The Permit Hunting Opportunities Program, formerly known as Special Hunts, was established
by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (referred to throughout this guide as the
Commission) to provide permit hunting opportunities across the state to licensed hunters.
These permits allow for managed participation and provide unique hunting opportunities for
special areas or species such as dove, deer, bear, waterfowl, tundra swan, turkey, small game,
and furbearer trapping. This program also includes special opportunities for youth and persons
with disabilities. The program offers both quota and non-quota (point-of-sale) hunts.
This program is comprised of state-owned game lands, private lands, and federal lands. The Commission administers the hunts on game lands and some private lands. It also administers the permit application and draw process. Non-Commission program participants such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service–National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) facilitate and administer the hunts they have listed in this program. Hunts taking place on private or federal lands may have separate rules and regulations pertaining to their hunts. For more information, refer to the Refuge Area Reference Information section of this guide. These program participants include: Currituck NWR, Mattamuskeet NWR, Pocosin Lakes NWR, Roanoke River NWR, and Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation.
A booklet titled Permit Hunting Opportunities in North Carolina outlines all of the hunts available and provides procedures for applying. You may view the booklet in it's entirety or view individual sections of interest below.
***NOTICE*** This year the Northeast Canada Goose permit will be a point-of-sale permit (not handled by drawing) available for purchase until Jan. 30 for $5 by calling 1-888-248-6834 or at a wildlife service agent. Hunters will receive the permit at the time of purchase. This permit is only valid in the Northeast Hunt Zone for a seven-day season, Jan. 23-30. Hunters may harvest one goose per day using this permit. Hunters are no longer required to affix a tag to Canada geese taken in the Northeast Hunt Zone. Youth 15 years of age or less, in possession of a permit after the season closes, may use this permit on Youth Waterfowl Day (Feb. 6) to harvest one Canada Goose in the Northeast Hunt Zone. |
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Waterfowl Impoundment Condition Report (PDF) Introduction
and Application Procedures (PDF)
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Type of Hunts (PDF) |
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Location of Areas Offering Permit Hunting Opportunities (PDF) |
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Permit Hunts
by Species Table (DF) |
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Hunt Area Descriptions General descriptions, hunt areas and special rules for each location. For maps, see the game lands maps online.
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Game Lands Reference Information
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