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January 30, 2023
North Carolina is home to breathtaking, one-of-a-kind geography, from lofty ridges to deep gorges, pristine waterfalls, sunny islands, rivers, streams, and mountains. So it is no surprise that North Carolina is much praised for its scenic landscapes — and massive hunting trails.
Because of its abundant wildlife, the state is a top hunting location for those looking to track and hunt deer, bears, and turkeys. But if you’re one of the many who flock to the great North Carolina woods, then it’s essential to understand the game lands regulations first.
Here is a detailed overview of the Tar Heel State’s hunting seasons.
Under the Outdoor Heritage Enhanced Law, North Carolina has a specific hunting rule for Sundays. Hunting with weapons on Sundays is not permitted between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., except on managed hunting preserves.
Except for Buffalo Cove Game Land, Nicholson Creek Game Land, Rockfish Creek Game Land, Sandhills Game Land, and South Mountains Game Land, weapon seasons for deer on game lands coincide with the county in which they are located.
Hunting licenses can be purchased online with varying costs depending on your residency and license type:
Note that fishing and trapping licenses are not the same as hunting licenses. Hunters can purchase trapping licenses as either annual or lifetime by both residents and non-residents. Learn more about these details here.
State regulations don’t stop after the hunt. You still must report your recovered game and follow the proper importation rules when transporting deer carcasses. Here’s what you need to know.
**You should always contact your local solid waste management location for exact disposal policies.
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North Carolina has a few specific rules regarding hunting techniques: The state forbids using fully automatic weapons for game hunting.
It’s also unlawful to take wild animals using electronic or recorded calls, artificial lights (including laser sights), or both, except under specific circumstances, such as:
Additionally, shotguns must not be any larger than a 10-gauge.
Bows and arrows, crossbows, and sling bows are all acceptable and legal weapons to use during the Urban Archery season and Black Powder season. During Gun season, the state permits bows, arrows, crossbows, sling bows, black powder firearms, shotguns, rifles, and handguns.
Improve your hunting experience with HECS clothing.
Any open deer season allows for the taking of animals with clearly visible antlers. Only during either-sex deer hunting seasons may antlerless deer be harvested.
**Disclaimer: Season dates may vary across the state and by county. For specific dates in your part of North Carolina, visit the North Carolina Division of Wildlife Resources website.
*Shotguns must not be any larger than 10 gauge.
These either-sex deer hunting dates are for guns only, except for Urban Archery Deer season and Youth Deer Hunting day.
Note the season and possession bag limits: In North Carolina, the limits are six deer, two of which may be antlered deer, and four may be antlerless deer. As for a bag limit, no daily limit applies.
**Dates are subject to change every year. Double-check with your current year’s deer season dates.
Whether you’re hunting for big game or small game, it’s essential to be properly licensed and stick to the state’s rules to avoid consequences. But what’s just equally as important is having the right tools.
The good news is that you can enhance your hunting experience with the lightweight feel, breathability, and durability of HECS® patented apparel products.
In addition to providing visual camouflage, HECS® lightweight, breathable, and durable digital camouflage clothing also obstructs your body’s natural electrical emissions. Even if deer notices you from afar, HECS® apparel helps minimize your emissions, allowing you to get closer to game while out on the field.
Our camouflage clothing and hunting jackets have carbon fiber grids, making it harder for animals and birds to detect your presence. So by investing in HECS®, you gain a competitive edge with cutting-edge hunting technology.
Get the advantage you need with HECS today.
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Mike Slinkard is a life long bow hunter, professional archer, successful entrepreneur, and self described science geek from the rural town of John Day Oregon. Mike has spent his life in close proximity to all types of animals. His grandfather was a well known cattle and horse rancher who first instilled Mike’s keen interest in animals and why they react the way they do in different situations. Mike’s insatiable curiosity in this realm led him to team with other professionals to make the HECS discovery in 2009. Mike has hunted all over the world and has taken over 30 species with archery gear including 48 elk to date. Mike currently hosts “Hunting with HECS TV” on the Pursuit Channel. He has also written many bow hunting and archery articles as well as being a guest on many different hunting podcasts.