HUNTING SEASONS
North Carolina hunting seasons, dates, and regulations for 2025-2026
86
DAYS OF DEER SEASON
22
HUNTING SEASONS
WHAT ARE YOU HUNTING?
Select a season below to see the dates, regulations, and countdown to opening day.
SEASON COUNTDOWNS
Days remaining until opening day for each North Carolina hunting season
SUBMIT YOUR HARVEST PHOTO
Share your trophy with the RCS Outdoors community! Submit your harvest photo and be featured on our social media and in-store display. All submissions celebrated — from first-time hunters to seasoned veterans.
SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO2025-2026 HUNTING CALENDAR
North Carolina hunting season dates at a glance
JANUARY
Deer Season (Bow)
Bear Season
Waterfowl
Small Game
FEBRUARY
Small Game
Waterfowl (late)
Feral Hog (year-round)
MARCH
Feral Hog (year-round)
Off Season / Prep
APRIL
Feral Hog (year-round)
Turkey Season Opens
MAY
Turkey Season
Feral Hog (year-round)
JUNE
Feral Hog (year-round)
Off Season / Prep
JULY
Feral Hog (year-round)
Off Season / Prep
AUGUST
Feral Hog (year-round)
Dove Season Opens
SEPTEMBER
Dove Season
Deer Bow Opens
Feral Hog (year-round)
OCTOBER
Deer (Bow)
Deer Gun Opens
Bear Season
Waterfowl Opens
NOVEMBER
Deer (Bow & Gun)
Bear Season
Waterfowl
Turkey (Fall)
DECEMBER
Deer Season
Bear Season
Waterfowl
Small Game
4 PHASES OF EVERY SEASON
Understanding these phases will make you a more effective and prepared hunter
01
PREPARATION
Scouting locations, checking trail cameras, acquiring licenses and tags, zeroing rifles, and preparing your gear well before the season opens.
02
EARLY SEASON
Animals are in summer patterns. Focus on food sources and water. Temperatures are warm — scent control and stand placement are critical.
03
PRE-RUT & RUT
The most exciting time to hunt. Bucks are moving, scrapes and rubs appear everywhere. Rattling, grunting, and decoys can be highly effective.
04
POST-SEASON
The season ends but the work doesn’t. Review what worked, maintain your gear, process and store your harvest, and plan for next year.
* Season dates are approximate for North Carolina. Always verify with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission before hunting.