Public Hunting Land in North Carolina

North Carolina offers a strong variety of public hunting opportunities, from Appalachian bear and turkey in the west to coastal waterfowl in the east. With over 2 million acres of game lands available, the Tar Heel State supports whitetail deer, small game, upland birds, and more for hunters of all skill levels.

Types of Public Land Available in North Carolina:

• Game Lands: Managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), open to public hunting with general or permit-only access.

• National Forests: Pisgah, Nantahala, Croatan, and Uwharrie provide excellent habitats for deer, turkey, and small game.

• State Parks & Military Lands (Selected): Certain areas allow controlled or permit-based public hunting.

• Permit-Only Areas: Some high-quality units require seasonal or daily draw permits for access.

Seasons & Access Info

North Carolina uses a three-zone system (Mountain, Piedmont, Coastal) for hunting seasons. Some game lands operate under permit-only or youth-focused access regulations.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Season Dates & Rules

• License & Permit Sales

• Permit-Only Hunt Applications

Pro Tip: Coastal waterfowl and black bear opportunities are highly sought after, so apply early and scout hard for access.

Explore Public Hunting Access in North Carolina

NCWRC provides excellent mapping tools and downloadable guides to help hunters find legal access:

• Game Lands Interactive Map Viewer

• Downloadable Game Lands Map Book (PDF)

• Public Hunting Area Regulations & Zones

Whether you're chasing gobblers in the mountains or mallards in flooded coastal timber, North Carolina’s game lands offer high-quality access to every type of hunter.