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Deer Regulations

Ethan Smith

September 9, 2024

General Restrictions

Any person hunting deer during a deer firearms season shall wear hunter orange visible from all sides. This includes hunting with archery equipment on Sundays. This also includes anyone hunting on Youth Deer Hunting Day, regardless of age of the hunter or weapon used. Landholders, their spouses and children hunting on land held by the landholder do not have to wear hunter orange.
Antlered deer may be taken during any open antlered deer season. Antlerless deer may only be taken during antlerless deer seasons.
Antlered deer are defined as having visible antlers, defined as bony structures that protrude through the skin. Knobs or buttons covered by skin or velvet are not considered visible antlers.
It is unlawful to place processed food products as bait in any area of the state with an established season for taking black bears. Processed food products are any food substance or flavoring that has been modified by the addition of ingredients or by treatment to modify its chemical composition or form or to enhance its aroma or taste. This includes: food products enhanced by sugar, honey, syrups, oils, salts, spices, peanut butter, grease, meat, bones, or blood; candies, pastries, gum, and sugar blocks; and extracts of such products.
The placement of commercially available mineral supplements specifically and exclusively marketed for attracting or feeding deer is allowed anywhere in the state, except on game lands and CWD Surveillance Areas (see CWD Surveillance Areas and Special Regulations).
Possession and use of some types of natural deer excretions (including urine) is not allowed. See the section on Baiting and Attractants on General Hunting Regulations for more information.

Weapons and Dogs

Archery

During the archery season the following are legal weapons: bows and arrows, crossbows, and slingbows (all described on General Hunting Regulations).

Blackpowder

During the blackpowder season the following are legal weapons: bows and arrows, crossbows, slingbows, and blackpowder firearms (all described on General Hunting Regulations).

Gun

During the gun season the following are legal weapons: bows and arrows, crossbows, and slingbows, blackpowder firearms, shotguns, rifles, and handguns (all described on General Hunting Regulations).

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Dogs

Hunters may use dogs to hunt deer during open deer seasons in counties listed on General Hunting Regulations, and to retrieve a wounded deer. See General Hunting Regulations for details.

Bag Limits

The season and possession bag limit is six deer, two of which may be antlered, and four of which may be antlerless.
There is no daily bag limit.
Antlerless deer harvested and reported on Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards do not count towards the season or possession limit.
Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards allow for the harvest of two additional antlerless deer per card. These are ONLY valid for use for deer taken within participating municipalities during the Urban Archery Season (described on Deer Regulations). Unlimited Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards are available to each hunter. Bonus Antlerless Harvest Report Cards can be obtained on or after Jan. 1 at most wildlife service agents, or online at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com.
Antlerless deer harvested under the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and tagged with harvest tags provided with the program are not included in normal statewide bag limits.

Antlerless Deer Seasons

Youth Deer Hunting Day

Antlered and antlerless deer may be taken by hunters under the age of 18 on this day statewide and on two additional days in the western deer season (includes game lands).

Archery Deer Season

Antlered and antlerless deer may be taken during archery deer season in all areas (includes game lands).
Some game lands have special deer seasons that do not follow the county archery deer season. See “Game Lands” section for seasons and rules specific to the game land you will be hunting.

Blackpowder Firearm Deer Season

Antlerless deer may only be taken during the blackpowder firearm season dates indicated on Deer Zone Maps and General Game Lands Regulations.
Some game lands have special deer seasons that do not follow the county blackpowder deer season. See “Game Lands” section for seasons and rules specific to the game land you will be hunting.

See also 6.5mm Creedmoor for Black Bear Hunting? Best Ammo (Round, Load, Cartridge) for a Successful Black Bear Hunt Hunting Calibers 04 Apr, 2020 Posted By: Foundry Outdoors Is the 6.5mm Creedmoor a viable caliber/load/round/cartridge for black bear hunting? The accurate answer is “it depends”. However, the goal of this article is simply to address the question of whether the 6.5mm Creedmoor is within the ideal range of suitable calibers to harvest black bear. As with anything, the devil is in the details. To answer the question completely, we would need to evaluate the downrange distance to the black bear, the bullet type, the grain weight of the bullet, the physical condition of the firearm, the size of the black bear in question, the shot placement, the local wind conditions, the expected accuracy of the shooter, the ethics of the ideal maximum number of shots – the list goes on. [Click Here to Shop 6.5mm Creedmoor Ammo]What we can do is provide a framework to understand what average conditions might look like, and whether those are reasonably viable for a shot from the average shooter to harvest a black bear in the fewest number of shots possible, i.e., ethically. Let’s dive right in. In the question of “Is the 6.5mm Creedmoor within the ideal range of suitable calibers for black bear hunting?” our answer is: Yes, the 6.5mm Creedmoor is A GOOD CHOICE for black bear hunting, under average conditions, from a mid-range distance, with a medium grain expanding bullet, and with correct shot placement.Let’s look at those assumptions a bit closer in the following table. Assumption Value Caliber 6.5mm Creedmoor Animal Species Black Bear Muzzle Energy 2300 foot-pounds Animal Weight 340 lbs Shot Distance 150 yardsWhat is the average muzzle energy for a 6.5mm Creedmoor? In this case, we have assumed the average muzzle energy for a 6.5mm Creedmoor round is approximately 2300 foot-pounds. What is the average weight of an adult male black bear? Here we have leaned conservative by taking the average weight of a male individual of the species, since females generally weigh less and require less stopping power. In this case, the average weight of an adult male black bear is approximately 340 lbs. [Click Here to Shop 6.5mm Creedmoor Ammo]What is the distance this species is typically hunted from? Distance, of course, plays an important role in the viability of a given caliber in black bear hunting. The kinetic energy of the projectile drops dramatically the further downrange it travels primarily due to energy lost in the form of heat generated by friction against the air itself. This phenonemon is known as drag or air resistance. Thus, a caliber that is effective from 50 yards may not have enough stopping power from 200 yards. With that said, we have assumed the average hunting distance for black bear to be approximately 150 yards. What about the other assumptions? We have three other primary assumptions being made here. First, the average bullet weight is encapsulated in the average muzzle energy for the 6.5mm Creedmoor. The second important assumption is ‘slightly-suboptimal’ to ‘optimal’ shot placement. That is to say, we assume the black bear being harvested is shot directly or nearly directly in the vitals (heart and/or lungs). The third assumption is that a projectile with appropriate terminal ballistics is being used, which for hunting usually means an expanding bullet.Various calibersA common thread you may encounter in online forums is anecdote after anecdote of large animals being brought down by small caliber bullets, or small animals surviving large caliber bullets. Of course those stories exist, and they are not disputed here. A 22LR cartridge can fell a bull elephant under the right conditions, and a newborn squirrel can survive a 50 BMG round under other specific conditions. Again, the goal of this article is simply to address the question of whether 6.5mm Creedmoor is within the ideal range of suitable calibers to harvest black bear - and to this question, the response again is yes, the 6.5mm Creedmoor is A GOOD CHOICE for black bear hunting. [Click Here to Shop 6.5mm Creedmoor Ammo]This article does not serve as the final say, but simply as a starting point for beginner hunters, as well as a venue for further discussion. Please feel free to agree, disagree, and share stories from your own experience in the comments section below. Disclaimer: the information above is purely for illustrative purposes and should not be taken as permission to use a particular caliber, a statement of the legality or safety of using certain calibers, or legal advice in any way. You must read and understand your own local laws before hunting black bear to know whether your caliber of choice is a legal option.Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online.We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo.We offer a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on all products sold on our website. Please email us if you have questions about any of our product listings. Leave a commentComments have to be approved before showing up Your Name * Your Email * Your Comment * Post Comment

Gun Deer Season

Antlerless deer may only be taken during the gun season dates indicated on Deer Zone Maps and General Game Lands Regulations.

Urban Archery Season

Archery only: Jan. 11 – Feb. 16, 2025

Information for Hunters

The intention of the Urban Archery Season is to enable cities, towns and villages to reduce urban deer populations through increased hunter opportunity. Hunting during the Urban Archery Season is allowed ONLY in participating municipalities.
Each city, town and village will decide if hunting is allowed on public property and restrictions, if any, for hunting on private property within the city, town and village limits.
Hunters wishing to hunt in an area participating in the Urban Archery Season should call the participating city, town or village or visit its website to obtain a map showing lawful areas to hunt and additional information on specific restrictions that may apply to each area.
The Urban Archery Season does not obligate private landowners to allow hunting on their property, nor does it eliminate the ethical requirement for obtaining permission from the landowner before hunting. Hunters are legally required to obtain written permission to hunt on posted property.
Season bag and possession limits for both antlerless and antlered deer, including Bonus Anterless Harvest Report Cards, that apply to the general archery, blackpowder, and gun deer seasons also apply to the Urban Archery Season.
Antlered and antlerless deer may be harvested in participating areas during the Urban Archery Season.

The 2025 participating cities, towns and villages are:

Albemarle (Stanly) – 704-984-9565albemarlenc.gov

Ansonville (Anson) – 704-826-8404

townofansonville.godaddysites.com

Archer Lodge (Johnston) – 919-359-9727

archerlodgenc.gov

Boiling Springs (Cleveland) – 704-434-9691

boilingspringsnc.net

Catawba (Catawba) – 828-241-2215 townofcatawbanc.org

Chapel Hill – 919-968-2923(Durham and Orange)

townofchapelhill.org

China Grove (Rowan) – 704-857-2466

chinagrovenc.gov

Clayton (Johnston) – 919-553-5002 ext. 5402

townofclaytonnc.org

Cleveland (Rowan) – 704-278-4777

townofclevelandnc.org

Concord (Cabarrus) – 704-920-5000

concordnc.gov

Denton (Davidson) – 336-859-4231townofdenton.com

East Bend (Yadkin) – 336-699-8560

eastbendnc.com

Eden (Rockingham) – 336-623-9687

edennc.us

Elkin (Surry and Wilkes) – 336-258-8900

elkinnc.org

Fairview (Union) – 704-753-1981fairviewnc.gov

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Franklinville (Randolph) – 336-824-2604

franklinvillenc.org

Glen Alpine (Burke) – 828-584-2622

townofglenalpine.org

Granite Quarry (Rowan) – 704-279-5596

granitequarrync.gov

Harrisburg (Cabarrus) – 704-455-0709

harrisburgnc.org

Huntersville (Mecklenburg) – 704-875-6571

huntersville.org/248

Indian Trail (Union) – 704-821-5401

indiantrail.org

Jamestown (Guilford) – 336-454-1138

jamestown-nc.gov

Jefferson (Ashe) – 336-846-9368

townofjefferson.org

Jonesville (Yadkin) – 336-835-3426

townofjonesvillenc.com

Kannapolis (Cabarrus and Rowan) – 704-920-4000

kannapolisnc.gov

King (Stokes) – 336-983-8265

ci.king.nc.us

Landis (Rowan) – 704-857-4114

townoflandisnc.gov

Lattimore (Cleveland) – 704-434-2620facebook.com/TownofLattimore

Lenoir (Caldwell) – 828-757-2100

cityoflenoir.com

Lewisville (Forsyth) – 336-945-5558

lewisvillenc.net

Locust – 704-888-5260 ext. 101(Cabarrus/Stanly)

locustnc.com

Midland (Cabarrus) – 704-888-2232

midlandnc.us

Mineral Springs (Union) – 704-243-0505

mineralspringsnc.com

Mooresboro (Cleveland) – 704-434-5666

townofmooresboro.org

Morganton (Burke) – 828-432-2345

morgantonnc.gov

Mount Gilead (Montgomery) – 910-439-5111

mtgileadnc.com

Nags Head/Kill Devil Hills (Dare) – 252-441-2525

nature.org/nhw

New London (Stanly) – 704-463-5423newlondonnc.org

North Wilkesboro (Wilkes) – 336-667-7129

north-wilkesboro.com

Norwood (Stanly) – 704-474-3416

norwoodgov.com

Oakboro (Stanly) – 704-485-3351

oakboro.com

Oak Ridge (Guilford) – 336-644-7009oakridgenc.com

Pleasant Garden (Guilford) – 336-674-3002

pleasantgarden.net

Randleman (Randolph) – 336-495-7500

cityofrandleman.com

Red Cross (Stanly) – 704-485-2002

townofredcross.com

Reidsville (Rockingham) – 336-349-1065

reidsvillenc.gov

Richfield (Stanly) – 704-463-1308

[email protected]

Ronda (Wilkes) – 336-835-2061townofronda.org

Sanford (Lee) – 919-777-1104

sanfordnc.net

Sawmills (Caldwell) – 828-396-7903 townofsawmills.com

Shelby (Cleveland) – 704-484-6801

cityofshelby.com

Stallings (Union) – 704-821-8557

stallingsnc.org

Stanfield (Stanly) – 704-888-2386stanfieldnc.com

Stokesdale (Guilford) – 336-643-4011

stokesdale.org

Summerfield (Guilford) – 336-643-8655

summerfieldnc.gov

Trent Woods (Craven) – 252-637-3030

trentwoodspd.org

Troutman (Iredell) – 704-528-7600

troutmannc.gov

Unionville (Union) – 704-226-1989

unionvillenc.org

Wake Forest – 919-554-6150(Franklin and Wake)

wakeforestnc.gov

Waxhaw (Union) – 704-843-2195 ext. 278

waxhaw.com

Weddington (Union) – 704-846-2709

townofweddington.com

Wentworth (Rockingham) – 336-342-6288

townofwentworth.com

Yadkinville (Yadkin) – 336-679-8732

yadkinville.org

Information for cities, towns and villages

The Urban Archery Season is available for cities, towns and villages that submit to the Wildlife Resources Commission by April 1 of each year a letter of intent to participate in the season. A map (no larger than 11” X 17”) clearly defining the area included in the season should also accompany the letter of intent. Interested municipalities should call the Wildlife Management Division at 919-707-0050 and request to be contacted by a district wildlife biologist.