North Carolina hunting
Public hunting land in North Carolina
Caliber maps 108 public hunting areas in North Carolina, with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's license fees, hunter education rules and official links in one place. Find the closest land to you on a list or a map, free.
North Carolina · 108 areas
Nantahala National Forest
National forest · 532,900 acres
Pisgah National Forest
National forest · 510,983 acres
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife refuge · 306,229 acres
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife refuge · 229,859 acres
Croatan National Forest
National forest · 161,851 acres
Largest areas shown. Caliber sorts all 108 by distance from you.
- 90
- State wildlife areas
- 7
- National forests
- 11
- National wildlife refuges
North Carolina hunting licenses and rules
- Wildlife agency
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
- Phone
- 833-950-0575
- Resident license
- $32 — Resident State Hunting License (annual, 2026-27; big game extra, or $49 Comprehensive)
- Nonresident license
- $124 — Nonresident State Hunting License (annual, 2026-27; big game extra; 10-day $99)
- Hunter education
- Proof of hunter education (or a prior NC license/apprentice permit) is required to buy a license; no minimum age.
- Good to know
- The State Hunting License includes hunting on game lands; big game and waterfowl privileges are separate unless Comprehensive.
Fees and rules as published by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, checked Oct 31, 2026. They change, so confirm on the agency's site. This isn't legal advice.
Official links
- Hunting licenses
- Season dates
- Regulations
- Public hunting lands
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website
Practicing for hunter ed?
Caliber has unofficial hunter education practice questions with explanations.
Try sample questions →Largest public hunting areas in North Carolina
The 12 biggest of 108 areas. Caliber has every one, with a map, and sorts them by distance from you.
| Area | Type | Acres | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nantahala National Forest | National forest | 532,900 | Open |
| Pisgah National Forest | National forest | 510,983 | Open |
| Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge | Wildlife refuge | 306,229 | Restricted: permit, reservation or special rules |
| Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge | Wildlife refuge | 229,859 | Restricted: permit, reservation or special rules |
| Croatan National Forest | National forest | 161,851 | Open |
| Sandhills Game Land | State wildlife area | 108,804 | Open |
| Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge | Wildlife refuge | 99,511 | Restricted: permit, reservation or special rules |
| Holly Shelter Game Land | State wildlife area | 64,735 | Open |
| Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge | Wildlife refuge | 55,220 | Restricted: permit, reservation or special rules |
| Uwharrie National Forest | National forest | 51,867 | Open |
| Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge | Wildlife refuge | 42,608 | Restricted: permit, reservation or special rules |
| Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land | State wildlife area | 40,671 | Open |
State wildlife areas · 90
Run for wildlife and, usually, hunting. Many need a state license plus a land-use permit or have their own season dates, draw hunts or weapon limits.
National forests · 7
Hunting is generally allowed under state hunting laws, except near developed sites and where posted. Some areas close for fire or wildlife.
National wildlife refuges · 11
Refuges allow hunting only where and when each refuge opens it, often with its own permit and rules. Check the refuge's hunt page before you go.
North Carolina hunting FAQ
Where can I find public hunting land in North Carolina?
Caliber lists 108 public hunting areas in North Carolina: 90 state wildlife areas, 7 national forests, 11 national wildlife refuges. Open Caliber, enter your ZIP and see the closest areas on a list or a map. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission also publishes its own public hunting land information on its website.
How much is a hunting license in North Carolina?
As published by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (checked Oct 31, 2026): resident, $32 — Resident State Hunting License (annual, 2026-27; big game extra, or $49 Comprehensive); nonresident, $124 — Nonresident State Hunting License (annual, 2026-27; big game extra; 10-day $99). Fees change, so confirm on the agency's licensing page before you buy.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in North Carolina?
Proof of hunter education (or a prior NC license/apprentice permit) is required to buy a license; no minimum age. Check North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for exemptions and current rules.
When is hunting season in North Carolina?
Seasons vary by species, zone and year, so Caliber links to North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's official season-date page instead of listing dates. Always check current regulations before you hunt.
Find North Carolina hunting land near you
All 108 North Carolina areas on a list or a map, sorted by distance, plus a free bullet drop calculator and DOPE book. Free on iPhone.
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Public hunting land in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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Area data: USGS Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1, public domain. Access as recorded in PAD-US. Always check current regulations, seasons and access rules with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the managing agency before you hunt.
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