North Carolina 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
North Carolina's 2026-27 firearm deer season opens between October 17, 2026 and November 28, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 1, 2027.
Archery deer season opens September 12, 2026 in every zone and closes between October 2, 2026 and November 13, 2026 depending on zone.
Duck season opens between October 15, 2026 and October 23, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 30, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
- firearm deer
- opens Oct 17-Nov 28, 2026 by zone
- archery deer
- Sep 12-Oct 2, 2026; later in some zones
- duck
- opens Oct 15-23, 2026 by zone
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Key seasons by species
How to read North Carolina's seasons
Deer seasons vary by region and district
North Carolina sets deer seasons by regional season framework — eastern, central, northwestern, and western districts run different archery, blackpowder, and gun dates. The district you hunt is the key variable, not a single statewide date.
Confirm district boundaries, either-sex days, and any CWD-area rules with the official North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission source.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with NC Wildlife Resources Commission before hunting.
Deer
36 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Archery
Antlerless: same as antlered archery.
Zone: Western Zone - Graham
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Antlerless: same as antlered archery.
Zone: Western Zone - Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Antlerless: same as antlered archery.
Zone: Western Zone - Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Transylvania
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Antlerless: same as antlered archery.
Zone: Northwestern Zone - Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Polk, Rutherford, Watauga
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Antlerless: same as antlered archery.
Zone: Western Zone - Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell
White-tailed Deer
Gun
Antlerless: Oct. 17, 2026 - Jan. 1, 2027.
Zone: Southeastern CWD Management Area - Cumberland, Sampson
White-tailed Deer
Gun
Antlerless: same as antlered gun.
Zone: Northeastern Zone - Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Johnston, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Vance, Wake, Warren, W…
White-tailed Deer
Gun
Antlerless: same as antlered gun.
Zone: Southeastern Zone - Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Dare, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland…
White-tailed Deer
Blackpowder
Antlerless: Oct. 31 - Nov. 13, 2026.
Zone: Northwestern CWD Management Area - Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin
White-tailed Deer
Blackpowder
Antlerless: same as antlered blackpowder.
Zone: Central Zone - Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Union
White-tailed Deer
Blackpowder
Antlerless: same as antlered blackpowder.
Zone: Northwestern Zone - Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Polk, Rutherford, Watauga
White-tailed Deer
Blackpowder
Antlered deer.
Zone: Western Zone - Graham
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed DeerSpecial Early Season · Northwestern CWD Management Area - Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerSpecial Early Season · Southeastern CWD Management Area - Cumberland, Sampson | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Northwestern CWD Management Area - Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, YadkinAntlerless: Sept. 12 - Oct. 30, 2026. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Central Zone - Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, UnionAntlerless: same as antlered archery. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Northeastern Zone - Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Johnston, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Vance, Wake, Warren, W…Antlerless: same as antlered archery. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Southeastern CWD Management Area - Cumberland, SampsonAntlerless: Sept. 12 - Oct. 2, 2026. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerArchery · Southeastern Zone - Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Dare, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland…Antlerless: same as antlered archery. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerBlackpowder · Southeastern CWD Management Area - Cumberland, SampsonAntlerless: Oct. 3 - Oct. 16, 2026. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerBlackpowder · Southeastern Zone - Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Dare, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland…Antlerless: same as antlered blackpowder. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerBlackpowder · Northeastern Zone - Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Johnston, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Vance, Wake, Warren, W…Antlerless: same as antlered blackpowder. | Closed | |
| White-tailed DeerGun · Central Zone - Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, UnionAntlerless: same as antlered gun. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerGun · Northwestern CWD Management Area - Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, YadkinAntlerless: Nov. 14, 2026 - Jan. 1, 2027. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerBlackpowder · Western Zone - Buncombe, Henderson, McDowellAntlerless: same as antlered blackpowder. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerBlackpowder · Western Zone - Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, TransylvaniaAntlered deer. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerBlackpowder · Western Zone - Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Madison, Mitchell, YanceyAntlerless: same as antlered blackpowder. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerBlackpowder - Antlerless · Western Zone - Graham | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerGun · Northwestern Zone - Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Catawba, Cleveland, Davie, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Polk, Rutherford, WataugaAntlerless: same as antlered gun. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerBlackpowder - Antlerless · Western Zone - Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Transylvania | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerGun · Western Zone - Buncombe, Henderson, McDowellAntlered deer. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerGun - Antlerless · Western Zone - Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, Transylvania | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerGun · Western Zone - Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Madison, Mitchell, YanceyAntlerless: same as antlered gun. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerGun - Antlerless · Western Zone - Buncombe, Henderson, McDowellIn that part of Buncombe County east of N.C. 191, south of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, west of U.S. 25, and north of N.C. 280; and that part of Henderson County east of N.C. 191 and north and west of N.C. 280, the antlerless deer season is all days of applicable weapons antlered season. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerGun · Western Zone - GrahamAntlered deer. Antlerless gun season: none. | Upcoming | |
| White-tailed DeerGun · Western Zone - Cherokee, Clay, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, TransylvaniaAntlered deer. | Upcoming |
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Youth
Male or bearded turkey only.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring General
Male or bearded turkey only.
Zone: Statewide
Bear
15 listed rowsBlack Bear
General
Zone: Mountain Bear Management Unit - In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke, and Cleveland
Black Bear
General
Zone: Piedmont Bear Management Unit - Franklin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Moore, Richmond, Scotland, Vance, Wake, and Warren
Black Bear
General
Use of dogs for hunting bears prohibited in Pamlico County.
Zone: Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 5: Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson, and Sampson
Black Bear
General
Zone: Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 2: Camden, Chowan, and Pasquotank
Black Bear
General
Zone: Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 3: Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Martin, and Washington
Black Bear
General
Zone: Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 2: Currituck, Gates, and Perquimans
Black Bear
General
Zone: Piedmont Bear Management Unit - Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Granville, Guilford, Lee, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly,…
Black Bear
General
Zone: Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 1: Dare, Hyde, and Tyrrell
Black Bear
General
Zone: Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 4: Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, Wayne, and Wilson
Black Bear
General
Zone: Piedmont Bear Management Unit - Alexander, Catawba, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Stokes, and Yadkin
Black Bear
General
Zone: Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 2: Camden, Chowan, and Pasquotank
Black Bear
General
Zone: Mountain Bear Management Unit - In and west of Surry, Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke, and Cleveland
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Black BearGeneral · Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 3: Beaufort, Bertie, Craven, Hertford, Jones, Martin, and Washington | Upcoming | |
| Black BearGeneral · Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 2: Currituck, Gates, and Perquimans | Upcoming | |
| Black BearGeneral · Coastal Bear Management Unit - Zone 1: Dare, Hyde, and Tyrrell | Upcoming |
Waterfowl
24 listed rowsCanada Geese (including White-fronted Geese)
Regular
Zone: Resident Population Hunt Zone
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots
Regular
The season on black ducks and mottled ducks is closed until November 21. The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
Zone: Inland Duck Zone
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots
Regular
The season on black ducks and mottled ducks is closed until November 21. The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
Zone: Coastal Duck Zone
Light Geese (Snow Geese and Ross's Geese)
Regular
After the closure of all other waterfowl seasons on February 6th, unplugged guns and electronic calls are allowed.
Zone: Statewide
Sea Ducks
Regular
No more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders (no more than 1 hen eider) or 3 long-tailed ducks. Counts towards the general duck daily bag limit of 6.
Zone: Statewide
Tundra Swan
Permit Only
By permit only (4,853 permits will be issued).
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Geese, Brant, Tundra Swans, Mergansers and Coots
Veterans/Military Waterfowl Day
Must be properly licensed with valid credentials, HIP certification and a federal duck stamp.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Geese, Brant, Tundra Swans, Mergansers and Coots
Youth Waterfowl Day
Youth age 15 or younger, accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
Zone: Statewide
Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese)
Regular
Zone: Resident Population Hunt Zone
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots
Regular
Prior to January 8 the scaup bag limit is 1, on January 8 and after it is 2. The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
Zone: Coastal Duck Zone
Sea Ducks
Regular
No more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders (no more than 1 hen eider) or 3 long-tailed ducks. Counts towards the general duck daily bag limit of 6.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots
Regular
Prior to January 8 the scaup bag limit is 1, on January 8 and after it is 2. The season on harlequin ducks is closed.
Zone: Inland Duck Zone
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BrantRegular · Statewide | Upcoming | |
| Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese)Regular · Resident Population Hunt Zone | Closed | |
| Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese)Regular · Northeast Hunt Zone | Upcoming | |
| Canada GooseEarly Season · StatewideWest of U.S. 17 only: shooting hours extended to 1/2 hour after sunset, unplugged guns and electronic calls allowed. | Closed | |
| Ducks, Geese, Brant, Tundra Swans, Mergansers and CootsYouth Waterfowl Day · StatewideYouth age 15 or younger, accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks, Geese, Brant, Tundra Swans, Mergansers and CootsVeterans/Military Waterfowl Day · StatewideMust be properly licensed with valid credentials, HIP certification and a federal duck stamp. | Upcoming | |
| Ducks, Mergansers and CootsExtended Falconry · StatewideFalconry daily bag limit is three migratory game birds singly or in the aggregate. Taking of harlequin ducks is prohibited. | Closed | |
| Ducks, Mergansers and CootsRegular · Inland Duck ZoneThe season on black ducks and mottled ducks is closed until November 21. The season on harlequin ducks is closed. | Closed | |
| Ducks, Mergansers and CootsRegular · Coastal Duck ZoneThe season on black ducks and mottled ducks is closed until November 21. The season on harlequin ducks is closed. | Closed | |
| Ducks, Mergansers and CootsExtended Falconry · StatewideFalconry daily bag limit is three migratory game birds singly or in the aggregate. Taking of harlequin ducks is prohibited. | Upcoming | |
| Sea DucksRegular · StatewideNo more than 3 scoters, 3 eiders (no more than 1 hen eider) or 3 long-tailed ducks. Counts towards the general duck daily bag limit of 6. | Closed | |
| September TealEarly Teal · East of U.S. 17 only | Closed |
Dove
Mourning Dove & White-winged Dove
Regular
Second split of three. No hunting on Sundays. Shooting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove & White-winged Dove
Regular
Third split of three. No hunting on Sundays. Shooting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove & White-winged Dove
Regular
Three split seasons: Sept 5-Oct 10, Nov 7-Nov 28, Dec 16-Jan 30. No hunting on Sundays. Shooting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove & White-winged Dove
Extended Falconry
Falconry extended season. Possession limit 9. No hunting on Sundays. Hunting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. Harlequin duck taking prohibited.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Pheasant
General
Pheasants of either sex
Zone: Remainder of State
Pheasant
General
Male pheasants only
Zone: Barrier Islands of Carteret, Dare, and Hyde Counties
Quail
Quail
General
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Grouse
General
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Rabbit
General
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Fox Squirrel
General
Zone: Statewide
Gray Squirrel
General
Also open May 17 - 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Red Squirrel
General
Zone: Statewide
Gray Squirrel
Spring
Spring segment
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
Bobcat
General
Zone: Statewide
Statewide Trapping
Trapping
Fox: see Fox Season Hunting and Trapping Seasons publication at ncwildlife.gov/foxseasons.
Zone: Statewide
Small Game
Raccoon and Opossum
General
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Common Snipe
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Gallinule & Moorhens
Regular
Zone: Statewide
King & Clapper Rails
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Sora & Virginia Rails
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Extended Falconry
Falconry daily bag limit is three migratory game birds singly or in the aggregate.
Zone: Statewide
Rails, Gallinule and Moorhens
Extended Falconry
Falconry daily bag limit is three migratory game birds singly or in the aggregate.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Extended Falconry
Falconry daily bag limit is three migratory game birds singly or in the aggregate.
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crow
General
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of each week. Crows may also be hunted on 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.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Summer
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of each week. Crows may also be hunted on 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.
Zone: Statewide
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North Carolina Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in North Carolina?
Archery deer season opens September 12, 2026 in every zone and closes between October 2, 2026 and November 13, 2026 depending on zone. Firearm deer season opens between October 17, 2026 and November 28, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 1, 2027. Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
When is North Carolina's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season opens between October 17, 2026 and November 28, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 1, 2027. Check zone and permit details with NC Wildlife Resources Commission before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in North Carolina?
Spring turkey season runs Apr 17-May 15, 2027. Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
Do I need a license to hunt in North Carolina?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate North Carolina hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
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