For many hunters in North Carolina, spring turkey season is one of the most exciting times of the year. The thrill of hearing a gobbler sound off at first light, then working to get within range for a shot is a feeling like no other. If you’re looking forward to turkey hunting in North Carolina in 2024, here are all the key details on the season dates, regulations and tips for a successful hunt.
Overview of NC Turkey Season 2024 Dates
In 2024 North Carolina will have both a youth turkey season as well as the regular statewide spring season
- Youth Season – April 6 to April 12, 2024
- Regular Season – April 13 to May 11, 2024
The youth season allows hunters under 18 years old to get out before the main season opens. All hunters are limited to two turkeys total during the combined youth and spring seasons.
Legal Hunting Hours
Legal shooting hours for turkey hunting in North Carolina are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset Typically, the most active hunting periods are early morning right at sunrise when tom turkeys are gobbling and late afternoon when they are returning to roost trees
Bag Limits
The total seasonal limit for turkey hunters in North Carolina is two birds. Of the two turkeys you can harvest, only one may be taken during the youth season. This means if you bag a turkey on the youth hunt, you may only harvest one more during the regular spring season in April and May.
Permitted Hunting Methods
When it comes to hunting equipment, only shotguns, archery equipment and muzzleloading shotguns firing #2 or smaller shot can be used to harvest wild turkeys in North Carolina. It is unlawful to use rifles, pistols or airguns. Electronic callers are also prohibited.
License Requirements
To hunt turkeys in North Carolina in 2024, you will need:
- Resident or non-resident hunting license
- Big game hunting privilege license
- Turkey tag
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification
Youth under 16 can hunt during the youth season without a license if accompanied by an adult 18 years or older Youth 16-17 years old will need to purchase a hunting license even during the youth hunt All turkey harvests must be reported,
Safety Tips for Turkey Hunters
Hunting turkeys in North Carolina does come with some inherent risks. Here are a few key safety tips:
- Never stalk a turkey – set up concealed and call to them
- Use a tree, large boulder or blind for concealment
- Avoid wearing red, white, blue or black
- Sit with your back positioned against a tree wider than your shoulders
- Make sure of your target and what’s beyond before shooting
- Unload your gun when changing locations
Best Locations to Hunt Turkeys in NC
Some of the top counties and areas to target turkeys in North Carolina include:
- Foothills and mountain regions
- Northern Piedmont area
- Caswell, Person, Granville and Vance counties
- South Mountains Game Land
- Uwharrie National Forest
Public lands like the Pisgah National Forest also offer excellent turkey habitat and hunting access.
Turkey Hunting Tips and Tactics
To maximize your odds of bagging a gobbler in 2024, keep these turkey hunting tips in mind:
- Scout ahead of season and identify roosting areas
- Set up a blind or concealment near roost sites
- Use realistic hen decoys for added realism
- Practice using a turkey mouth call and slate call
- Remain absolutely still when turkeys are approaching
- Wear camo and brush in for maximum concealment
- Be patient and wait for the ideal shot opportunity
The 2024 North Carolina turkey season offers exciting hunting opportunities with both a dedicated youth season and regular statewide spring season. Hunters young and old look forward to this classic tradition every year. Following the key dates, regulations, safety precautions and tactics outlined here will set you up for turkey hunting success this spring.
By Teri Williams – February 29, 2024
If deer are your target for this year, North Carolina is the place to hunt. The state offers several opportunities to bring home a buck. However, it’s also an excellent place to add a bear to your trophy hunting successes.
Living in North Carolina means you have easy access to plenty of excellent hunting opportunities. It’s also a popular destination for traveling hunters to plan a trip and enjoy an adventure and challenge. So, no matter if you’re local or visiting the state, make sure you know when the season starts for the game you’re after.
You’ll also need to know about hunting licenses and bag limits to hunt legally in North Carolina.
We’re here to help! In this resource, you’ll find details you need to hunt in North Carolina, whether you’re after a big buck, a turkey, or waterfowl. We also recommend downloading the HuntWise app to find the best spots to hunt and help you get the most out of your days in the field!
Here’s what hunters need to know about North Carolina hunting seasons.
Have a Successful North Carolina Hunting Season with HuntWise
We hope the information in this guide helps you plan your hunts throughout the year! We want every hunter to bring home the game they’re after every season.
While the details we provided today should help you get out in the field, you’ll also want to take the best tool for hunting any species this season. Download the HuntWise app for immediate access to current information on hunting in North Carolina, including season dates and regulations.
The app gives you access to hundreds of map layers, landowner boundaries and contact information, wind and weather forecasting, real-time animal behavior predictors, and more.
Make sure you’re ready on opening day! Get the app and enjoy access to every feature – free for a week.
Found them. NC Game Land Turkeys 2024
FAQ
Can you shoot two turkeys in one day in NC?
Can you turkey hunt on Sunday in NC on private property?
What is in season to hunt in NC?
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Small Game and Other Seasons
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Season Dates
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Limits
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Fox Squirrel (statewide): Oct. 14 – Jan. 31
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Daily limit 1; Possession 2; Season 10
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Rabbit
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Oct. 14 – Feb. 28 (hunting and box-trapping*)
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Daily limit 5; No possession or season limits
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How early to go out turkey hunting?
What are the dates for North Carolina’s turkey hunting season in 2024?
Possess live wild turkeys or live birds that are indistinguishable from wild turkeys. Season Dates Additional Information Youth Season (Male or Bearded Turkey Only) April 6 – April 12, 2024 Youth under the age of 18 may hunt turkey…
When is Turkey season in North Carolina?
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. North Carolina’s turkey season will run from April 8 through May 6 in 2023. There is also a “Youth-only” season from April 1 to April 7 for hunters under 18.
How many turkeys can you hunt in North Carolina?
Turkey hunting in North Carolina is regulated to maintain the population. Hunters may only harvest two turkeys each season and one per day. One turkey is allowed during the youth season for hunters under 18. What are the requirements for obtaining a hunting license in North Carolina?
When is Turkey season 2024?
Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 turkey season dates and bag limits for every state in the U.S. Alabama Alaska Arizona Season Dates: Arizona Game and Fish issues all permits through a public draw. Archery-only season for Hunt #4062, April 26 – -May 2 and May 17 – -May 30. Hunt #4063, May 3 – May 7 and May 17 – May 30; Hunt #4064 is May 10 – May 30.