Welcome to the thrilling 2023 North Carolina Duck Season hunt! Waterfowl hunters anxiously await the start of the current duck season as the autumnal air becomes chilly and the leaves take on vivid colors. North Carolina in the Atlantic Flyway provides an exceptional hunting experience because of its varied habitats, many waterfowl species, and well-organized seasons. Hunters may fully immerse themselves in the excitement of the hunt while admiring the natural beauty of this great state, from the gorgeous interior zones to the attractive coastline districts. Join us as we explore the species, dates, bag limitations, and particular chances that await ardent waterfowl fans as we dig into the specifics of the 2023 NC Duck Season. Prepare to perfect your abilities, outfit yourself, and go on thrilling hunting expeditions across North Carolina’s breathtaking scenery!
NC Duck Season Schedules for 2023
North Carolina’s duck hunting season runs from October 15 through January 31, 2023. Hunters need a current hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a North Carolina waterfowl habitat stamp to hunt ducks. Hunters must also have completed a hunter safety course and be at least 16 years old. It is crucial to get acquainted with the particular guidelines and specifications the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provides.
Species | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
General Duck Season | |||
Inland Duck Zone | 19-Oct | 21-Oct | |
4-Nov | 25-Nov | ||
19-Dec | 31-Jan | Black ducks and mottled ducks closed until Nov. 18 | |
Coastal Duck Zone | 27-Oct | 28-Oct | |
4-Nov | 25-Nov | ||
18-Dec | 31-Jan | Black ducks and mottled ducks closed until Nov. 18 | |
Mergansers | |||
19-Oct | 21-Oct | ||
4-Nov | 25-Nov | ||
19-Dec | 31-Jan | ||
27-Oct | 28-Oct | ||
4-Nov | 25-Nov | ||
18-Dec | 31-Jan | ||
Coots | |||
19-Oct | 21-Oct | ||
4-Nov | 25-Nov | ||
19-Dec | 31-Jan | ||
27-Oct | 28-Oct | ||
4-Nov | 25-Nov | ||
18-Dec | 31-Jan | ||
September Teal | 13-Sep | 30-Sep | Includes green-winged, blue-winged, and cinnamon teal |
Sea Ducks | 27-Oct | 28-Oct | |
4-Nov | 25-Nov | ||
18-Dec | 31-Jan |
Bag Limits for NC Duck Season
Species | Daily Bag Limits | Note |
---|---|---|
General Duck Season | includes a maximum of 4 sea ducks out of a total of 6 ducks. | A maximum of 3 scoters, 3 eiders (1 hen eider), or 3 long-tailed ducks may be present. |
4 mallards (no more than 2 hen mallards) | ||
3 wood ducks | ||
2 redheads | ||
2 canvasbacks | ||
2 black ducks | ||
1 pintail | ||
1 mottled duck | ||
1 fulvous whistling duck | ||
Prior to January 9, scaup bag limit is 1; on/after January 9, it is 2 | ||
Harlequin duck season is closed | ||
Mergansers | a maximum of 2 hooded mergansers among the five mergansers. | |
Coots | 15 coots | |
September Teal | 6 (comprised of cinnamon teal, blue-winged, and green-winged teal) | Only the region east of U.S. Highway 17 is available to the public during the September Teal Season. |
Sea Ducks | a maximum of 3 scoters, 3 eiders (one hen eider), or 3 long-tailed ducks in the total of 4 sea ducks. | Daily bag limitations for sea ducks go toward the overall duck daily bag limit of six ducks. |
NC Duck hunting license types and cost
Licenses Type | Cost (Resident) | Cost (Nonresident) | Note |
---|---|---|---|
State Hunting License | $25 | $125 | permits statewide waterfowl hunting |
Combination Hunting and Inland Fishing License | $40 | $200 | permits statewide waterfowl hunting & inland water fishing |
Sportsman License | $47 | $225 | permits statewide large game, waterfowl, & fishing inland waters |
Note: Besides purchasing a hunting license, you must also spend $25 on a federal duck stamp.
Duck Regulations
- State Hunting License: Depending on where they live, hunters must possess a current state hunting license, which comes in various forms.
- Federal Duck Stamp: Hunting migrating ducks in the United States requires a Federal Duck Stamp.
FAQs on North Carolina Duck Season
When is the North Carolina duck hunting season?
The Coastal Duck Zone and the Inland Duck Zone are the two hunting seasons for ducks in North Carolina. The season runs from October 19 to October 21, 2023, November 4 to November 25, 2023, and December 19, 2023, to January 31, 2024, in the Inland Duck Zone. However, black and mottled duck hunting is prohibited in this area until November 18. As opposed to this, the seasons in the Coastal Duck Zone are October 27–October 28, November 4–November 25, and December 18–January 31, 2024. Hunting black ducks and mottled ducks is prohibited in the Coastal Duck Zone until November 18, just as it is in the Inland Duck Zone. To guarantee adherence to the hunting season, hunters must be informed of the precise dates and rules for each zone.
When does the North Carolina Duck Hunting Season start and end?
North Carolina’s regular duck season starts on October 19 of that year and finishes on January 31, 2024.
What are the North Carolina duck hunting bag limits?
The Inland Duck Zone and the Coastal Duck Zone have a daily bag limit of six ducks for hunters during the North Carolina general duck season. Four sea ducks, four mallards (two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, two black ducks, one pintail, one mottled duck, and one fulvous whistling duck are the maximum numbers allowed. Before January 9, there is a one-bag restriction for scaup; after that date, there is a two-bag limit. The harlequin duck hunting season is ended. Mergansers (5 with a restriction of 2 hooded mergansers), coots (15), and September Teal (6 in the designated region) all have particular bag limitations. To guarantee compliance while enjoying duck hunting in North Carolina, hunters must know these rules.
What are the requirements for hunting waterfowl in North Carolina?
A current hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a North Carolina waterfowl habitat stamp are required to hunt waterfowl in North Carolina. A licensed adult must accompany you if you are under 16. All hunters are required to finish a hunter education course. Wear hunter orange to be seen, and abide by all state and federal laws, especially those governing bag limits and shooting times. A safe and pleasurable waterfowl hunting experience in North Carolina is ensured by adhering to these rules.
Are there different hunting zones for duck hunting in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina has two distinct duck hunting zones: the Coastal Duck Zone and the Inland Duck Zone.
Can I hunt sea ducks during the duck hunting season?
Yes, hunting sea ducks, including scoters, eiders, and long-tailed ducks, is legal during the general duck season. However, there are limitations on how many sea ducks you may take while still staying inside the overall bag limit.
Do I need any special licenses or permits to hunt waterfowl in North Carolina?
Yes, you must also buy a North Carolina waterfowl privilege, a federal duck stamp, and your hunting license. These are available from reputable merchants or online.
Can I hunt during the September Teal season in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina does have a particular September Teal season. Hunters can take up to 6 teal, including green-winged, blue-winged, and cinnamon teal. It is only available in the region east of U.S. Highway 17, and it is only open to those living there.