2025-2026 North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping

This interactive Regulations Digest outlines the 2025-2026 laws and rules governing inland fishing, hunting, and trapping in North Carolina.

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping REGULATIONS DIGEST

2025–2026

Effective August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026 Online at ncwildlife.gov

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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

2025–2026

State of North Carolina Josh Stein, 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

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

On the Cover Cover Photo © NCWRC. 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

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.

Opening days are always special, and for us, each season brings a different opener. As the weather cools off a little, hunt- ers think about the upcoming deer and dove seasons. As the weather continues to cool down, there are opening days for bear and small game, and let’s not forget about waterfowl. Once spring starts com- ing around, thoughts often turn to wild turkeys. Unless you are an angler. Springtime in North Carolina’s mountains is home to one of the most anticipated opening days for anglers from across the state — the opening of Hatchery- Supported trout season. On the first Saturday in April, thousands of anglers

will line streams to get a chance to wet a line and catch some prized rainbow, brook or brown trout. Hopefully, many of those trout will end up on a smoker, in a frying pan or under a broiler as a meal or two for the anglers who worked hard to catch them. That is exactly why so many of our staff spend countless hours raising and stocking those trout into so many streams across the state. Like much of Western North Carolina, trout fishing has been impacted by Helene. The Armstrong State Fish Hatchery was significantly damaged, rivers were completely rerouted and roads that access streams were washed out. But, as I have said before, Western North Carolina is resilient. By the time you read this, repairs at Armstrong should be nearing completion and the Commission will be purchasing a new hatchery. The repairs to Armstrong and adding a new hatchery will be critical to maintaining trout production as we will begin renovating Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery after a year’s delay due to the damage to Armstrong. Setzer was built in the late 1950s, and its infrastructure is well past its useful life. Staff are working hard to find alternate sources of trout while the hatchery is under repair, including getting trout from other states and purchasing from private hatcheries. However, we expect an approximately 65% reduction in stockings for Hatchery Supported and Delayed Harvest waters for approximately three years starting in 2026. I know this seems like a long time, but it is significantly shorter than if we did not renovate the facility and suffered a catastrophic failure. Along with the renovations, fisheries staff will update the N.C. Trout Management Plan to incorporate angler input and help direct the use of the expanded capacity for trout production to guarantee many more successful opening days in the future. Kyle Briggs Executive Director

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.

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

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2025–2026

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

WAKE COUNTY FIREARMS EDUCATION & TRAINING CENTER INDOOR RANGE Wake County

R. WAYNE BAILEY/CASWELL Caswell County

CAMP HANES Stokes County

ODOM Northampton County

M C DOWELL COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA SHOOTING RANGES

FOOTHILLS PUBLIC SHOOTING COMPLEX Cleveland County

WAYNE E. SMITH/ COLD MOUNTAIN Haywood County

FLINTLOCK VALLEY Montgomery County

JOHN LENTZ HUNTER EDUCATION COMPLEX Richmond County

HOLLY SHELTER Pender County

NCWRC MANAGED

COUNTY PARTNERSHIP

PARTNERSHIP

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.

2025–2026

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

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What’s New FOR THE 2025–2026 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 . Hunting

Inland Fishing • The age of a youth is being standardized throughout all rules to under the age of 16. • Established an 8-inch minimum size limit and a 20-fish daily creel limit for crappie at Shearon Harris Reservoir. • The daily creel limit for striped and white mullet has changed from 200 to 100 fish in aggregate and established a limit of no more than 400 fish total per boat. Trapping • Submersion trapping systems must be checked at least once every 72 hours, instead of daily. See page 53.

• For youth turkey season and youth days for deer and waterfowl hunting, the age of youth has been reduced from under 18 years of age to under 16 years of age. • The length of the youth turkey season has been reduced from a full week (7 days) to a weekend (2 days). See page 59. • The length of the statewide youth deer hunt- ing season has been increased from a single day to a weekend (2 days). See page 62. • The length of the mountain bear seasons has increased by 11 days, both segments now open on Saturdays, and all hunters may use unprocessed food during the second seg- ment. See pages 60 -61. • Three additional Designated Bear Manage- ment Areas have been opened for hunting by permit only: Panthertown-Bonas Defeat, Pisgah, and Standing Indian. See page 61. • The daily limit for pintails has been increased from 1 to 3. See page 72. • One of the youth and veteran/military wa- terfowl days will be in December. See page 72 and 73.

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Scan the QR code to view the inland fishing regulations in Spanish.

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

LEARN MORE at NWTF.ORG

2025–2026

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

Regulations for hunting near a Duke Energy right of way

For all of us at Duke Energy, safety is an important priority – particularly during hunting season. Structures such as hunting stands or blinds may be dangerous if located on or near electrical facilities. Because of the safety risk, these types of structures should not be placed within our electric transmission rights of way, such as near transmission towers, power poles and other areas. Structures in violation of this regulation are subject to immediate removal and/or legal action by Duke Energy.

Questions? Call your area’s Customer Call Center: Duke Energy Progress ................ 800.452.2777 Duke Energy Carolinas............... 800.777.9898 Duke Energy Florida ..................800.700.8744 Duke Energy Indiana .................800.521.2232 Duke Energy Kentucky/Ohio .......800.544.6900

2025 North Carolina Hunting &Fishing Regulation Book Rights of Way For Transmission Line - Duke Energy

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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 gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com • Visit a wildlife service agent • 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.gov or call 919-707-0031.

8 2025–2026

Please note: Major regulation changes appear in RED

Together, industry, state, and federal partners make conservation happen. Scan the code at right to learn more.

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 Waters fishing license requirements while fishing in waters designated by the Wildlife Resources Commission as Mountain Heri- tage 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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STATEWIDE • Fishing Education Volunteer • Hunting Education Volunteer • Getting Started Outdoors • Calling Amphibian Surveys • Monitoring Songbirds • Tracking Reptile and Amphibian Populations • Monitoring Bat Populations

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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 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 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 2025–2026

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 44–47 for more information.

$11

$28

$14

$30

$54

$19

$38

$49

N/A

FREE

N/A

$95

$630

2025–2026 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

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14 2025–2026

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 18 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

2025–2026 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 indi- viduals 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 may 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 2025–2026

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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OUTDOOR LIABILITY INSURANCE ORGANIZATION HUNTING

LEASE INSURANCE

STARTING AT $ 250 UP TO 499 ACRES Start your coverage anytime

Protection for property owners and hunters

(866) 761-5380 • insurance.ahuntinglease.org/north-carolina

2025–2026 17

North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

License INFORMATION

Purchase your license online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com

OTHER LICENSES AND PERMITS LICENSE TYPE

RESIDENT NONRESIDENT

Bobcat/Otter Tags: Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of bobcat or otter carcasses or pelts. Limit 50 bobcat tags and 150 otter tags per transaction. Disabled Access Permit: Authorizes persons with limited physical mobility to operate vehicles, includ- ing ATVs, on any Commission-maintained road open for vehicular travel, those trails posted for vehicular travel and only on open-gated or ungated roads, otherwise closed to vehicular traffic on game lands listed in the Disabled Access Program and to have access to special disabled hunting blinds. It does not authorize operation of vehicles on closed roads on game lands not listed in the Disabled Access Program. One companion may accompany the disabled person, provided that person possesses the “companion card” issued to the disabled hunter. The disabled hunter will also be issued a “vehicle access card.” The permit is valid as long as the qualifying disability persists. For more information see pages 94–95. Disabled Sportsman Hunt Certification: This is a medical certification used to establish eligibility for participation in disabled hunt opportunities. This certification is only necessary when the applicant does not possess a lifetime disabled veteran or totally disabled license. This certification is not a license; therefore, a valid hunting license, in addition to the hunt permit, is required when participating in a disabled hunt opportunity. Falconry License: Needed to hunt by the use of any raptor. A falconry hunting license, state hunting license, comprehensive hunting license, sportsman’s license or any lifetime license that authorizes hunt- ing is needed in addition to the falconry license. License expires June 30 of each year.

FREE

$14

Fox Tags: Needed to sell or otherwise transfer ownership of a fox carcass or pelt*.

$2.25 ea.

Fur Dealer License: Authorizes buying and selling furs anywhere in North Carolina. License expires June 30 each year. Fur Dealer Station License: Authorizes the license-holder and his or her employee(s) to buy or sell furs at an established location in North Carolina and under the supervision of the license-holder. License expires June 30 each year. Hunting/Inland Fishing Guide License: Needed to guide others for a fee. In cases where persons for hire are being transported by vessel; a vessel-for-hire license may be required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Special Landholder and Guest Fishing License: May be purchased by the landholder of private property bordering inland or joint fishing waters, including Public Mountain Trout Waters. This license shall entitle the landholder, and guests of the landholder, to fish from the shore or any pier or dock originat- ing from the property without any additional inland fishing license. May not be used for commercial purposes. A guest is defined as any individual invited by the landholder to fish from the property at no charge. A charge includes any fee, assessment, dues, rent, or other consideration which must be paid, whether directly or indirectly, in order to be allowed to fish from the property, regardless of the stated reason for such charge. License valid 12 months from date of issue. Taxidermy License: Authorizes persons to practice taxidermy, including the tanning of hides, involving wildlife for any compensation. License expires Dec. 31 each year. For information on federal taxidermy permits, call 800-344-9453. Taxidermy Cervid Certification: Required, in addition to a taxidermy license, to engage in the taxidermy of any species of the family Cervidae (deer, elk, moose).

$30

$60

$120

N/A

$19

$189

$126

$60

N/A

* Except where local laws do not require fox tagging

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

18 2025–2026

Please note: Major regulation changes appear in RED

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