Hunting in North Carolina: 8 Animals to Hunt in the Fall

The best time of year for hunting in North Carolina is the fall, when most of the state's big game seasons are open, including bear and deer hunting. Fall also includes open seasons for a large number of small species and birds. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website includes official start times and regulations.

Here is a look at the animals that is legal for hunting in North Carolina in the fall.

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Bears

North Carolina has the Piedmont bear and the eastern bear open for hunting in the fall. There is a season limit of one bear per hunter. It is illegal to take a cub that is less than 50 pounds or any female bear with young. It is also illegal to hunt in a designated bear sanctuary. Western bear season starts in October and ends in November in most counties. Eastern bear season goes from early November until the start of January.

Deer

The deer season is staggered based on archery, black powder, and gun hunters, in that order. The seasons start in September, and the region determines when each season ends and the next starts. All the official start dates are listed on the North Carolina Wildlife website. There is a limit of six antlerless deer and four antlered deer per season. There are also different restrictions on male and female deer seasons.

Raccoons and Opossums

The season for hunting raccoons and opossums in North Carolina starts in the middle of October and goes through the end of February. There are no bag limits on opossum and a daily limit of three raccoons.

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Rabbits

Rabbit season starts at the end of November and goes through the end of February. There is a daily limit of five with no season limits. Box trapping season shares the same dates.

Quail and Grouse

Quail and grouse season in North Carolina starts at the end of November and ends at the end of February. For quail, there is a daily limit of six, with 12 in possession and no limit for the season. There is a limit of three grouse per day, with six in possession, and a season limit of 30.

Pheasants

Pheasant season starts in the middle of November and goes until the first of February. This is for male pheasant only, and there is a limit of three a day, with six in possession, and 30 total for the season.

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

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