2024-2025 North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping…

This interactive Regulations Digest details the 2024-2025 laws and rules for inland fishing, hunting and trapping in North Carolina.

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping REGULATIONS DIGEST

2024–2025

Effective August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025 Online at ncwildlife.org

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North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping REGULATIONS DIGEST

Contents

What’s New This Season��6 License Information ��8 General Information�� 8 License Requirements and Exceptions�� 8 License Type Descriptions��12 License Type and Privilege Charts��19 Inland Fishing Regulations and Information �� 22 General Information��22 Inland Game Fish��22 Fish Species Identification��24 Warmwater Game Fish��28 Mountain Trout��32 Public Mountain Trout Waters��33 Nongame Fish��41 Special Fishing Devices��44 Miscellaneous Prohibitions��47 Other Fishing Information��48 Nongame Regulations and Information �� 51 Trapping Regulations and Information �� 52

Hunting Regulations and Information �� 54 Manner of Taking��54 Other Restrictions��57 Big Game Harvest Reporting��58 Wild Turkey Seasons��59 Bear Seasons and Maps��60 Deer Seasons and Maps��62 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Areas and Special Regulations�� 67 Small Game and Other Seasons��69 Migratory Birds��71 Migratory Game Bird Seasons��72 Federal Regulations��74 Game Lands Information �� 78 Game Lands License�� 78 Game Lands Restrictions�� 78 Index to Game Land Map��82 Regional Game Land Tables��84 Antlerless Deer Seasons and Other Rules�� 88 Disabled Access and Opportunities�� 94 Local Laws and Information �� 96 Hunting and Trapping��96 Sunrise and Sunset Table��104

2024–2025

State of North Carolina Roy Cooper, Governor North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Monty R. Crump, Chairman, Rockingham

Thomas L. Fonville, Raleigh Thomas M. Haislip, Jr., Sanford David W. Hoyle, Jr., Dallas Hayden Rogers, Brasstown James (Jim) Ruffin, Winston-Salem Wes Seegars, Goldsboro Reid M. Smith, Turkey Bradford G. Stanback, Canton John A. Stone, Pinehurst Stephen L. Windham, Wilmington Landon G. Zimmer, Wilmington

Mark R. Craig, Vice Chairman, Greensboro John M. Alexander, Jr., Raleigh Michael K. Alford, Jacksonville Thomas A. Berry, Greensboro

Joseph R. Budd, Winston-Salem V. Ray Clifton, Jr., Clarkton J. Carlton Cole, Hertford John T. Coley IV, Holly Springs Kelly N. Davis, Swan Quarter

Cameron Ingram, Executive Director Kyle Briggs, Chief Deputy Director Lisa Hocutt, Deputy Director of Constituent Support & Engagement Brian McRae, Deputy Director of Operations

On the Cover Cover Photo © Menno Schaefer. Inside Cover Photo © NCWRC.

This publication is furnished free by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 310,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $78,000, approximately $.25/copy.

PLEASE RECYCLE

A Message FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Wildlife Partners,

About This Guide This high-quality guide is brought to you by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission through a partnership with Kalkomey, a trusted leader in outdoor safety education since 1995. In addition to producing this guide, Kalkomey also offers a suite of educational courses to help people enjoy the outdoors safely. The revenue generated through ad sales in this publication significantly lowers production costs and generates savings. These savings translate into additional funds for other important agency pro- grams and we thank the advertisers for their support.

Our agency continues with its steadfast com- mitment to actively pursue ways to increase public access to the outdoors for all citizens and visitors to our great state. All of our accessible opportunities and infrastructure are detailed on our new and improved accessible-opportunities webpage, ncwildlife.org/accessible-opportunities . Improvements to agency boating access areas are part of a decades-long effort by the Com- mission to increase access to the outdoors for everyone. Roughly 90 percent of the Commis-

sion’s boating access areas feature parking and pathways that allow users with disabilities to reach the head of the ramp. Similarly, most of the Commission’s public fishing areas are ADA compliant with access from the parking lot to the pier and 12 of our Tackle Loaner Program sites are equipped with adaptive fishing gear. The Commission has created a new program that allows individuals to borrow Trackchairs for personal use for up to six days at a time free of cost. The nine Trackchairs in the program were supplied by the N.C. Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, the Commission, and other gen- erous donors. For years these chairs were only available to groups hosting special events, but through public input and involvement, the Commission was able to meet a need among individuals seeking to enjoy the outdoors with a little assistance. The Trackchairs are equipped with rubberized tracks instead of wheels and two 12-volt bat- teries, allowing the user to overcome many types of terrain for up to six hours. Each chair can be outfitted with a fishing rod and long gun holder, providing greater access to hunting, shooting, angling, and wildlife-watching opportunities for persons with disabilities. The chairs are available to check out from the accessible-opportunities webpage, where users can view the availability and locations of the track chairs across the state, and reserve them online. Each chair is housed in a trailer that can be hooked up to the user’s vehicle for transportation. The Commission also features detailed information about the 39 blinds designed for hunters with disabilities throughout the state on its accessible-opportunities webpage. This includes photographs of each blind, its dimensions and surface, the types of trails or roads leading to it, and any additional information that could provide an improved experience for the user. The agency also operates nine ADA compliant shooting ranges across the state to provide a safe, controlled, and organized environment for all recreational shooters. The Commission also offers a variety of permit and non-permit hunting opportunities for hunters with disabilities. Detailed information about these hunts can be found at ncwildlife. org/permithunts . Additionally, special Commission-facilitated and assisted hunts are offered on game lands within each region annually that provide managed participation for hunters and their companion in areas where blinds are provided to offer a unique hunting opportunity. We continue to gather feedback from wildlife-associated outdoor recreation enthusiasts and our Accessibility Advisory Council. Their input is vital to provide outreach across the state to ensure the public is aware of the options we offer to make the outdoors accessible for everyone.

Have questions or feedback? Interested in advertising? Please contact us at 413.884.1001

Related education & courses include:

Visit Kalkomey.com to explore the complete suite of educational courses.

Yours in conservation, Cameron N. Ingram Executive Director

The fishing and hunting regulations in this guide are online at:

2024–2025

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

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N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission INFORMATION Phone Numbers

Big Game Harvest Reporting ��800-I-GOT-ONE (800-446-8663) Boating Access Areas ��919-707-0150 Boating Safety Course Information �� 919-707-0030 Boater Safety Education - Replacement Certificates ��833-950-0575 Enforcement Operations Office �� 919-707-0030 Engineering ��919-707-0150 Game Lands/Public Lands ��919-707-0150 Human Resources ��919-707-0101 Hunter Safety Course Information �� 919-707-0031 Hunter Safety Education - Replacement Certificates ��833-950-0575 Inland Fisheries �� 919-707-0220 License Information ��833-950-0575 N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries ��252-726-7021/800-682-2632

Regulation Information �� 919-707-0030 Turn In Poachers (TIP) �� 855-945-3847 NCWRC Merchandise ��833-950-0575 Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine �� 800-786-2721 Vessel Registration and Titling �� 833-950-0575 Violations Reporting �� 800-662-7137 In the Raleigh area �� 919-707-0040 Via TTY Machine*��800-662-7137 *(TTY machine available for people with hearing disabilities) Wildlife Education ��919-707-0170 Wildlife Helpline �� 866-318-2401 (information on wildlife behavior, damage, injury, and co-existing) Wildlife Management �� 919-707-0050

NORTH CAROLINA SHOOTING RANGES

NCWRC MANAGED

COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

USFS UNMANNED

Equal Opportunity The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All wildlife programs are administered for the benefit of all North Carolina citizens without prejudice toward age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Violations of this pledge may be reported to the Equal Employment Officer, 1703 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1700, Tel. 919-707-0101.

2024–2025

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

What’s New FOR THE 2024–2025 SEASON

As part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to keep you informed, we reserve this page of the digest each year to identify significant regulatory, legislative, and agency-related changes that you should be aware of each season. Please note that the information found on this page is not a complete list of regulation changes. For your convenience, all regulation changes appear throughout the digest in RED . NC WILD “TIP”

Hunting • Special Chronic Wasting Disease regula- tions are in effect in the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Bladen, Cum- berland, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Harnett, Hoke, Iredell, Robeson, Rockingham, Samp- son, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, and Yadkin. See page 67 for details. • The hunting season dates and bag limits for pheasants are now different on the Outer Banks than in the rest of the state. See page 69 for details. • The western blackpowder deer season now opens two Saturdays before Thanksgiving. Also, the western gun deer season now opens the Saturday after Thanksgiving and closes on January 1. See pages 62-66. • In the western deer season, Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday are now Youth Deer Hunting Days. See page 62. • There are additional days for hunting ant- lerless deer during blackpowder and gun seasons in Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Hen- derson, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties. See page 66. • Hunters may now use dogs to hunt feral swine from January 1-31 on Nantahala Game Land. See page 91.

Inland Fishing • In the Dan River downstream of Danville, VA and John H. Kerr Reservoir the minimum size limit for striped bass and their hybrids will be 20 inches with no fish greater than 26 inches may be possessed from October 1 - May 31. • In Farmer Lake the minimum size limit for striped bass and its hybrids is 16 inches with a 4 fish daily creel limit. • No American Shad may be possessed in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River basin upstream of the Blewett Falls Dam. • Freshwater fishing regulations are now avail- able in Spanish. Para las normas de pesca de agua dulce en español, escanee aquí. Scan the QR code below to view.

Now certain violations for unlawful take and possession of inland game fish and nongame fish are part of the reward eligible violations.

Text WILDTIP to TIP411 TURN IN POACHERS

National Wild Turkey Federation North Carolina

• Committed over $495,244 for Wildlife Resources Commission projects since 2017 • Conserved or enhanced over 122,600 acres of wildlife habitat across North Carolina since 2014 • Secured over 7,300 acres of hunter access since 2014 • Produced over 31,852 new or lapsed hunters since 2012

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2024–2025

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

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2024 North Carolina Hunting &Fishing Regulation Book

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License INFORMATION

General Information The services that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provides to the pub- lic are financed primarily through the sales of licenses, which include hunting, fishing, trap- ping, and other licenses. The various types of licenses sold by the Commission differ with respect to the activities they authorize, where and when the activities occur, and where the license-holder resides. This section provides some general information about these licenses, followed by detailed summaries of the various licenses available, the privileges they autho- rize, and the associated fees. All licenses are nontransferable. Purchasing Licenses You can purchase a license for immediate use in four ways as listed below. A $5 transaction fee will be applied to your total order at time of purchase. Due to the sensitive nature of the documentation required, some license items are only available directly through the Commis- sion online, by mail, or in person at our Raleigh Headquarters. • Visit a wildlife service agent • Visit gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com • Phone 833-950-0575 • All licenses may be obtained directly from the Wildlife Resources Commission in per- son at NCSU Centennial Campus, 1751 Var- sity Drive, Raleigh, N.C. 27606. Disabled Licenses Disabled licenses and permits are available to North Carolina residents and must be pur- chased online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com or in person at the Wildlife Resources Com- mission headquarters building in Raleigh. The Commission does not honor disabled licenses or permits from other states. To learn more about disabled licenses or to obtain an application, visit gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com . License Information For more information regarding hunting, trap- ping and fishing licenses, permit hunting op- portunities, or finding a Wildlife Service Agent nearest you, visit gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com . Reciprocal Fishing License Agreements A reciprocal fishing license agreement is in ef- fect between North Carolina and each of the states listed in this section. The agreement provides for the following: All statewide hook- and-line fishing licenses obtainable from either North Carolina or the respective state are hon- ored on certain boundary waters as noted:

Georgia The agreement with Georgia covers fishing from boats not anchored to the shore or to a pier or boat dock connecting to the shore on Chatuge Reservoir including all tributaries that are acces- sible by boat from the main body of the reservoir. Tennessee The agreement with Tennessee covers the state-line portion of Slick Rock Creek and Calderwood Reservoir. Virginia The agreement with Virginia covers boat fishing the Dan River east of the Union Street Dam in Danville, the Staunton River east of the mouth of Difficult Creek, and Kerr and Gaston reser- voirs and their tributaries that are accessible by boat. The agreement also covers that portion of the New River between the confluence of the North and South forks of the New River in North Carolina (Alleghany County) and the con- fluence of the New and Little rivers in Virginia (Grayson County). South Carolina No reciprocal agreements exist between North Carolina that provide for honoring the other state’s fishing licenses on any boundary waters. Wildlife Endowment Fund The Wildlife Endowment Fund supports North Carolina’s rich wildlife heritage and conser- vation programs. Funds from lifetime license sales are deposited directly into the Wildlife Endowment Fund and donations can be made directly to the Fund. For additional information, visit gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com . License Requirements and Exceptions License Identification Requirements To show entitlement to a license issued by the Wildlife Resources Commission, anyone exercis- ing the privileges conveyed by an electronic or physical license shall carry a picture identifica- tion card and show it to any wildlife enforcement officer upon request. The picture identification card should include the license-holder’s cor- rect name, address and date of birth. (A North Carolina Driver License or Department of Motor Vehicles identification card is acceptable.) Residency Definitions and Requirements Resident You are considered a resident if you have re- sided in the state for six months or have been

domiciled (established a permanent residence) for 60 days with the intent to reside there per- manently. Individuals claiming residency in an- other state cannot claim to be a resident in N.C. regardless of whether they own property, pay property tax, pay utility bills, etc., in N.C. Residency can only be established in one state. Students Nonresident students may purchase a resident license while attending a university, college or community college in North Carolina. When purchasing your license from a Wildlife Ser- vice Agent, you must show your valid student identification. Military Stationed In N.C. Nonresident members of the U.S. Armed Forces (including their spouses and children under 18) who are stationed in the state are deemed residents of the state and of the counties in which they reside for the purpose of purchasing resident licenses. Military Stationed Outside N.C. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside of North Carolina shall be deemed an individual resident of the state for the pur- pose of purchasing short-term and annual hunt- ing, fishing and trapping licenses. Nonresident Nonresident status applies to anyone who does not live in the state of North Carolina, with the exceptions noted above (students and military). Hunter Education Course Requirement Except as specified below, on or after July 1, 2013, a person, regardless of age, may not pur- chase a hunting license in this state without producing one of the following: a hunter educa- tion certificate of competency, a N.C. hunting heritage apprentice permit, or a N.C. hunting license issued prior to July 1, 2013. A person who wishes to purchase a lifetime license need not comply with the requirements above in order to purchase that license, so long as the person does not hunt unless they have successfully completed the hunter education course or they are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt in N.C. and that the licensed adult maintains a proximity to the hunter, which enables the adult to monitor the activities of the hunter by remaining within sight and hearing distance at all times without the use of electronic devices. Hunter education courses are offered in all 100 counties and online. For more information visit ncwildlife.org or call 919-707-0031.

8 2024–2025

Please note: Major regulation changes appear in RED

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License INFORMATION

Exceptions to License Requirements General • A landowner or person leasing land primarily for cultivation, their spouse, and dependents under 18 residing with them, may hunt, trap, and fish on such land without a license. • A resident of this state who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces serving outside N.C., or a N.C. resident who is on full-time military duty outside the state in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces is exempt from hunt- ing, inland, and coastal fishing license require ments while on leave in this state for 30 days or less. When hunting or fishing under this exemption you must carry, on your person, your military ID card and a copy of the offi cial document confirming you are on leave from a duty station outside of N.C. Individuals hunting bear must purchase a Bear Manage- ment E-Stamp. You must also comply with all reporting and hunter safety requirements as mandated by the Commission and purchase a federal duck stamp if waterfowl hunting. Individuals exempt from the requirements of a hunting license must obtain a License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card when hunting deer, bear, or wild turkey. Those hunting bear must also obtain a Bear Management E-Stamp. Individuals exempt from hunting and fishing license requirements must adhere to designated seasons and limits.

Hunting and Trapping • Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a hunting license provided they comply with the following: » Youth who have not obtained a Certificate of Competency showing their completion of the hunter safety course must be ac- companied by a properly licensed adult when hunting. » Youth who have obtained a Certificate of Competency, may hunt without being accompanied by an adult, but must carry their certificate while hunting. » Youth exempt from the hunting license requirement must obtain a License-Ex- empt Big Game Harvest Report Card when hunting deer, bear, or wild turkey. » Youth hunting bear must also obtain a Bear Management E-Stamp. • Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a trapping license. Fishing • Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of any fishing license. • All licenses that authorize inland fishing in- clude fishing in any waters on game lands or Wildlife Conservation Areas. • An inland fishing license is not required to fish in a private pond. A private pond is a body of water arising within and lying wholly upon the lands of a single owner or a single

group of joint owners or tenants in com- mon, and from which fish cannot escape, and into which fish of legal size cannot enter from public waters at any time. A pond or lake located on land owned by a public body such as a state-supported university or a governmental entity is not a private pond. • July 4th is declared “Free Fishing Day,” and a fishing license is not required in any public waters, including coastal and trout waters, on this date. • A resident or nonresident of this state who served as a member of the Armed Forces and who separated under honorable conditions is exempt from the Mountain Heritage Trout fishing license requirements while fishing in waters designated by the Wildlife Resources Commission as Mountain Heritage Trout waters. In order to qualify the individual shall have valid documentation of their service on his or her person at all times during the fishing activity. • Residents with a valid Unified Subsistence Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License Waiver are exempt from the requirement of a inland and coastal recreational fishing license. See page 13 for more details.

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License INFORMATION

License Type Descriptions

Purchase your license online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com

HUNTING AND FISHING COMBINATION LICENSES Following is a list of annual and lifetime combination licenses. Privilege licenses, stamps, and certifications authorize a particular hunting activity not included with a specific license type. Privileges may be purchased separately if the purchaser holds a hunting license. Some licenses do not include privileges such as big game hunting, bear hunting, or hunting for waterfowl. Refer to pages 16–17 for a complete list of privilege licenses, stamps, and certifications. A $5 transaction fee will be added to your total order (N.C.G.S. 113-270.1B). Lifetime licenses are valid for the lifetime of the license-holder. Unless otherwise specified privilege licenses, stamps, and certifications are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Senior Lifetime License eligibility: Residents are eligible for the senior lifetime license when they turn 70 years of age. Disabled Veteran Lifetime License eligibility: Disabled Veteran: Residents who are 50% or more disabled veterans as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You may now apply online for this license at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com . Totally Disabled eligibility: Residents who are totally and permanently disabled as determined by the Social Security Administration, Civil Service Retirement System, Railroad Retirement Board, or the N.C. State Retirement System or have been diagnosed with a condition con- sidered a presumptive disability (20 C.F.R. 416.934). You may now apply online for this license at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com . LICENSE TYPE RESIDENT NONRESIDENT ANNUAL LICENSES

Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents during a license term. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, fishing in joint waters and hunting on game lands. It does not include big game hunting, the state waterfowl privilege, the federal duck stamp or fishing in coastal waters. Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing for residents during a license term. Includes the privi- leges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp or federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and coastal recreational fish- ing for residents during a license term. Includes the privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp or federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.

$42

N/A

$63

N/A

$82

N/A

LIFETIME LICENSES Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp, nonresident bear license, or federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Adult (ages 12 & older) $630 $1511 Youth (ages 1–11) $441 $441 Infant (under age 1) $252 $252 Age 50 & Older $315 N/A Senior (see above for eligibility requirements) $19 N/A Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp, nonresident bear license, or federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. Adult (ages 12 & older) $851 $1952 Youth (ages 1–11) $567 $567 Infant (under age 1) $347 $347 Age 50 & Older $425.50 N/A Senior (see above for eligibility requirements) $38 N/A

Disabled Veteran Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing: Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. This license also includes hunting on game lands. It does not include big game hunting, the state waterfowl privilege, the federal duck stamp or fishing in coastal waters. Disabled Veteran Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunt- ing on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the Bear Management E-Stamp or federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.

$14

N/A

$126

N/A

12 2024–2025

Please note: Major regulation changes appear in RED

License INFORMATION

Purchase your license online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com

HUNTING AND FISHING COMBINATION LICENSES (CONT.) LICENSE TYPE

RESIDENT NONRESIDENT

LIFETIME LICENSES (CONT.) Disabled Veteran Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland fishing, and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the Bear Management E-Stamp or federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. Totally Disabled Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing: Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. This license also includes hunting on game lands. It does not include big game hunting, the state waterfowl privilege, the federal duck stamp or fishing in coastal waters. Totally Disabled Sportsman: Statewide hunting and inland fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunt- ing on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp or federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Totally Disabled Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide hunting, inland fishing, and coastal recreational fishing. Includes hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp or federal duck stamp), fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.

$139

N/A

$14

N/A

$126

N/A

$139

N/A

FISHING LICENSES Note: Individuals 16 years of age or older using any type of bait or gear to catch finfish while fishing in North Carolina’s public waters must possess a valid North Carolina fishing license. This license requirement does not apply to private ponds. LICENSE TYPE RESIDENT NONRESIDENT SHORT-TERM LICENSES Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license.

Inland Fishing 10-Day: Statewide inland fishing during the 10-day period specified on the license. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters. Coastal Recreational Fishing 10-Day: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters during the 10-day period specified on the license. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters. ANNUAL LICENSES Unless otherwise specified, annual licenses are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. State Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing during a license term. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fish- ing in coastal waters. Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters during a license term. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters. Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing for resi- dents during a license term. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. Subsistence Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing License Waiver: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing for residents who receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, or Work First Family Assistance through the county Department of Social Services. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands and fishing in joint waters. License Waiver must be obtained through the county Department of Social Services. Special Device Inland Fishing: Authorizes the taking of nongame fishes from inland waters (does not include joint and coastal waters) during designated seasons with seines, cast nets, gill nets, dip nets, bow nets, reels, gigs, spear guns, baskets, fish pots, eel pots, traps, and hand-crank electrofishers where authorized by local law. Includes the sale of these nongame fishes. Taking of nongame fishes with archery equipment is authorized under any of the licenses providing hunting or inland fishing privileges. Certain special devices may be used to take nongame fishes for personal use (bait or personal consumption) using any valid license that provides inland fishing privileges. Refer to pages 45–46 for more information.

$11

$28

$14

$30

$54

$19

$38

$49

N/A

FREE

N/A

$95

$630

2024–2025 13

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

License INFORMATION

Purchase your license online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com

LIFETIME LICENSE Comprehensive Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.

$315

N/A

Senior (see page 12 for eligibility requirements)

$19

N/A

Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide inland and coastal recreational fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters.

$567

N/A

Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.

Adult (ages 12 & older)

$315

$630

Youth (ages 1–11)

$189

Infant (under age 1)

$126

Senior (see page 12 for eligibility requirements)

$19

N/A

Disabled Veteran Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.

$14

N/A

Disabled Veteran Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.

$14

N/A

Totally Disabled Inland Fishing: Statewide inland fishing. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands, and fishing in joint waters. It does not include fishing in coastal waters.

$14

N/A

Totally Disabled Coastal Recreational Fishing: Authorizes fishing in coastal and joint waters. It does not authorize fishing in inland waters.

$14

N/A

Legally Blind Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide fishing in all public waters for residents who have been certified by the Department of Health and Human Services as being legally blind. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on game lands. Adult Care Home Unified Inland/Coastal Recreational Fishing: Statewide fishing in all public waters for residents of an adult care home. Includes fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters and fishing in trout waters on game lands. License valid during time of residency at adult care facility.

FREE

N/A

FREE

N/A

UPGRADE YOUR LICENSE. Choose the collector’s hard card license that provides durability for that outdoor lifestyle!

14 2024–2025

Please note: Major regulation changes appear in RED

License INFORMATION

Purchase your license online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com

HUNTING LICENSES LICENSE TYPE

RESIDENT NONRESIDENT

SHORT-TERM LICENSES Additional privilege licenses may be required with the licenses listed below. Refer to pages 16–17 for more information. Short-term licenses are valid for the period specified on the license. Unless otherwise specified, privilege licenses are valid 12 months from the date of purchase.

State Hunting 10-Day: Statewide hunting for nonresidents during the 10 day period specified on the license. License includes hunting on game lands. It does not include big game hunting, the state water- fowl privilege, or the federal duck stamp.

N/A

$95

Residents of Georgia*

$74 $75 $88

Residents of South Carolina* Residents of Tennessee*

Residents of Virginia*

$110

ANNUAL LICENSES State Hunting: Statewide hunting during a license term. License includes hunting on game lands. It does not include big game hunting, the state waterfowl privilege, or the federal duck stamp.

$30

$119

Residents of Georgia

$100 $125 $110 $110

Residents of South Carolina Residents of Tennessee

Residents of Virginia

Comprehensive Hunting: Statewide hunting for residents during a license term. Also includes the privi- leges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands and hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp or federal duck stamp). Controlled Hunting Preserve Hunting: Needed for those 16 years of age or older, regardless of resi- dency, to hunt foxes, coyotes, and domestically raised chukars, Hungarian partridges, and game birds only within a licensed controlled hunting preserve. This license is not necessary for those who hold a valid Hunting, Comprehensive Hunting, Sportsman, or Lifetime License that authorizes hunting. And likewise, it is not necessary for those who hold a valid Controlled Hunting Preserve Hunting License to purchase any other hunting license when hunting on a licensed preserve. Falconry Hunting License: Authorizes taking of wildlife by means of falconry. Hunter must also obtain Falconry License. Refer to page 20 for more information. LIFETIME LICENSE Comprehensive Hunting: Statewide hunting, hunting for big game, hunting on game lands and hunting for waterfowl (does not include the bear management e-stamp or federal duck stamp).

$47

N/A

$27

$30

$315

N/A

* License fees for residents of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are based on reciprocal licensing options. When determining reciprocal license costs, if an equivalent short-term license option is not available or the cost of the short-term license exceeds the annual license cost, the fee estab- lished is equal to the annual fee.

TRAPPING LICENSES LICENSE TYPE

RESIDENT NONRESIDENT

ANNUAL LICENSE State Trapping: Statewide trapping during a license term, includes trapping on game lands.

$38

$158

LIFETIME LICENSE State Trapping: Statewide trapping includes trapping on game lands.

$357

N/A

2024–2025 15

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

License INFORMATION

Purchase your license online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com

PRIVILEGE LICENSES, STAMPS AND CERTIFICATIONS Annual privilege licenses, stamps and certifications authorize particular hunting activities and must be obtained in addition to the appropriate hunting license. Privileges and stamps may be purchased separately if the purchaser holds a valid license. Unless otherwise specified, privilege licenses, stamps and certifications are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. HIP Certification is required for all those planning to hunt migratory game birds, including lifetime license-holders. A $5 transaction fee will be added to your total order (NCGS 113-270.1B). LICENSE TYPE RESIDENT NONRESIDENT HUNTING

Big Game Hunting: Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey. Residents must also purchase a bear management e-stamp to hunt bear. Nonresidents hunting bear must also purchase the bear hunting license and bear management e-stamp. A hunting license is required in addition to this privilege.

$17

$119

Residents of Georgia

$225 $310 $195

Residents of South Carolina Residents of Tennessee

Residents of Virginia

$85

Big Game Hunting 10-Day: Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey during the 10-day period speci- fied on the license. Nonresidents hunting bear must also purchase the bear hunting license and bear management e-stamp. A hunting license is required in addition to this privilege.

N/A

$95

Residents of Georgia*

$202 $310 $195

Residents of South Carolina*

Residents of Tennessee Residents of Virginia*

$85

Bear Management E-Stamp: This electronic stamp is needed to hunt bear. Resident hunters must possess a valid hunting license with big game privileges in addition to this e-stamp. Nonresident hunters must pos- sess a valid hunting license, big game privilege license and bear hunting license in addition to this e-stamp. Individuals who purchased a lifetime license with big game privileges prior to July 1, 2014 do not have to pur- chase this additional e-stamp; however they must obtain a no-cost e-stamp to hunt bear. Bear Management E-Stamps may be purchased from July 1 until the close of bear season and expire on June 30 of each year. Bear Hunting License (nonresident) : Needed by nonresident license holders, in addition to the hunting license, big game privilege license, and bear management e-stamp, to hunt bear. Nonresident individu- als who purchased a resident or nonresident lifetime license prior to May 24, 1994 do not have to purchase this additional license to hunt bear. Bear hunting licenses may be purchased from July 1 until the close of bear season and expire on June 30 of each year. Bonus Antlerless Deer License: Allows the harvest of two additional antlerless deer per report card in any municipality enrolled in the Urban Archery Season. Not valid outside of enrolled municipalities. This license will be available for purchase on January 1 and expires on June 30 of each year. Refer to the “Big Game” section for more information. Game Land License: Individuals with a hunting, trapping, or inland fishing license my use the game lands for any activities authorized by their license without this privilege. Refer to the “Game Lands” section for other activities which may require this license. Migratory Waterfowl Hunting License (state) : Needed to hunt waterfowl. A state hunting license and HIP Certification is also required. Federal Duck Stamp: Required to hunt waterfowl. The Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 makes each electronically issued Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (formerly Federal Duck E-Stamp) valid through the first June 30 that occurs after the date of issuance of the electronic stamp by the state. The Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp may be ordered online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com , by calling 833-950-0575 or visiting a Wildlife Service Agent from July 1 to April 1 of each year. Those who order the stamp online, by phone or at a wildlife service agent will be provided an electronic Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp that immediately authorizes the same privileges as the physical Federal Duck Stamp. The electronic stamp is nationally recognized as a valid Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and is valid in any other state. The stamp must be available to present to a Wildlife Officer upon request via an electronic device or physical copy. A physical Federal Duck Stamp will be mailed to each electronic stamp purchaser between March 10 – June 30 each year.

$14

N/A

$284

$14

$19

$17

$29

16 2024–2025

Please note: Major regulation changes appear in RED

License INFORMATION

Purchase your license online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com

PRIVILEGE LICENSES, STAMPS AND CERTIFICATIONS (CONT.)

HIP Certification (federal requirement) : Needed to hunt migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails, gallinule, snipe and woodcock). Persons exempt from the hunting license requirement are not required to obtain the HIP certification. HIP Certification may be obtained July 1 to April 1 and expires June 30 of each year.

FREE

Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permit: This permit is needed to purchase a hunting license by those who have not held a N.C. hunting license prior to July 1, 2013 or who have not satisfactorily completed the hunter education course requirements. This permit authorizes the permittee to hunt if accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt in this state, or if accompanied by an adult landholder or spouse exempted from the hunting license requirement as defined by law, provided the licensee is hunting on the landholder’s land. “Accompanied” means that the licensed adult maintains a proximity that enables the adult to monitor the activities of the apprentice by remaining within sight and hearing distance at all times, without use of electronic devices. This permit is valid only for the term of the hunting license purchased under the authority of the permit.

FREE

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2024–2025 17

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

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