When Does Deer Hunting Season End in North Carolina?
If you’re an avid hunter or a newbie looking to try your luck in North Carolina, you’re likely familiar with the state’s varied deer hunting seasons. These seasons can seem complex and confusing, but understanding them is crucial for a successful and safe hunting experience.
Deer Hunting Season Structure in North Carolina
North Carolina is divided into three main deer hunting areas: Eastern, Central, and Western. Each of these areas has its unique deer hunting regulations, dates, and season structures.
- Deer Buck Season: In North Carolina, deer buck season usually starts in October and extends through mid-December for the Eastern and Central parts of the state. Meanwhile, the Western part has a separate deer buck season that runs from mid-October to early November.
End of Deer Buck Season in North Carolina:
For Eastern and Central counties in North Carolina, the buck season typically ends around mid-December for the main seasons. Keep in mind that some WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas) and private game lands may have shorter season dates or closures. We recommend checking the specific season dates for each area:
| Area | Deer Buck Season End |
|---|---|
| Eastern | Mid-December (around 15th December) |
| Central | Mid-December (around 15th December) |
For the Western counties in North Carolina, the deer buck season usually ends around the first week of November, with a slight overlap at the border of the Piedmont and Western regions. Again, verify the specifics for each region:
| Region | Deer Buck Season End |
|---|---|
| Western | Late October/Early November |
| Piedmont | * |
Other Important Facts to Know
- Archery Season Reminders:
Archery season typically opens immediately after the end of the main deer buck seasons. In Eastern and Central regions, archery season often runs from December to late January/early February, while the Western region generally has an archery season from early November to late December.
Archery seasons offer an incredible opportunity to catch those final bucks that eluded your rifle. However, understanding the rules for Buck Tags, Doe Season, and WMA Quotas can be more than a bit challenging. Therefore, be sure to peruse the complete hunting seasons and regulations manual before head out!
Anterless Season Reminders:
