Gobbler, gobbler, gobbler! It’s that time of year again, folks. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the wild turkeys are strutting their stuff. That’s right, turkey season is upon us!
But before you head out to the woods with your trusty shotgun, it’s important to know the rules and regulations. That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve compiled all the essential information you need to know about turkey hunting in North Carolina for the 2023-2024 season, including:
- Season dates
- Bag limits
- Hunting methods
- Regulations
- Safety tips
So, whether you’re a seasoned turkey hunter or just getting started, this guide has got you covered Let’s get gobblin’!
Turkey Season Dates in North Carolina
The 2023-2024 turkey season in North Carolina runs from April 1st to May 6th, with a separate youth season from April 1st to 7th. This means you’ve got plenty of time to bag a bird (or two!).
Bag Limits
The bag limit for turkey in North Carolina is two birds per season, with only one bird allowed during the youth season. Additionally, only male or bearded turkeys can be harvested. This helps ensure the sustainability of the wild turkey population.
Hunting Methods
In North Carolina, there are several approaches you can take to go turkey hunting, such as:
- Still-hunting: This involves slowly and quietly moving through the woods, listening for turkey calls and looking for signs of movement.
- Calling: This involves using a variety of calls to attract turkeys, such as yelps, clucks, and gobbles.
- Decoying: This involves setting up decoys to lure turkeys into range.
- Ambush: This involves setting up in a concealed location and waiting for turkeys to come to you.
Regulations
In addition to the bag limits and hunting methods mentioned above, there are a few other important regulations to keep in mind:
- You must have a valid hunting license and turkey permit.
- You can only hunt turkeys on public or private land where you have permission to hunt.
- It is illegal to use bait to attract turkeys.
- You must report your turkey harvest within 10 days of the kill.
For a complete list of regulations, please visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website.
Safety Tips
Turkey hunting can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that safety should always come first. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while hunting turkeys:
- Always wear blaze orange clothing.
- Be aware of your surroundings and identify your target before shooting.
- Never shoot at anything you can’t clearly see.
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Be sure to follow all gun safety rules.
Additional Resources
- NC Wildlife Resources Commission Turkey Hunting Page: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Turkey
- eRegulations Turkey Seasons & Regulations: https://www.eregulations.com/northcarolina/hunting/turkey-seasons-regulations
- Turkey Hunting Tips and Techniques: https://www.wikihow.com/Hunt-Turkeys
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NORTH CAROLINA Opening Day DOUBLE! (Turkey Hunting)
FAQ
What states turkey season opens first?
What hunting season is open in North Carolina?
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Hunting Dates
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Zones
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Sept 9 – Oct 1
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Haywood, Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania
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Oct 15 – Nov 19
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Haywood, Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania
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Sept 9 – Oct 1
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Swain, Jackson, Macon, Graham, Cherokee, Clay
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Oct 15 – Nov 19
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Swain, Jackson, Macon, Graham, Cherokee, Clay
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What time do turkeys roost in NC?
How many turkeys are in NC?
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Estimated Population (updated every 5 years)
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Year
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State
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2010
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260,000
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2015
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265,000
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2020
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270,000
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When is wild turkey hunting season in North Carolina?
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 21, 2023) – 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.
How many turkeys can a hunter take in North Carolina?
Each hunter in North Carolina can only take two turkeys throughout the season. During the youth season, reserved for hunters under 18, they may take just one of these. This means a hunter may only take one additional turkey during the standard seaso n (April 10 to May 8) if they took one during the youth season.
Can you hunt Turkey in North Carolina?
During the North Carolina turkey season, a firearm may be used for turkey hunting. In North Carolina, along with tools for shooting, shotguns are among the weapons that may be used for hunting turkey. (bows and crossbows) Can I hunt turkey on Sundays during the North Carolina turkey 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.