule & Moorhens: September 1 – November 20, 2025 (Daily: 15)
🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Geese
Duck Season
Inland Duck Zone:
- October 16–18, November 8–29, December 19–January 31, 2026
Coastal Duck Zone:
- October 24–25, November 8–29, December 18–January 31, 2026
Black duck and mottled duck seasons closed until November 22
Daily Bag Limit: 6 ducks total with species-specific restrictions including:
- 4 mallards (max 2 hens)
- 3 wood ducks, 3 pintails
- 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 black ducks
- 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck
Geese
Canada Goose (Early Season):
- September 1–30, 2025 (statewide) – Daily: 15
Canada Geese & White-fronted:
- Resident Population Zone: Oct. 16–25, Nov. 8–Dec. 6, Dec. 18–Feb. 7
- Northeast Zone: Dec. 29–Jan. 31 – Daily: 1
Light Geese (Snow & Ross’s):
- October 24, 2025 – February 7, 2026 – Daily: 25
🦢 Other Waterfowl
September Teal:
- September 11–20, 2025 (East of US 17 only) – Daily: 6
Sea Ducks:
- October 24–25, November 8–29, December 18–January 31, 2026
- Daily: 4 total (species restrictions apply)
Brant:
- December 29, 2025 – January 31, 2026 – Daily: 1
Tundra Swan:
- November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026 – Season: 1 (permit required)
Youth & Veterans Waterfowl Days:
- December 6, 2025 & February 7, 2026
🎯 More Games & Extended Seasons
Extended Falconry Seasons:
- Dove: October 6–18, 2025
- Waterfowl: October 1–11, 2025 & February 2–7, 2026
- Woodcock: December 1–10, 2025 & February 2–21, 2026
- Daily bag limit: 3
Light Geese Conservation Order:
- February 9 – March 31, 2026 (permit only, no bag limits)
🗺️ 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
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.
Remember to always check the NC Wildlife Resources Commission for the most current regulations and any last-minute changes. Good luck in your pursuits, and enjoy your time in North Carolina’s extraordinary outdoors!
