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

While the most popular time for hunting in North Carolina is the fall, many open seasons stretch into the winter months. The biggest lure for winter hunters is the large bear population in the state. There are also small game animals that are legal to hunt throughout the winter months.

Here is a look at the animals to hunt during the winter in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

Bears

There are two bear species that hunters can target in North Carolina: the eastern bear and Piedmont bear. Regulations include a ban on taking any cub weighing less than 50 pounds or any female bear with cubs. It is also illegal to hunt bears in a sanctuary. Bear season extends to the end of the year in most cases, with details available on the state's website.

Raccoons and Opossums

The season for hunting raccoons and opossums starts in October and goes to the end of February. There are no bag limits for opossums, but the limit of raccoons is three per day, with no season limit. It is illegal to shoot a raccoon during daylight hours west of U.S. Highway 1, with the exception of Richmond County.

Squirrels

Squirrel season occurs at the same time as raccoon and opossum hunting. This is open for both gray squirrels and red squirrels, with a daily limit of eight. There are no season limits on how many squirrels a hunter can take.

Rabbits

Rabbit season starts later in the year, usually at the end of November, and lasts until the end of February. There is a daily limit of five rabbits, but there are no season limits. This also includes box-trapping season, which has the same dates.

Quail

Quail hunting in North Carolina shares the same dates as rabbit hunting. There is a daily limit of six per hunter, with a possession limit of 12, but no season limit.

Bobcats

Bobcat hunting in North Carolina is open from early October through the end of February. The bobcat is common throughout the state, and there is no limit to how many a hunter can take. However, a bobcat must be properly tagged within 10 days following the close of hunting season.

Pheasants

Pheasant season starts in mid-November and ends at the start of February. Pheasant hunting laws in North Carolina allow only the taking of male pheasants, and there is a daily limit of three, with six in possession and a season limit of 30.

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