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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 · nonresident $119. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery - Northeastern: Northeastern Deer SeasonSep 12, 2026Oct 2, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder - Northeastern: Northeastern Deer SeasonOct 3, 2026Oct 16, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun - Northeastern: Northeastern Deer SeasonOct 17, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - Southeastern: Southeastern Deer SeasonSep 12, 2026Oct 2, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder - Southeastern: Southeastern Deer SeasonOct 3, 2026Oct 16, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun - Southeastern: Southeastern Deer SeasonOct 17, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Special Early Season (any lawful weapon), antlered only - Southeastern CWD Management AreaAug 22, 2026Aug 23, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - Southeastern CWD Management AreaSep 12, 2026Oct 2, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder - Southeastern CWD Management AreaOct 3, 2026Oct 16, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun - Southeastern CWD Management AreaOct 17, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - Central: Central Deer SeasonSep 12, 2026Oct 30, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder - Central: Central Deer SeasonOct 31, 2026Nov 13, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun - Central: Central Deer SeasonNov 14, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - Northwestern: Northwestern Deer SeasonSep 12, 2026Nov 6, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder - Northwestern: Northwestern Deer SeasonNov 7, 2026Nov 20, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun - Northwestern: Northwestern Deer SeasonNov 21, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Special Early Season (any lawful weapon), antlered only - Northwestern CWD Management AreaAug 22, 2026Aug 23, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - Northwestern CWD Management AreaSep 12, 2026Oct 30, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder - Northwestern CWD Management AreaOct 31, 2026Nov 13, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun - Northwestern CWD Management AreaNov 14, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - Western group A: Western Deer Season - group ASep 12, 2026Nov 13, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder - Western group A: Western Deer Season - group ANov 14, 2026Nov 27, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun - Western group A: Western Deer Season - group ANov 28, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - Buncombe, Henderson and McDowell: Western Deer Season - Buncombe, Henderson and McDowellSep 12, 2026Nov 13, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder - Buncombe, Henderson and McDowell: Western Deer Season - Buncombe, Henderson and McDowellNov 14, 2026Nov 27, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun (antlered) - Buncombe, Henderson and McDowell: Western Deer Season - Buncombe, Henderson and McDowellNov 28, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun (antlerless) - Buncombe, Henderson and McDowell: Western Deer Season - Buncombe, Henderson and McDowellNov 28, 2026Dec 5, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - far west group: Western Deer Season - far west groupSep 12, 2026Nov 13, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder (antlered) - far west group: Western Deer Season - far west groupNov 14, 2026Nov 27, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder (antlerless) - far west group: Western Deer Season - far west groupNov 21, 2026Nov 27, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun (antlered) - far west group: Western Deer Season - far west groupNov 28, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun (antlerless, single day) - far west group: Western Deer Season - far west groupNov 28, 2026Nov 28, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Archery - Graham County: Western Deer Season - Graham CountySep 12, 2026Nov 13, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder (antlered) - Graham County: Western Deer Season - Graham CountyNov 14, 2026Nov 27, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Blackpowder (antlerless, single day) - Graham County: Western Deer Season - Graham CountyNov 21, 2026Nov 21, 2026Big Game Harvest Report Card
Gun (antlered) - Graham County: Western Deer Season - Graham CountyNov 28, 2026Jan 1, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Youth Season (male or bearded turkey only)Apr 10, 2027Apr 11, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card
Statewide Spring Season (male or bearded turkey only)Apr 17, 2027May 15, 2027Big Game Harvest Report Card

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Mountain BMU (first segment): Mountain Bear Management UnitOct 3, 2026Nov 21, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Mountain BMU (second segment): Mountain Bear Management UnitDec 12, 2026Jan 1, 2027Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Piedmont BMU - group A: Piedmont Bear Management Unit - group AOct 17, 2026Jan 1, 2027Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Piedmont BMU - group B: Piedmont Bear Management Unit - group BNov 14, 2026Jan 1, 2027Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Piedmont BMU - group C: Piedmont Bear Management Unit - group CNov 21, 2026Jan 1, 2027Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 1 (first segment): Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 1Nov 14, 2026Nov 29, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 1 (second segment): Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 1Dec 12, 2026Dec 27, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 2 (Currituck, Gates, Perquimans) - first segment: Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 2 - Currituck, Gates, PerquimansNov 14, 2026Nov 22, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 2 (Currituck, Gates, Perquimans) - second segment: Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 2 - Currituck, Gates, PerquimansDec 12, 2026Dec 27, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 2 (Camden, Chowan, Pasquotank) - first segment: Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 2 - Camden, Chowan, PasquotankNov 13, 2026Nov 22, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 2 (Camden, Chowan, Pasquotank) - second segment: Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 2 - Camden, Chowan, PasquotankDec 12, 2026Dec 27, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 3 (first segment): Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 3Nov 14, 2026Nov 22, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 3 (second segment): Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 3Dec 12, 2026Dec 27, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 4: Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 4Nov 21, 2026Dec 20, 2026Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card
Coastal BMU Zone 5: Coastal Bear Management Unit Zone 5Nov 9, 2026Jan 1, 2027Bear Management E-Stamp + Big Game Harvest Report Card

Bobcat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 12, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Trapping (statewide trapping season)Oct 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall/winter (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only)Aug 1, 2026Feb 27, 2027License
Summer (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only)Jun 2, 2027Jul 31, 2027License

Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Oct 10, 2026License + HIP Certification
Regular (second segment)Nov 7, 2026Nov 28, 2026License + HIP Certification
Regular (third segment)Dec 16, 2026Jan 30, 2027License + HIP Certification
Extended FalconryOct 12, 2026Oct 24, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Certification

Gallinules and Moorhens Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 5, 2026Nov 25, 2026License + HIP Certification
Extended FalconryDec 5, 2026Jan 9, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Certification

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 12, 2026Feb 28, 2027License

Feral Swine Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
No closed season on private lands (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027License (nongame wild animal)
Trapping - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting or Trapping License + Feral Swine Trapping Permit

Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 12, 2026Feb 28, 2027License

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Barrier Islands (male pheasants only): Barrier Islands of Carteret, Dare and Hyde countiesNov 21, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Remainder of State (either sex): Remainder of State (pheasant)Sep 5, 2026Feb 28, 2027License

Bobwhite Quail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularNov 21, 2026Feb 28, 2027License

Rabbit Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 12, 2026Feb 28, 2027License

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 12, 2026Feb 28, 2027License

Rails (King, Clapper, Sora and Virginia) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
King and Clapper RailsSep 5, 2026Nov 25, 2026License + HIP Certification
Sora and Virginia RailsSep 5, 2026Nov 25, 2026License + HIP Certification
Extended Falconry (rails, gallinules and moorhens)Dec 5, 2026Jan 9, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Certification

Common Snipe (Wilson's Snipe) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 27, 2026Feb 27, 2027License + HIP Certification

Squirrel (Gray, Red and Fox) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Gray squirrel (fall)Oct 12, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Gray squirrel (spring)May 17, 2027May 31, 2027License
Red squirrelOct 12, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Fox squirrelOct 12, 2026Jan 31, 2027License

Tundra Swan Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (permit only)Nov 7, 2026Jan 30, 2027Tundra Swan Permit (4,853 issued) + License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp

Duck, Goose & Waterfowl Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
September Teal - east of U.S. 17 only: East of U.S. 17 (September teal)Sep 10, 2026Sep 19, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots - Inland Zone (first segment): Inland Duck ZoneOct 15, 2026Oct 17, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots - Inland Zone (second segment): Inland Duck ZoneNov 7, 2026Nov 28, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots - Inland Zone (third segment): Inland Duck ZoneDec 18, 2026Jan 30, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots - Coastal Zone (first segment): Coastal Duck ZoneOct 23, 2026Oct 24, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots - Coastal Zone (second segment): Coastal Duck ZoneNov 7, 2026Nov 28, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots - Coastal Zone (third segment): Coastal Duck ZoneDec 17, 2026Jan 30, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Youth Waterfowl Day (statewide)Dec 5, 2026Dec 5, 2026Youth under 16, accompanied by an adult 18 or older
Youth Waterfowl Day (statewide, second day)Feb 6, 2027Feb 6, 2027Youth under 16, accompanied by an adult 18 or older
Extended Falconry - Ducks, Mergansers and Coots (first segment)Oct 1, 2026Oct 10, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Extended Falconry - Ducks, Mergansers and Coots (second segment)Feb 1, 2027Feb 6, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow and Ross's): September Canada Goose (statewide)Sep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow and Ross's): Canada and White-fronted Geese - Resident Population Hunt Zone (first segment): Resident Population Canada Goose Hunt ZoneOct 15, 2026Oct 24, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow and Ross's): Canada and White-fronted Geese - Resident Population Hunt Zone (second segment): Resident Population Canada Goose Hunt ZoneNov 7, 2026Dec 5, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow and Ross's): Canada and White-fronted Geese - Resident Population Hunt Zone (third segment): Resident Population Canada Goose Hunt ZoneDec 17, 2026Feb 6, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow and Ross's): Canada and White-fronted Geese - Northeast Hunt Zone: Northeast Canada Goose Hunt ZoneDec 28, 2026Jan 30, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow and Ross's): Light Geese (Snow and Ross's)Nov 7, 2026Mar 10, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant: RegularDec 28, 2026Jan 30, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularDec 10, 2026Jan 30, 2027License + HIP Certification
Extended Falconry (first segment)Dec 1, 2026Dec 9, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Certification
Extended Falconry (second segment)Feb 1, 2027Feb 20, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Certification
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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