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North Carolina Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) before you hunt — dates can change.

License: resident $30.00 · nonresident $119.00. Species tags and permits are extra — see each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (Statewide)Sep 12Jan 1License
Archery (Antlerless: Late)Dec 26Jan 14License
Muzzleloader (Coastal Zone)Oct 3Oct 16License
Muzzleloader (NE Zone)Oct 31Nov 13License
Muzzleloader (NW Zone)Nov 7Nov 20License
Muzzleloader (W Zone)Nov 21Dec 4License
Firearms (Coastal Zone)Oct 17Jan 1License
Firearms (NE Zone)Nov 14Jan 1License
Firearms (NW Zone)Nov 21Jan 1License
Firearms (W Zone)Dec 5Jan 1License

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall Archery (select WMAs)Sep 1Sep 30License
Spring YouthMar 28Apr 3License
Spring GobblerApr 4May 24License

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Quota Hunts (Draw)Nov 10Jan 1Draw
Early SeasonSep 1Oct 25HIP
Mid-SeasonNov 22Dec 7HIP
Late SeasonDec 26Jan 13HIP

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular SeasonSep 1Nov 9HIP

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular SeasonOct 17Feb 28License

Wild Hog (Feral) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Year-RoundJan 1Dec 31License

Rabbit & Squirrel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Cottontail RabbitOct 15Feb 28License
Gray/Fox SquirrelAug 15Jan 31License

Duck & Goose Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Early Canada GooseSep 1Sep 25Stamp
Duck SeasonOct 18Jan 31Stamp
Canada Goose RegularOct 26Jan 31Stamp
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens — and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
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