North Carolina Hunting Season 2025: Dates, Limits, Fees

Hunting deer in North Carolina can be thrilling. Before you go on the hunt, explore the North Carolina Deer Season for 2024-2025 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

the deer hunting season starts with Archery on September 7th and continues until September 27th. The Blackpowder season starts shortly after, taking place from September 28th to October 11th. Finally, the Gun season begins on October 12th and continues until January 1st, 2025.

Southeastern Region

The archery season is the same as in the Northeastern Region, lasting from September 7th to September 27th. One day later, the Blackpowder season begins on September 28th, and continues through October 12th, while the Gun season kicks off on the same day and extends until the beginning of the new year.

Central Region

In this area, the Archery season starts on September 7th and ends on November 1st. The Blackpowder season lasts from November 2nd until November 15th. The Gun season marks the end of hunting season, beginning on November 16th and continuing until the first day of the next year.

Northwestern Region

The Archery season starts on September 7th and lasts until November 8th. The Blackpowder season takes place between November 9th and November 22nd. The Gun season starts on November 23rd and goes on until January 1st, 2025.

Western Region

The Archery season in this region runs from September 7th to November 15th. The Blackpowder season starts on November 16th and ends on November 29th. The Gun season begins on November 9th and runs until the start of the new year.

A Quick View:

SEASON	ARCHERY	BLACKPOWDER	GUN
Northeastern	Sept.7 – Sept. 27, 2024	Sept. 28 -Oct. 11, 2024	Oct. 12, 2024 – Jan.1, 2025
Southeastern	Sept.7 – Sept. 27, 2024	Sept. 28 – Oct. 12, 2024	Oct. 12, 2024 -Jan. 1, 2025
Central	Sept.7 – Nov. 1, 2024	Nov. 2 – Nov. 15, 2024	Nov. 16, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
Northwestern	Sept.7 – Nov.8, 2024	Nov.9 – Nov. 22, 2024	Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
Western	Sept.7 – Nov.15, 2024	Nov.16 – Nov. 29, 2024	Nov. 9, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025

Besides the above regular deer seasons for each year, in 2024, there is a special season called Urban Deer Season, starting from Jan. 11 – Feb. 16, 2025. This season opens in 58 specific cities and towns.

For more detailed information, you can check out the official file: NC deer season 2024-2025 schedule pdf.

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.

Hunting License Fees In North Carolina

License Types	Residents	Non-Residents
State Hunting 10-Day	N/A	$80
Annual Licenses	$25	$100
Lifetime Hunting License	$265	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 of 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.

Check here for more info: Getting Started Outdoors Hunting Program

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.

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. 14 – Nov. 23, 2024
• Dec. 16, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025

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. 16, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
• Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake, and Warren: Oct. 12, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
• Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes, and Yadkin: Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025

3. Coastal Bear Management Unit

• Zone 1 (Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell): Nov. 9 – Nov. 24, 2024 and Dec. 14 – Dec. 29, 2024
• Zone 2 (Camden, Chowan, Pasquotank): Nov. 8 – Nov. 17, 2024 and Dec. 14 – Dec. 29, 2024
• Zone 3 (Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Martin, Washington): Nov. 9 – Nov. 17, 2024 and Dec. 14 – Dec. 29, 2024
• Zone 4 (Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne, Wilson): Nov. 16 – Dec. 15, 2024
• Zone 5 (Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson, Sampson): Nov. 11, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025

Waterfowl Hunting Seasons

Species	Earliest opening	Latest closing	Daily Bag Limit/ Possession Limit
September Teal	September 1st	September 30th	6 and 18
Ducks	Saturday nearest September 24th	January 31st	6 and 18
Coots	Same as ducks	Same as ducks	15 and 45
Mergansers	Same as ducks	Same as ducks	5 and 15
Canada goose	September 1st	September 30th	15 and 45
Dark geese (Resident Population Zone)	October 1st	March 10th	5 and 15
Dark geese (Northeast Hunt Zone)	Saturday prior to December 25th	January 31st	1 and 3
Light geese (Snow geese and Ross’s geese)	October 1st	March 10th	25 and no possession limit
Brant	Saturday nearest September 24th	January 31st	1 and 3
Tundra Swan	October 1st	January 31st	1

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

Turkey and Small Games Hunting Seasons

Want to hunt more games in North Carolina, here we also summarize other season dates for turkey and small games so that you can fully enjoy the hunt.

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

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!