Can You Turkey Hunt in NC on Sundays? The Complete Guide

North Carolina has long been one of the premier destinations for turkey hunters in the southeastern United States The state boasts excellent turkey habitat and a robust wild turkey population However, for many years there was one major catch – hunting turkeys on Sundays was prohibited by law.

That all changed in 2020 when North Carolina finally lifted its ban on Sunday hunting. This opened up exciting new opportunities for NC turkey hunters looking to maximize their time in the woods.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about Sunday turkey hunting in North Carolina including

• The history behind the Sunday hunting ban
• Current NC regulations for Sunday turkey hunting
• The benefits and impacts of allowing Sunday hunting
• Tips for hunting turkeys safely and effectively on Sundays
• And more!

Whether you’re a seasoned North Carolina turkey hunter or new to the sport, this guide will help you take advantage of all the options now available on Sundays.

A Brief History of NC’s Sunday Hunting Ban

Up until 2020, North Carolina was one of just three states that completely prohibited hunting on Sundays. This longstanding blue law banning Sunday “take” of wildlife dated back over 100 years.

The Sunday hunting prohibition covered all species, including wild turkeys. The only exceptions were for certain types of nuisance animal control, and hunting of migratory birds on Sundays was allowed only on coastal game lands.

Over the years, there had been increasing efforts to repeal the Sunday hunting ban in order to provide more opportunity for hunters. These efforts finally succeeded in 2020 when legislation was passed allowing Sunday hunting in North Carolina.

Current NC Regulations for Sunday Turkey Hunting

With the lifting of the general restriction, turkey hunting on Sundays is now legal throughout North Carolina. However, all other season dates, bag limits, license requirements, and hunting regulations still apply:

• Must have valid NC hunting license and turkey tag.
• Season limit of 2 turkeys per hunter, only 1 in the youth season.
• Bearded turkeys only. No hens to be harvested.
• No use of rifles. Shotguns, archery and muzzleloading only.
• No hunting within 300 yards of bait.
• No live decoys allowed.

Sunday turkey hunting is legal on both private and public lands in NC, including on game lands with open seasons.

However, the ban remains in effect for hunting migratory game birds on Sundays. So ducks, doves and other migratory species may still not be taken on Sundays statewide.

The Benefits of Allowing Sunday Turkey Hunting

There are a number of reasons why lifting the NC ban on Sunday turkey hunting has been praised by conservationists and sportsmen alike:

• Increases hunter opportunity – Weekday work schedules make it difficult for some hunters to get out. Sunday hunting gives them a chance to enjoy the sport.

• Provides economic benefits – More hunting time benefits sporting goods businesses, restaurants, hotels and gas stations through increased consumer spending.

• Improves wildlife management – More hunting opportunities can help control overpopulated flocks damaging ecosystems. Sunday hunting gets more hunters out.

• Supports conservation funding – Hunting license sales provide critical funding for wildlife and habitat programs. Additional Sunday hunting boosts revenue.

As long as it is practiced ethically and responsibly, Sunday turkey hunting offers multiple benefits for North Carolina hunters, businesses, and wildlife resources.

Tips for Hunting Wild Turkeys on Sundays

Here are some key tips to follow for safe, ethical and successful turkey hunting on Sundays in North Carolina:

Hunt Defensively

With the potential for more hunters in the woods on Sundays, make safety your top priority:

• Always wear blaze orange when moving between spots.
• Know your surroundings and what’s in range when calling or shooting.
• Keep firearm pointed in a safe direction and safety on until ready to shoot.

Respect Private Property

Always get permission before hunting private lands on Sundays. Follow any restrictions landowners provide.

Follow a Gobbler’s Schedule

Don’t overcall early in the morning. Wait until after fly-down when gobblers start looking for hens.

Be Mobile

Cover ground and hunt multiple areas. Gobblers move around, especially on weekends with hunting pressure.

Go Where Others Don’t

Avoid hunter crowds by seeking remote spots away from roads and easy access.

Become a Turkey

Use a full strut decoy and play the role of a dominant gobbler to pull in jealous toms looking to show who’s boss.

Following these tips, along with maintaining proper turkey hunting ethics, can lead to fantastic Sunday success in the field.

Hunting Turkey Private Land on Sundays

With the ability to now hunt on Sundays, many turkey hunters will look to private lands for new access and reduced pressure. Here are some keys to hunting turkeys on private property in North Carolina on Sundays:

• Start Early – Contact landowners for Sunday access well before opening day. The best spots go quickly.

• Be Respectful – Follow all rules provided by the landowner and do not overstay your welcome.

• Offer Incentives – Consider providing a gift card or offering to pay small leasing fees to secure access.

• Share the Harvest – Offer prime cuts of meat or assist with property maintenance in exchange for hunting permission.

• Say Thanks – Follow up with landowners after the season with a thank you card, photos or gift from your hunt.

Gaining access to hunt private lands on Sundays takes effort and relationship building. But the rewards of less pressure and more responsive birds make it worthwhile.

Common Sunday Turkey Hunting Questions

For those new to Sunday turkey hunting in North Carolina, here are some frequently asked questions:

Is Sunday hunting allowed on game lands?

Yes, most game lands with open turkey seasons also allow hunting on Sundays. Check regulations for specific game lands.

What time can I start hunting on Sundays?

The Sunday hunting hour regulations are the same as other days – you may begin hunting 30 minutes before sunrise.

Can I use turkey calls and decoys on Sundays?

Yes, standard turkey hunting tools and tactics may be used on Sundays including calls, decoys and blinds.

Is Sunday hunting allowed during the youth turkey season?

Yes, youth may hunt statewide during the full youth weekend including Sunday. This gives young hunters even more opportunity.

If I harvest a turkey on Sunday, does it count towards my season limit?

Yes, any turkey harvested on a Sunday will count towards your total seasonal bag limit.

Can I hunt any species on Sunday now?

No, at this time only turkey and deer Sunday hunting is permitted in NC. Migratory birds may not be taken.

Get Out There on Sundays!

Thanks to the recent law change, North Carolina sportsmen and women now have exciting new turkey hunting opportunities on Sundays. Take advantage of the less pressured woods and birds that are more eager to respond.

Just be sure to hunt ethically, respect private lands, and put safety first. With the right strategies, you can tag your spring gobbler any day of the week. Now get out there and make the most of North Carolina’s turkey hunting season, Sundays included. Good luck!