North Carolina, a true turkey hunters dream, boasts over 2 million acres of breathtaking public land. This diverse landscape, nurtured by a robust wildlife restoration program, sets the standard for thrilling hunts of big gobblers in the southeast.
Knowing when the season opens, the landscape, and some location-specific turkey hunting tips can help you be a more rounded turkey hunter and hit your limits. Lets take a look at when the NC turkey season opens and some tips to help you find hunting land and get your gobblers this season.
Turkey hunting is a popular spring tradition in North Carolina The state provides excellent turkey habitat ranging from coastal wetlands to mountain forests, supporting a robust wild turkey population If you’re looking forward to turkey season in North Carolina, here’s a complete overview of the 2023 dates, youth season, license requirements, limits, and regulations to follow.
North Carolina Spring Turkey Season Dates
The 2023 spring turkey season in North Carolina runs from Saturday, April 1 through Saturday, May 6. This provides hunters with 5 weeks to pursue gobblers in the peak breeding season.
Here are the key dates for 2023 NC turkey season
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Youth Only Season – April 1-7, 2023. This is open to hunters under age 18 only.
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Opening Day (Statewide) – April 8, 2023
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Closing Day – May 6 2023
Hunting is allowed statewide on both private and public lands within season dates. Certain game lands may have special permit requirements.
Youth Turkey Hunting Season
North Carolina offers a special youth-only turkey season from April 1-7 each year. This gives hunters under age 18 the chance to hunt turkeys before the main season opens.
Any hunter under 18 years old can participate in the youth season. Those aged 16-17 need a valid hunting license, while hunters under 16 can hunt license-free if accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old. An adult doesn’t need a license to accompany a youth hunter.
The bag limit during the youth season is 1 bearded turkey. This counts toward the overall 2 turkey seasonal limit.
Turkey Hunting License Requirements
To hunt turkeys in North Carolina, you need a valid NC hunting license plus a Big Game Harvest Report Card. Different license requirements apply based on residency and age:
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NC Residents – Need a Big Game Hunting License ($25) or Sportsman License ($55). Lifetime licenses are also available.
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Non-Residents – Need a Non-Resident Big Game Hunting License ($130).
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Youth – Those under 16 can hunt license-free when accompanied by a licensed adult. Youth 16-17 need a Big Game Hunting License.
All turkey hunters must carry a Big Game Harvest Report Card and validate it upon harvesting a bird. Cards are $13 for residents and $50 for non-residents.
Bag Limits for Turkey Hunting
The statewide bag limit for wild turkey hunting in North Carolina is:
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2 turkeys total per hunter for the 2023 spring season
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1 turkey daily limit
If a hunter bags a turkey during the youth season, they can harvest only 1 additional turkey during the regular season.
The possession limit is 2 turkeys per person, only one of which may be taken during the youth season.
Turkey Hunting Regulations
Several important regulations apply to turkey hunting in North Carolina:
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Only male or bearded turkeys may be harvested. Taking hen turkeys is prohibited.
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Legal hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
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Only bows, crossbows, or shotguns with #2 or smaller shot can be used. Rifles and handguns are prohibited.
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Electronic calls are legal, but live decoys are not.
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Hunting turkeys over bait is illegal, as is taking turkeys from within 300 yards of any baited area. An area remains baited for 10 days after all bait is removed.
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All harvested turkeys must be reported by noon on the day after being taken either online or by calling 800-446-8663.
Following all hunting laws and ethics is crucial to maintain healthy turkey populations in North Carolina for future generations to enjoy.
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips
Practicing safe turkey hunting is extremely important. Here are some key safety reminders:
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Never stalk a turkey. Set up concealed in a stable position and call them in.
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Use a tree, large log, or blind to conceal yourself when calling. Avoid hiding in bushes.
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Sit still and remain quiet when turkeys are approaching. Fast movements and noises can alarm them.
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Be 100% sure of your target and what’s behind it before shooting.
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Wear full camo clothing including gloves and a facemask or face paint. Turkeys have excellent vision.
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Never shoot at movement or sound. Only fire when you see and identify the bearded head and neck of a male turkey.
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Let other hunters know where you’ll be hunting and when you plan to return.
Staying safe, following regulations, and using proper hunting strategy will lead to an ethical, enjoyable turkey hunt in North Carolina.
Frequent Turkey Hunting Questions
Here are some common questions about turkey hunting in North Carolina:
Can you use dogs when turkey hunting in North Carolina?
No, using dogs to pursue wild turkeys is prohibited in North Carolina.
What weapons can legally be used to hunt turkeys?
Shotguns, archery gear like crossbows and bows, and primitive muzzleloaders are legal for turkey hunting. Rifles and handguns are prohibited.
How do you report a turkey harvest?
Harvested turkeys must be reported by noon the day after being taken either on the NC Wildlife website or by calling 800-446-8663.
When does fall turkey season start?
There is no fall turkey hunting season in North Carolina. The only turkey season is the regular spring season from April 1 through early May.
Following the turkey hunting season dates, understanding the license requirements, and sticking to the bag limits and other regulations will ensure you have an enjoyable and legal hunt in North Carolina.
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When Does the Turkey Season Start in North Carolina in 2025?
The turkey hunting season in North Carolina is divided into a general and youth window.
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Youth Season (Male or Bearded Turkey Only) April 5-11, 2025 |
Statewide Spring Season (Male or Bearded Turkey Only) April 12 – May 10, 2025 |
| This is the open season for youth under 18 to hunt statewide. A permit may be required in some game lands, and each youth must carry a big game harvest report card and report harvests according to instructions. If exempt, they must report using a big game harvest report card for license-exempt hunters. | This is the general season for youth and adult hunters. |
North Carolina Turkey Hunting
FAQ
Is turkey hunting good in North Carolina?
Eastern Turkey Hunting North Carolina Outfitter
Over the last 10 years our hunters have had over a 90% success rate. Our hunters have been hunting from over 8000 acres that are loaded with turkeys. Come experience a turkey hunt in NC that is second to none.
What hunting season is open in North Carolina?
| Raccoon and Opossum | Oct. 17 – Feb. 28 |
|---|---|
| Grouse | Oct. 17 – Feb. 28 |
| Bobcat | Oct. 17 – Feb. 28 |
| Pheasant | Nov. 19 – Feb. 1 |
| Armadillo | Open season |
Can you shoot 2 turkeys in one day in NC?
Turkey Season Regulations
Hunters throughout the state are limited to two bearded turkeys per year, and a daily limit of one turkey, meaning hunters may not tag out in one day. Shooting a wild turkey with a handgun or rifle is illegal.
Why is turkey season in April?
Early spring seasons often mean turkeys are still in their winter flocks; the breeding season has either not yet started or is in its early stage. Because the turkeys are in flocks and few hens have been bred, every turkey is competition when trying to call turkeys into close range.
When is wild turkey hunting season in North Carolina?
Wild turkey hunting season opens in North Carolina on April 1. The youth season is April 1 – 7, and the statewide season is April 8 – May 6. Hunters are limited to two turkeys for the season, only one of which may be taken during the youth season.
Can you hunt a Turkey in North Carolina?
This conservation success story is why hunters today in the North Carolina region can enjoy hunting the eastern wild turkey, one of the most popular options for game hunting during the NC hunting season.
How many turkeys were harvested in North Carolina in 2022?
However, through active recovery and restoration work spearheaded by the NCWRC, the turkey has rebounded to a healthy population status in North Carolina. According to NCWRC assistant chief Chris Kreh, 20,576 turkeys were harvested in 2022, including 1,777 birds in the youth season.
Are wild turkeys legal in North Carolina?
Additionally, taking wild turkeys from within 300 yards of a baited location is similarly unlawful–an area is considered baited until ten days after the bait is consumed. With a North Carolina hunting license and a big game harvest report card, hunting wild turkeys in North Carolina is legal during the designated seasons.
What is a wild turkey in North Carolina?
They are the primary wild turkey species hunted and native to North Carolina and are defined by several characteristics, including: Habitat: These wild turkeys will opt for a blended habitat of open and closed terrain, roosting higher up in branches away from predators with a preference for large hardwood trees.
What happened to wild turkeys in North Carolina?
During the mid 1900’s, North Carolina’s native wild turkeys were nearly eliminated as a result of heavy market hunting and habitat loss. However, through active recovery and restoration work spearheaded by the NCWRC, the turkey has rebounded to a healthy population status in North Carolina.