License Requirements

To hunt waterfowl in North Carolina, individuals must possess various licenses, permits, stamps, and certifications. Specifically, hunters must obtain the following:

• A state hunting license. There are several types available.
• North Carolina Waterfowl Privilege.1
For resident hunters, this additional privilege and fee is not required if you hold a Sportsman’s license (lifetime, disabled, or annual), or a Comprehensive Hunting license (lifetime or annual). You are required to purchase this additional privilege for all other license types. For non-resident hunters this fee is not required for Lifetime Sportsman’s license holders, but is required for those non- residents holding a short-term or basic non-resident hunting license.
• Federal Duck Stamp
• HIP (Harvest Information Program) Certification. Certification is free of charge. Please note that HIP certification is required for each state that you hunt. Non-resident hunters that have been certified in another state, must be HIP certified in North Carolina as well.

Please see the current North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for additional information regarding license types and costs.

1 Hunters are no longer required to carry the North Carolina duck stamp while hunting for waterfowl; however, the current year’s duck stamp will be available for collecting purposes. Call 1-888-248-6834 for more information.

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Non-toxic Shot Requirement

Non-toxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl and coots. In addition to this general requirement; on posted waterfowl impoundments on Game Lands, it is unlawful to hunt with or have in possession any shotgun shell containing lead or toxic shot while hunting, except shotgun shells containing lead buckshot may be used while deer hunting. Nontoxic shot is also required for the taking of captive-reared mallards on shooting preserves, in field trials and during bona fide dog training activities.
For a listing of non-toxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service see: http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/issues/nontoxic_shot/nontoxic.htm

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Waterfowl Baiting Laws

Baiting as it applies to waterfowl hunting is a controversial and often misunderstood subject. Therefore, it is incumbent upon every waterfowl hunter to understand all baiting laws, both state and federal, as they pertain to waterfowl hunting.

Both state and federal law prohibit the take of migratory game birds by the aid of baiting (placing feed such as corn, wheat, salt or other feed to constitute a lure or enticement), or on or over any baited areas. Hunters should be aware that a baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait. Although state law prohibits take of migratory game
birds within 300 yards of a baited area, federal law prohibits take on or over any baited area which could serve as a lure or attraction. This “zone of influence” may extend a much greater
distance. Substantial penalties for violations apply. For questions, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Resident in Charge in Raleigh, N.C. at (919) 856-4786.

Hunters should refer to the current North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for additional information regarding baiting and waterfowl hunting. For additional information on federal baiting regulations click here.

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Reporting Banded Birds

Why Report Bird Bands?

Bird banding data are often critical components in both waterfowl research and management. Individual marking of birds makes possible studies of dispersal and migration, behavior and social structure, harvest and survival rates, reproductive success and population growth. Reporting bands makes this data available to waterfowl managers, and is an integral part of the regulation process.

Please report all bands by calling 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or online at www.reportband.gov

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Possession, Tagging & Shipping Migratory Game Birds

Included below is a summary of federal regulations regarding the possession, tagging and shipping requirements for migratory game birds. Please see the current North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for additional information regarding state and federal regulations applying to migratory game bird hunting.

Dressing: No person shall completely field-dress any migratory game bird (except doves and band-tailed pigeons) and then transport the birds from the field. The head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached to all such birds while being transported from the field to one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility.

Field Possession Limit: No person shall possess more than one daily bag limit while in the field or while returning from the field to one’s vehicle, hunting camp, home or elsewhere.

Tagging: No person shall give, put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another person, unless the birds are tagged by the hunter with the following information:

the hunter’s signature,
the hunter’s address,
the total number of birds involved, by species, and
the dates such birds were killed.

Tagging is required if the birds are being transported by another person for the hunter, or if the birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment or taxidermy services.

Possession of Live Birds: Wounded birds reduced to possession shall be immediately killed and included in the daily bag limit.

Shipment: No person shall ship migratory game birds unless the package is
marked on the outside with:

the name and address of the person sending the birds,
the name and address of the person to whom the birds are being sent, and
the number of birds, by species, contained in the package.

Importation: For information regarding the importation of migratory birds killed in another country, hunters should consult the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, parts 20.61 through 20.66. One fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility. No person shall import migratory game birds killed in any foreign country except Canada, unless such birds are dressed (except as required in part 20.63), drawn, and the head and feet are removed. No person shall import migratory game birds belonging to another person.

Caution: More restrictive regulations may apply to national wildlife refuges open to public hunting. For additional information on federal regulations, contact the specific National Wildlife Refuge you will be hunting on.

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How Waterfowl Seasons are Set

The hunting of all migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails, etc.) is regulated by the federal government under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Each year, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services establishes hunting season guidelines or frameworks. These include season length, bag limits, shooting hours, and the range of hunting dates. States may set their seasons within these frameworks. Although the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has ultimate authority for establishing seasons, the process is a collaborative one involving state game and fish agencies as well. The annual regulations cycle can be divided into two components; the early and late regulations cycle. The early regulations cycle involves the setting of waterfowl seasons that begin prior to late September (September Canada goose and September teal seasons) and seasons for many webless species (doves, rails, woodcock). The late regulations cycle includes the traditional waterfowl seasons occurring after late September. Early seasons are generally finalized in mid-late August, while late seasons are finalized in mid-late September.

This collaborative process occurs primarily through the various Flyway Councils and the USFWS with input from various conservation organizations and other groups. North Carolina is part of the Atlantic Flyway and our regulatory communication is handled through the Atlantic Flyway Council and Atlantic Flyway Technical Section. The Atlantic Flyway Technical Section is comprised of biological staff from the various member states. This group works closely with biological staff from the USFWS and others reviewing population survey data (population size, harvest, survival rates, harvest rates, etc.). After review of annual and long-term datasets and formulation of harvest strategies, the Technical Section recommends hunting season guidelines to the Atlantic Flyway Council. The Council is generally comprised of agency directors (or their designees). The Council takes under consideration the recommendation of the Technical Section and may either approve, modify or disapprove them. The Council then forwards their recommendations to the USFWS for their consideration. The Service Regulations Committee (as part of the USFWS) then formulates annual season regulations considering input from all 4 Flyway Councils. As a final step, proposed regulations are then issued and can be commented on by any agency, group, or individual before they become final.

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Season Dates, Bag Limits	Waterfowl Baiting Laws	Public Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities
License Requirements	Waterfowl ID	Possession, Tagging & Shipping
Non-Toxic Shot Requirements	Reporting Banded Birds	How Waterfowl Seasons are Set




License Requirements
To hunt waterfowl in North Carolina, individuals must possess various licenses, permits, stamps, and certifications. Specifically, hunters must obtain the following: • A state hunting license. There are several types available. • North Carolina Waterfowl Privilege.1 For resident hunters, this additional privilege and fee is not required if you hold a Sportsman’s license (lifetime, disabled, or annual), or a Comprehensive Hunting license (lifetime or annual). You are required to purchase this additional privilege for all other license types. For non-resident hunters this fee is not required for Lifetime Sportsman’s license holders, but is required for those non- residents holding a short-term or basic non-resident hunting license. • Federal Duck Stamp • HIP (Harvest Information Program) Certification. Certification is free of charge. Please note that HIP certification is required for each state that you hunt. Non-resident hunters that have been certified in another state, must be HIP certified in North Carolina as well. Please see the current North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for additional information regarding license types and costs. 1 Hunters are no longer required to carry the North Carolina duck stamp while hunting for waterfowl; however, the current year’s duck stamp will be available for collecting purposes. Call 1-888-248-6834 for more information.
Return to Top of Page Return to Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds in North Carolina

Non-toxic Shot Requirement
Non-toxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl and coots. In addition to this general requirement; on posted waterfowl impoundments on Game Lands, it is unlawful to hunt with or have in possession any shotgun shell containing lead or toxic shot while hunting, except shotgun shells containing lead buckshot may be used while deer hunting. Nontoxic shot is also required for the taking of captive-reared mallards on shooting preserves, in field trials and during bona fide dog training activities. For a listing of non-toxic shot approved by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service see: http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/issues/nontoxic_shot/nontoxic.htm


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Waterfowl Baiting Laws
Baiting as it applies to waterfowl hunting is a controversial and often misunderstood subject. Therefore, it is incumbent upon every waterfowl hunter to understand all baiting laws, both state and federal, as they pertain to waterfowl hunting. Both state and federal law prohibit the take of migratory game birds by the aid of baiting (placing feed such as corn, wheat, salt or other feed to constitute a lure or enticement), or on or over any baited areas. Hunters should be aware that a baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait. Although state law prohibits take of migratory game birds within 300 yards of a baited area, federal law prohibits take on or over any baited area which could serve as a lure or attraction. This “zone of influence” may extend a much greater distance. Substantial penalties for violations apply. For questions, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Resident in Charge in Raleigh, N.C. at (919) 856-4786. Hunters should refer to the current North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for additional information regarding baiting and waterfowl hunting. For additional information on federal baiting regulations click here.

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Reporting Banded Birds
Why Report Bird Bands? Bird banding data are often critical components in both waterfowl research and management. Individual marking of birds makes possible studies of dispersal and migration, behavior and social structure, harvest and survival rates, reproductive success and population growth. Reporting bands makes this data available to waterfowl managers, and is an integral part of the regulation process. Please report all bands by calling 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or online at www.reportband.gov


Return to Top of Page Return to Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds in North Carolina


Possession, Tagging & Shipping Migratory Game Birds
Included below is a summary of federal regulations regarding the possession, tagging and shipping requirements for migratory game birds. Please see the current North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for additional information regarding state and federal regulations applying to migratory game bird hunting. Dressing: No person shall completely field-dress any migratory game bird (except doves and band-tailed pigeons) and then transport the birds from the field. The head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached to all such birds while being transported from the field to one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility. Field Possession Limit: No person shall possess more than one daily bag limit while in the field or while returning from the field to one’s vehicle, hunting camp, home or elsewhere. Tagging: No person shall give, put or leave any migratory game birds at any place or in the custody of another person, unless the birds are tagged by the hunter with the following information: the hunter’s signature, the hunter’s address, the total number of birds involved, by species, and the dates such birds were killed. Tagging is required if the birds are being transported by another person for the hunter, or if the birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment or taxidermy services. Possession of Live Birds: Wounded birds reduced to possession shall be immediately killed and included in the daily bag limit. Dressing: No person shall completely field-dress any migratory game bird (except doves and band-tailed pigeons) and then transport the birds from the field. The head or one fully feathered wing must remain attached to all such birds while being transported from the field to one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility. Shipment: No person shall ship migratory game birds unless the package is marked on the outside with: the name and address of the person sending the birds, the name and address of the person to whom the birds are being sent, and the number of birds, by species, contained in the package. Importation: For information regarding the importation of migratory birds killed in another country, hunters should consult the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 50, parts 20.61 through 20.66. One fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between the port of entry and one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility. No person shall import migratory game birds killed in any foreign country except Canada, unless such birds are dressed (except as required in part 20.63), drawn, and the head and feet are removed. No person shall import migratory game birds belonging to another person. Caution: More restrictive regulations may apply to national wildlife refuges open to public hunting. For additional information on federal regulations, contact the specific National Wildlife Refuge you will be hunting on.

Return to Top of Page Return to Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds in North Carolina


How Waterfowl Seasons are Set
The hunting of all migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails, etc.) is regulated by the federal government under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Each year, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services establishes hunting season guidelines or frameworks. These include season length, bag limits, shooting hours, and the range of hunting dates. States may set their seasons within these frameworks. Although the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has ultimate authority for establishing seasons, the process is a collaborative one involving state game and fish agencies as well. The annual regulations cycle can be divided into two components; the early and late regulations cycle. The early regulations cycle involves the setting of waterfowl seasons that begin prior to late September (September Canada goose and September teal seasons) and seasons for many webless species (doves, rails, woodcock). The late regulations cycle includes the traditional waterfowl seasons occurring after late September. Early seasons are generally finalized in mid-late August, while late seasons are finalized in mid-late September. This collaborative process occurs primarily through the various Flyway Councils and the USFWS with input from various conservation organizations and other groups. North Carolina is part of the Atlantic Flyway and our regulatory communication is handled through the Atlantic Flyway Council and Atlantic Flyway Technical Section. The Atlantic Flyway Technical Section is comprised of biological staff from the various member states. This group works closely with biological staff from the USFWS and others reviewing population survey data (population size, harvest, survival rates, harvest rates, etc.). After review of annual and long-term datasets and formulation of harvest strategies, the Technical Section recommends hunting season guidelines to the Atlantic Flyway Council. The Council is generally comprised of agency directors (or their designees). The Council takes under consideration the recommendation of the Technical Section and may either approve, modify or disapprove them. The Council then forwards their recommendations to the USFWS for their consideration. The Service Regulations Committee (as part of the USFWS) then formulates annual season regulations considering input from all 4 Flyway Councils. As a final step, proposed regulations are then issued and can be commented on by any agency, group, or individual before they become final.
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