Whether you are new to hunting or you are one of thousands of people who purchased a hunting license last year. Hopefully, you found hunting is a great way to get away from it all and unwind for awhile, so we wanted to assist you with your new-found or re-found outdoor pursuit. As hunting seasons approach, we encourage you to be proactive by planning through physical preparedness, pre-season scouting, equipment readiness. The information you'll find here will help you get the most out of your next hunting trip by providing links to videos, programs, educational courses and workshops, how-to information and new hunting locations.
Adventures await, so we encourage you to renew your license online and get back into the woods to explore North Carolina's renowned hunting opportunities. Our online licensing system is fast convenient.
We'd love to hear about your hunting experiences and, even better, we'd love it if you'd share a picture(s) of your harvest;
Your purchase of a hunting license goes far beyond just the enjoyment factor! Hunting license fees get re-invested in conservation across our great state to ensure healthy wildlife populations and to make great hunting opportunities possible. It’s also worth noting that hunting-related equipment purchases of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment also provides additional funding for conservation.
Getting Outdoors Hunting workshops.
Laws and Safety
Local County Laws: Counties A-H & Counties I-Z
Landowner Protection Act FAQ (PDF)
Getting Started Hunting (PDF) Hunting information on a variety of hunting topics including equipment, methods, processing and more.
Hunter Education Information
Care of Self and Equipment (PDF)
Hunter's Checklist (PDF)
Hunting Trip Planner (PDF)
What to Hunt
Hunting Seasons and Limits
Game Lands Maps
Game Lands Permit Hunting
Game Lands Permit Hunting for Disabled Sportsmen
Game Lands Dove Field Hunting
Waterfowl Impoundment Condition Alerts (PDF) Updated 11/1/2020
Hunt N.C. Farmland
Controlled Hunting Preserves
Shooting Ranges
It has been said that after the hunt the work begins. However, field dressing, game processing and preparing wild game for the table need not be difficult. With a little information and insight, after the hunt preparations can be accomplished easily.
Recovery of Game
Field Dressing and Transporting Wild Game
Processing Deer and Handling Precautions
NC Dept of Agriculture Deer Processor List
Disposal of Deer Harvested within North Carolina
Big Game Harvest Reporting
View Your Past Harvest Records
Big Game Harvest Data by Species and Location (Updated Live)
Mobile Deer Cooler Application for Hunters for the Hungry
Rules for Importation of Deer Carcass and Carcass Parts
Wildlife Resources Commission Cookbook
Preparing Wild Game for the Table
Canning Wild Game Meat