North Carolina Waterfowl Season 2026-27
Duck season opens between October 15, 2026 and October 23, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 30, 2027. Every listed waterfowl season for North Carolina is below, with zones and notes where the agency gives them.
Quick answer
North Carolina's 2026-27 duck season opens between October 15, 2026 and October 23, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 30, 2027.
Regular Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese) (Resident Population Hunt Zone) runs Nov 7-Dec 5, 2026.
Regular Ducks, Mergansers and Coots (Inland Duck Zone) runs Nov 7-28, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
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 |
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Nearby waterfowl seasons
North Carolina Waterfowl Season FAQ
When does waterfowl season open in North Carolina?
Duck season opens between October 15, 2026 and October 23, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 30, 2027. The earliest listed waterfowl season of any kind is early season canada goose, opening September 1, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
What are the 2026-27 waterfowl season dates in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists 24 waterfowl season windows: Regular Brant (Dec 28, 2026-Jan 30, 2027); Regular Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese) (Oct 15-24, 2026); Regular Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese) (Nov 7-Dec 5, 2026); Regular Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese) (Dec 17, 2026-Feb 6, 2027); Regular Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese) (Dec 28, 2026-Jan 30, 2027); Early Season Canada Goose (Sep 1-30, 2026); Veterans/Military Waterfowl Day Ducks, Geese, Brant, Tundra Swans, Mergansers and Coots (Dec 5, 2026); Youth Waterfowl Day Ducks, Geese, Brant, Tundra Swans, Mergansers and Coots (Dec 5, 2026); and more. Always verify against NC Wildlife Resources Commission before hunting.
Are there different waterfowl seasons in North Carolina?
Yes — North Carolina lists separate waterfowl seasons for Regular Brant, Regular Canada Geese (including White-fronted Geese), Early Season Canada Goose, Veterans/Military Waterfowl Day Ducks, Geese, Brant, Tundra Swans, Mergansers and Coots, Youth Waterfowl Day Ducks, Geese, Brant, Tundra Swans, Mergansers and Coots, Extended Falconry Ducks, Mergansers and Coots. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Do I need a license to hunt waterfowl in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and waterfowl hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with NC Wildlife Resources Commission.