Hunting in North Carolina: 6 Things to Know About Urban Deer Hunting in Cities and Suburbs

North Carolina's Wildlife Resources Commission offers cities and towns the chance to participate in an annual urban archery deer hunt. Here's what you need to know to hunt deer in the cities and suburbs in North Carolina.

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1. Why does the hunt take place?
North Carolina began its urban deer hunt in 2007, responding to complaints from landowners of the damage being done to their properties by deer venturing into towns and cities, and the increase in the number of deer-vehicle collisions, according to the North Carolina Sportsman magazine.

2. Where do the hunts take place?
Each city or town has to decide for itself whether to participate. In 2014, 46 cities and towns took part, with hunters bagging a total of 151 deer. The North Carolina Sportsman reported that 50 municipalities were signed up for 2015.

3. When do the hunts occur?
The 2015 season was mid-January to mid-February. Normal deer bowhunting season runs from mid-September to sometime in October, with the ending date varying by region, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

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4. What weapons can be used?
This type of hunting is for bowhunters only. No firearms are allowed.

5. Can the hunting take place anywhere in town?
Generally, a city's participation would cover public game lands within city boundaries, but it's not necessary for a city to have such land in order to take part. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission prefers that a city's application to participate include a detailed map of the areas in which hunting would be permitted.

For those who want to hunt on private land, it is best to ask the landowner for permission, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission states. If the land has postings against hunting, the law says you must get that permission in writing.

6. What are the limits?
The seasonal bag and possession limits for regular deer archery and gun seasons apply to the urban bowhunting seasons.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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