What You Pay for a North Carolina Hunting License

A North Carolina hunting license costs $20 for residents and $150 for non-residents, and both are valid for one calendar year (January 1 through December 31). The resident price covers all game hunting — deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl — with no separate stamps required for most hunters. Non-residents pay the same single fee for the same coverage.

If you hunt only during a specific season and want to pay less, North Carolina offers a 7-day non-resident license for $48.50, which is useful if you are visiting for a short hunting trip. A 3-day non-resident license costs $28.50. Resident hunters do not have the option to buy short-term licenses; the annual $20 license is the only choice.

You must buy your license before you hunt. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission sells licenses online at ncwildlife.org, by phone at 1-888-248-6834, and at authorized vendors across the state — typically sporting goods stores, Walmart locations, and outdoor retailers. Online purchases are when ready; phone and vendor purchases may take a few minutes to process.

Key Takeaways

  • North Carolina residents pay $20 per year for a hunting license that covers all game types; non-residents pay $150 annually or $48.50 for 7 days.
  • You must purchase your license before you hunt, and it is valid only for the calendar year in which you buy it.
  • Licenses are sold online at ncwildlife.org, by phone, and at sporting goods stores and outdoor retailers throughout the state.
  • Separate stamps for waterfowl or turkey are not required in North Carolina; your hunting license covers all game.

Who Counts as a Resident for License Pricing

North Carolina defines a resident hunter as someone who has lived in the state for at least 6 months when ready before buying a license. If you moved to North Carolina in July, you cannot buy a resident license until January of the following year. Military members stationed in North Carolina are treated as residents for hunting purposes, even if they have not lived there for 6 months.

If you own property in North Carolina but live elsewhere, you are not a resident for hunting license purposes and must pay the non-resident rate. The same applies if you are a college student living in the state temporarily — your permanent address determines your status, not where you currently live.

Where to Buy Your License and How Long It Takes

The fastest way to buy a license is online at ncwildlife.org. You create an account, enter your information, pay by credit or debit card, and receive your license number when ready. You can print it at home or show it on your phone when you hunt. This takes about 5 minutes total.

If you prefer to buy in person, visit any authorized vendor — these include Dick's Sporting Goods, Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, local tackle shops, and many other outdoor retailers. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific store sells licenses. Vendor purchases usually process in minutes, though some locations may ask for a few minutes to complete the paperwork.

Buying by phone through the Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-888-248-6834 takes about 10 minutes. You will need to provide your driver's license number, date of birth, and payment information. The commission will mail your license to you, which takes 5 to 7 business days, so this method is not ideal if you plan to hunt soon.

What Your License Covers and Does Not Cover

Your hunting license covers hunting for deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, fox, and other small game during their respective seasons. It also covers waterfowl hunting. You do not need to buy separate stamps or endorsements for any of these — the single license price includes everything.

Your license does not cover hunting on private land without the owner's written permission, and it does not cover hunting on public land without checking current regulations for that specific area. Some public lands require a special permit in addition to your hunting license. The Wildlife Resources Commission website lists which public areas require extra permits and how to get them.

Your license is not transferable. Only the person whose name appears on the license can hunt with it. If someone else hunts with your license, both you and that person can be cited.

Renewing Your License Each Year

Your hunting license expires on December 31 each year. You must buy a new license for the following year before you hunt again. There is no grace period — if you hunt on January 1 with a license that expired on December 31, you are hunting without a valid license.

Renewal is the same process as buying a new license: go online to ncwildlife.org, call 1-888-248-6834, or visit an authorized vendor. You can renew starting in early December for the upcoming year. Many hunters renew in November or December to avoid the rush in January.

Special Licenses and Reduced Rates

North Carolina offers a lifetime resident hunting license for $500, which is a one-time purchase that never expires. This is worth considering if you plan to hunt for many years — it pays for itself in about 25 years of annual $20 licenses.

Resident hunters aged 65 and older pay $5 for an annual license instead of $20. Resident hunters aged 16 and 17 pay $10. Children under 16 do not need a hunting license if they are supervised by a licensed adult, though they must still follow all hunting regulations.

Military veterans and active-duty service members may be may have access to to discounts or free licenses depending on their status. Contact the Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-888-248-6834 to ask about current veteran benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is hunting without checking the current season dates for the game you want to hunt. Your license is valid year-round, but each animal — deer, turkey, squirrel, waterfowl — has specific open and closed seasons. Hunting outside those dates is illegal even with a valid license. Check ncwildlife.org for the current season calendar before you go out.

Another mistake is assuming your old license is still good. If your license expired on December 31, it is no longer valid on January 1, even if you bought it only days before. Buy your new license before the year changes.

Do not hunt on private land without written permission from the owner, and do not assume public land is open to hunting without checking first. Some public areas are closed to hunting or require a separate permit. The Wildlife Resources Commission website shows which public lands allow hunting and what permits are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a hunting license if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. You will need a state ID or passport instead. When you buy online or by phone, you will need to provide a valid ID number. At a vendor location, bring your ID with you. Contact the Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-888-248-6834 if you have questions about which forms of ID are accepted.

Do I need a separate license to hunt on public land versus private land?

No, the same license works on both. However, some public lands require an additional permit beyond your hunting license. Check the Wildlife Resources Commission website or call 1-888-248-6834 to find out whether the specific public area you plan to hunt requires a permit.

What happens if I lose my hunting license?

Contact the Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-888-248-6834 or go to ncwildlife.org to request a replacement. You will need to provide your license number or personal information so they can look up your purchase. A replacement usually takes a few days by mail or can be printed when ready online if you have your account information.

Can I hunt with someone else's license?

No. Your license is valid only for you. If someone else hunts with your license, both of you can be cited. Each hunter must have their own valid license.

Does my license cover hunting in other states?

No. Your North Carolina license is valid only in North Carolina. If you hunt in another state, you must buy a license from that state. Each state has its own licensing system and fees.