The North Carolina archery season offers hunters rugged, beautiful landscapes with dense forests. The “Tar Heel State” is a prime hunting destination providing abundant species. From the Appalachian Mountains, further east, you can expect to find whitetail deer, turkeys, and black bears. There are small game species like pheasants, armadillos, quail, and more.
North Carolina (NC) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Durham, Ashe, Granville, Chatham, Forsyth, Orange, Guilford, Person, Stokes, Rockingham, and Wake counties are hotspots. Plan your trip and make the most of your time in North Carolina.
When does Archery Season Start in NC?
North Carolina Black Bear Seasons
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General Season October 12-January 1*
*Season dates vary by region. It’s illegal to take cubs under 75 pounds or females with cubs. Non-residents need a bear hunting license.
North Carolina Deer Seasons
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Youth Day September 24
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Urban Archery January 14-February 19
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Archery September 10-December 11*
*Season dates vary by region. Urban archery deer season is open in specific areas only.
North Carolina Wild Turkey Seasons
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Spring Youth Season April 1-7
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Spring General Season April 8-6
North Carolina Small Game Seasons
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Raccoon and Opossum October 17-February 28
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Gray and Red Squirrel October 17- February 28
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Fox Squirrel October 17-Jan. 31
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Rabbit October 17- February 28
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Quail November 19- February 28
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Grouse October 17- February 28
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Bobcat October 17- February 28
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Pheasant November 19- February 1
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Armadillo Open Season
*Season dates vary by region. Some areas limit hunting to specific dates.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in North Carolina?
Authorized hunting hours start 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in NC
For more information on North Carolina hunting licenses and regulations, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
North Carolina Residents
A resident is a person who has lived in the state permanently for 6 months or established a permanent residence for 60 days. All residents aged 16 or older must have a hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents aged 16 or older must have a hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
North Carolina residents and non-residents aged 16 need a hunter education certificate to hunt but no license. Residents and non-residents aged 16 must buy a junior hunting license.
Senior Hunting Licenses
North Carolina residents born on or before August 1, 1953, can buy a reduced-fee Senior Sportsman License when turning 65 years of age. Seniors born after August 1, 1953, can buy this license when turning 70. This license is valid for a lifetime.
Disability Licenses
Disabled North Carolina residents are eligible for the Totally Disabled Sportsman License and the Totally Disabled Hunting and Inland Fishing License. They’re lifetime licenses available to totally and permanently disabled hunters.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in North Carolina can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is North Carolina residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave. Disabled resident veterans may be eligible for the Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing License.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a North Carolina Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
North Carolina hunting licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. North Carolina residents and non-residents can purchase lifetime hunting licenses.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
