Big Game Harvest Reporting

Reporting big game harvests (deer, turkey and bear) is a requirement in North Carolina. Hunters, regardless of age, shall carry a valid Big Game Harvest Report Card with them while hunting deer, bear, or wild turkey. Youth less than 16 years old are required to have their own report card whether it be issued as part of their lifetime license or as a license-exempt report card. Youth should never report their big game harvest on a parent or other adult's report card. All others exempt from the hunting license requirement should also obtain and carry a license-exempt report card when hunting big game. License-exempt Big Game Harvest Report Cards can be obtained at a wildlife service agent ($2 fee) or by calling 888-248-6834 (no fee). License-exempt report cards are not available online.

Hunters should carry their Big Game Harvest Report Card with them while big game hunting for validating and registering a harvest. 

An authorization number is given during the registration process and is required for a hunter to legally possess their harvest.

What is a Big Game Harvest Report Card and who needs one?

View the Big Game Reporting section of the Regulations Digest (PDF)

Required for Bear, Deer, and Wild Turkey in North Carolina

• Before moving the animal from the site of kill (where the animal fell), validate the appropriate animal block on your Big Game harvest Report Card by punching or cutting the corresponding day and month.
• Register by reporting the harvest and recording the authorization number on your Big Game Harvest Report Card. Reporting must be done BEFORE any of the following occur:
  • The animal is skinned, dressed, or dismembered for consumption;
  • The animal is left unattended by the successful hunter;
  • The animal is placed in the possession of another person; or
  • 12 p.m. (noon) the day following the harvest.
• If you leave an animal with a processor or taxidermist, donate it to Hunters for the Hungry or give it to someone else, you must have the authorization number attached to the carcass. The processor or taxidermist needs to keep a record of species and sex of the animal received, name and address of hunter, and big game harvest authorization number.

To register, choose one of the following options and have your Big Game Harvest Report Card and pen ready.

• Call toll-free 800-I-GOT-ONE (800-446-8663).
• Go online.
• Visit a participating wildlife service agent location.