North Carolina Deer Hunting Season

North Carolina’s beautiful natural wildlife includes a healthy deer population. Over 173,000 White Tailed Deer were killed during the 2011-2012 season. Here is what you need to know when planning a deer hunt in North Carolina.

Permits
It is important to note, residents and non-residents 16 years of age and older must successfully complete a hunter’s education course prior to obtaining a deer hunting permit. If you once held a hunting permit prior to the law in 1991, you can show proof of that to be exempt from the course requirement. Residents have options when selecting a hunting permit. The permits start at 10.00 for a permit allowing you to hunt in your county of residence and increase if you choose a combination permit or statewide hunting permit. Most nonresidents can pay 40.00 for a 6 day permit and 60.00 for a season long permit. Residents of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia pay varying fee amounts.

Seasons
Seasons for deer hunting vary depending on your weapon of choice and where in the state you are hunting. Eastern, Western, Northwestern and Central portions of the state all have different dates for Muzzleloader, Archery and Gun seasons. For example Muzzleloader season begins on September 29th in the Eastern part of the state and on October 1st in the Western portion of the state.

Laws to Remember
Only some counties in North Carolina allow you to use dogs in the pursuit of hunting deer. In three counties, deer hunting with dogs is only allowed in part of the county. Spotlighting or the shining of lights to hunt deer during evening hours is legal in most counties; however you must be aware of the legal time limits of this practice.
A deer kill must be reported within 24 hours and before the animal has been skinned, dressed or dismembered in anyway. You can report the kill online at ncwildlife.org, by their toll free phone number or in person by visiting a wildlife cooperator agent. You will be given an authorization number to record. This number must be attached to the deer before having your deer processed, or before you donate it.
It is also important to remember that disposing of animal remains, including deer remains, along a roadway, in a waterway, or on a property where you do not have prior permission is illegal.

Hunting in beautiful North Carolina can net you a fruitful harvest of quality whitetail deer. For more information and to find out about local hunting laws that pertain to the area you will be hunting. Visit the State of North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission at http://www.ncwildlife.org for up to date information and to buy permits online.