Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition in North Carolina. Every spring, hunters eagerly await the opening of turkey season to have a chance at bagging a mature tom. But when exactly is NC turkey season? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about North Carolina’s turkey hunting seasons, rules, and regulations.
Overview of NC Turkey Season Dates
North Carolina offers both a youth turkey season and a regular spring turkey season. Here are the dates for 2024:
- Youth Turkey Season: April 6 – April 12, 2024
- Spring Turkey Season: April 13 – May 11, 2024
These seasons take place annually, with the youth season always occurring right before the regular turkey season.
During the youth season, only hunters under 18 years old can participate. The spring season is open to all hunters with a valid license and permits.
Daily and Season Bag Limits
North Carolina enforces bag limits on wild turkeys to help maintain healthy populations across the state. Here are the NC turkey bag limits:
- Daily Limit: 1 bearded turkey per day
- Season Limit: 2 bearded turkeys total
Of the two turkeys a hunter can harvest in one season, only one may be taken during the youth season. The other must be harvested during the regular spring season.
Hunters are allowed to take bearded hens or male gobblers. But shooting wild turkeys in North Carolina with rifles or handguns is prohibited by law.
License and Permit Requirements
To hunt turkeys in North Carolina, you need a valid NC hunting license and a Big Game Harvest Report Card. Here are the license requirements:
- Hunters 16 years and older must have a license to hunt during the youth or spring seasons.
- Hunters under 16 can hunt without a license if accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years or older.
- All hunters, including license-exempt youth, must carry a Big Game Harvest Report Card and report any turkeys harvested.
In addition to a license and harvest card, some game lands require special permits to hunt turkeys. Be sure to consult the rules for specific game lands before your hunt.
Lifetime licenses and sportsman licenses that include big game privileges are also available for NC residents. Non-residents can get a 10-day license that covers hunting turkeys.
Legal Hunting Methods and Restrictions
There are several important rules and restrictions turkey hunters must follow in North Carolina:
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Hunting turkeys with rifles, handguns, or fully automatic firearms is prohibited. Only shotguns, archery equipment, and muzzleloaders can be used.
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Electronic or mechanically-operated calling devices are legal. But live decoys and baiting are not allowed.
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Hunting turkeys within 300 yards of a baited area is prohibited by law. An area is considered baited for 10 days after bait is consumed or removed.
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Legal hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
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All harvested turkeys must be reported by noon the day after they were taken either online or by calling the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
Violating any of North Carolina’s turkey hunting laws can result in fines, jail time, revoked licenses, or seized equipment.
Top Counties and Regions for Turkey Hunting
Some parts of North Carolina are better than others when it comes to turkey hunting. Here are some of the top counties and regions to target:
- Mountain Region: Cherokee, Haywood, Transylvania, Jackson counties
- Piedmont Region: Alamance, Caswell, Rockingham, Person counties
- Coastal Plain Region: Bladen, Columbus, Pender, Onslow counties
Public game lands like Uwharrie National Forest, Croatan National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest hold good numbers of turkeys. But hunters can find turkeys to hunt in every part of the state.
Tips for a Successful NC Turkey Hunt
Here are some tips to follow to have a safe and successful turkey hunt in North Carolina:
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Scout ahead of season to locate flocks and patterns their movements.
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Use turkey calls and decoys to draw in wary gobblers during the season.
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Wear camo and facemasks to blend into surroundings. Sit still and stay quiet.
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Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it before taking a shot.
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Tag harvested birds immediately and report them by the required deadline.
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Respect private property and other hunters you encounter in the field.
Following the rules, scouting thoroughly, and hunting ethically will lead to an enjoyable NC turkey hunt. Now that you know when turkey season is, get your gear ready and pursue a North Carolina gobbler this spring!
NORTH CAROLINA Opening Day DOUBLE! (Turkey Hunting)
FAQ
Can you turkey hunt all day in NC?
When did turkey season start in NC?
Can you turkey hunt on Sunday in NC on private property?
Do you need a shotgun plug for turkey in NC?
When does wild turkey season start in North Carolina?
Wild turkey season opens on April 1 in North Carolina and hunters across the state will be getting into the woods under the cover of early morning darkness to try their hand at encountering one of these notoriously elusive game birds.
How many turkeys can a hunter take in North Carolina?
Each hunter in North Carolina can only take two turkeys throughout the season. During the youth season, reserved for hunters under 18, they may take just one of these. This means a hunter may only take one additional turkey during the standard seaso n (April 10 to May 8) if they took one during the youth season.
Where to hunt turkeys in North Carolina?
Northern Piedmont and the foothills are two of the best places to go hunting in the state, although you can find turkeys in any county. You must be less than 18 to take part in the youth season in North Carolina. A hunting license is required for participants who are 16 or 17 years old.
Can you shoot a Turkey in North Carolina?
Shooting a wild turkey with a handgun or rifle is illegal. Turkeys may not be hunted within 300 yards of a baiting site; however, turkey decoys and calls are allowed. You must be less than 18 to take part in the youth turkey hunting season in North Carolina. A hunting license is required for participants who are 16 or 17 years old.