North Carolina Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 13 – February 28, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

The following information applies to key upland game bird species in North Carolina for the 2025-26 season, based on historical data and updates where available:

  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Season Dates: November 22, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (based on historical patterns; confirm with NCWRC).
    • Daily Bag Limit: 6
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated, typically three times the daily bag limit (18, pending confirmation).
    • Notes: Quail populations are most abundant in the eastern part of the state but can be found statewide. Habitat is suitable in Piedmont and mountain regions as well.
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Season Dates: October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (based on historical patterns; confirm with NCWRC).
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated, typically three times the daily bag limit (9, pending confirmation).
    • Notes: Found primarily in the mountain regions, with suitable habitat in logged areas.
  • Pheasant:
    • Season Dates: November 15, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (based on historical patterns; confirm with NCWRC).
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated, typically three times the daily bag limit (9, pending confirmation).
    • Notes: Pheasants are primarily found in coastal regions between Oregon and Barden Inlet, with limited populations elsewhere.
  • American Woodcock:
    • Season Dates: December 13, 2025 – January 27, 2026 (based on historical patterns; confirm with NCWRC).
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated, typically three times the daily bag limit (9, pending confirmation).
    • Notes: Requires HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification for migratory bird hunting. Woodcock are more common in coastal and Tidewater regions during winter.

Required Licenses and Costs

To hunt upland game birds in North Carolina, hunters must have the appropriate licenses and certifications. Below are the key requirements and estimated costs (based on 2024-25 data; 2025-26 costs may vary slightly and should be verified with NCWRC):

  • Resident Hunting License:
    • Annual Comprehensive Hunting License: ~$45 (covers small game, including upland birds, and big game).
    • Annual Sportsman License: ~$70 (includes hunting, fishing, and big game privileges).
    • Lifetime Hunting License: Varies by age, ~$300–$600 for residents (covers all hunting privileges, including small game and big game).
    • Senior License: ~$15 for residents 65 and older (discounted rate for small game and other privileges).
  • Non-Resident Hunting License:
    • Annual Hunting License: ~$100 (covers small game, including upland birds).
    • 10-Day Hunting License: ~$60 (valid for small game for a 10-day period).
    • Big Game License: Required for non-residents hunting big game (e.g., deer, bear, turkey), ~$100 additional (not required for upland birds unless combined with big game hunting).
  • HIP Certification:
    • Cost: Free with a hunting license.
    • Requirement: Mandatory for hunting migratory game birds (e.g., woodcock, doves). Available when purchasing a hunting license or through the NCWRC website.
  • Youth Hunting License:
    • Cost: ~$15 for hunters under 16 (resident or non-resident).
    • Notes: Youth under 16 hunting with a licensed adult may not need a separate license for small game, but HIP certification is still required for migratory birds. Hunters born after 1961 must complete a hunter education course unless hunting on their own land or under specific exemptions.
  • Where to Purchase:
    • Licenses can be purchased online via the NCWRC’s Go Outdoors North Carolina portal (gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com) or in person at a wildlife service agent (e.g., sporting goods stores).

Additional Notes

  • Sunday Hunting Restrictions: Sunday hunting is permitted on private lands with restrictions (e.g., no firearms use between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM, and no hunting within 500 yards of a place of worship).
  • Public Lands: North Carolina offers over 2 million acres of game lands for public hunting, suitable for upland bird hunting, particularly in mountain and Piedmont regions. Check NCWRC’s Game Lands section for specific regulations.
  • Shotgun Regulations: For migratory game birds (e.g., woodcock, doves), shotguns must be plugged to limit capacity to three shells and use nontoxic shot (e.g., steel).
  • Conservation Considerations: Hunters are encouraged to respect bag limits and habitat conservation. Quail populations, for example, have declined significantly, so ethical hunting practices are critical.
  • Verification: Season dates and limits are based on historical data and may shift slightly for 2025-26. Always check the NCWRC website (www.ncwildlife.gov) or the 2025-26 Inland Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping Regulations Digest (published August 2025) for final confirmation.

This summary provides a concise overview of the 2025-26 upland bird hunting season in North Carolina. For precise details, especially on season dates and license costs, consult the NCWRC or eRegulations closer to the season start.