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North Carolina

Hunting

Hunting

Regulations for Specific Game Lands

Antlerless Deer Seasons and Other Rules Applying to Individual Game Lands

The allowable days to hunt per week is indicated next to each game land in parenthesis. Example: “(7)” is a 7-days-per-week game land and (P) is a permit-only game land. Refer to Index to Game Land Map for definitions of each area.

Permit applications can be found at gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com.

Individual Game Lands

Alligator River Game Land (7) – Tyrrell County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Bear may only be taken on November 9, 11, 12 and December 21, 23, 24.

Angola Bay Game Land (7) – Duplin and Pender counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Bachelor Bay Game Land (7) – Bertie, and Washington counties.

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Bear hunting is prohibited on the Designated Bear Management Area.

Bertie County Game Land (6) – Bertie County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1. (maximum season).
  • On the Johnson Landing Tract, discharge of centerfire rifles is prohibited.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Bladen Lakes State Forest Game Land (3) – Bladen County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Rifles larger than .22 caliber rimfire shall not be used.
  • On the Singletary Tract, hunting deer and bear with dogs is prohibited.
  • Turkey hunting on the Singletary Tract is by permit only.
  • Youth-adult permit hunts are available on Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 10 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.
  • Discharge of centerfire rifles is prohibited.
  • The use of dogs for pursuing or taking foxes is prohibited Feb. 15 – Aug. 1.

Brinkleyville Game Land (7) – Halifax County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate season).
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Buckhorn Game Land (P) – Orange County

  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited.

Buckridge Game Land (3) – Tyrrell County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Bear may only be taken on November 9, 11, 12 and December 21, 23, 24.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Buffalo Cove Game Land (7) – Caldwell and Wilkes counties

  • Gun Deer Season: Nov. 30 – Jan. 1 in all portions of the game land.
  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30 (introductory season) in all portions of the game land.
  • Blackpowder Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 in all portions of the game land. (Antlered or antlerless deer may be taken on these days.)
  • Archery Season: Sept. 7 – Nov. 15.
  • Horseback riding is prohibited except on designated trails May 16 – Aug. 31, and all horseback riding is prohibited from Sept. 1 – May 15. This rule includes all equine species.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Bullard and Branch Hunting Preserve (4) – Robeson County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Land (6) – Durham, Granville and Wake counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 in that portion in Durham and Granville counties and Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 in that portion in Wake County (moderate season).
  • Waterfowl may be taken only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satur­days, Christmas, Martin Luther King Jr. and New Year’s days, and on opening and closing days of the applicable water­fowl seasons. On the posted waterfowl impoundments, a special permit is required for all waterfowl hunting after Nov. 1.
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14, except on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Camping Area.
  • Camping is allowed at any time on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Camping Area, not to exceed a maximum stay of two consecutive nights, and campfires are prohibited.
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only, except on those areas posted as Archery Zones.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • The use of dogs for hunting deer is prohibited on that portion west of N.C. 50 and south of Falls Lake.
  • Except for hunters engaged in the act of hunting, bicycle riding is allowed only in designated areas from May 15 – Aug. 31 and only on Sundays from Sept. 1 – May 14.

Buxton Woods Game Land (6) – Dare County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 18 (conservative season).
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Cape Fear River Wetlands Game Land (7) – Pender and New Hanover Counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only on the Roan Island Tract.
  • On the Canetuck Tract, hunting deer and bear with dogs is prohibited.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Carteret County Game Land (7) – Carteret County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate season).
  • Dogs may not be used for hunting deer.
  • Bear hunting on the Salters Creek tract is by permit only.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

R. Wayne Bailey-Caswell Game Land (3) – Caswell County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Nov. 16 – Nov. 27 (conservative season).
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is allowed seven days per week from May 16 – Aug. 31, and on Sundays only Sept. 1 – May 15. Horseback riding is allowed only on roads opened to vehicular traffic and on those gated roads and trails that are posted for equestrian use. Participants age 16 or older must obtain a game lands license prior to engaging in horseback riding on this area.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14.
  • The area posted with signs stating “Caswell Small Game Focal Area, Special Regulations Apply” is closed to all quail and woodcock hunting except by permit only.
  • On the posted waterfowl impoundments, a special permit is required for all waterfowl hunting after Nov. 1.
  • Target shooting is prohibited except on the Caswell Shooting Range.

Chatham Game Land (7) – Chatham County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 (moderate season).
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only.
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is allowed seven days per week from May 16 – Aug. 31, and on Sundays only Sept. 1 – May 15.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Except for hunters engaged in the act of hunting, bicycle riding is prohibited.

Chowan Game Land (7) – Chowan County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Chowan Swamp Game Land (6) – Bertie, Gates and Hertford counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Bear may only be taken on November 9, 11, 12 and December 21, 23, 24, except that on the portion of Chowan Swamp Game Land in Gates County east of Highway 158/13, south of Highway 158, west of Highway 32, and north of Catherine Creek and the Chowan River the bear season is November 9, 11–16 and December 14, 16–21 and December 23–28.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.
  • Horseback riding is prohibited except during May 16 – Aug. 31 and on Sundays only Sept. 1 – May 15 on those roads that are open to vehicular traffic and those gated roads and trails posted for equestrian use.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Cold Mountain Game Land (7) – Haywood County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30 (introductory season).
  • Horseback riding is prohibited except on designated trails May 16 – Aug. 31, and all horseback riding is prohibited from Sept. 1 – May 15. This rule includes all equine species.

Columbus County Game Land (4) – Brunswick and Columbus Counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Deer hunting on the Campbell Tract is by permit only.

Croatan Game Land (7) – Carteret, Jones and Craven counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Waterfowl may be taken only on Tuesdays and Saturdays; on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. days; and on the opening and closing of the applicable water­fowl seasons.
  • On the first two open days of dove season, a permit is needed to hunt on posted areas.
  • Hunting from Disabled Sportsmen blinds on the Catfish Lake waterfowl impoundment is by permit only.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.
  • Bear hunting is prohibited on the Designated Bear Management Area.

Currituck Banks Game Land (7) – Currituck County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Permanent waterfowl blinds in Currituck Sound adjacent to these game lands shall be hunted by permit only after Nov. 1.
  • Licensed hunting guides may accompany the permitted individual or party, but may not use a firearm.
  • The boundary of the game land shall extend five yards from the edge of the marsh or shoreline.
  • Dogs shall be allowed only for waterfowl hunting by permitted hunters on the day of their hunt.
  • No screws, nails or other objects penetrating the bark shall be used to attach a tree stand or blind to a tree.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Dan River Game Land (3) – Rockingham County

  • Deer and turkey hunting by permit-only.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Horseback riding is prohibited, except on those areas posted for equestrian use. Persons age 16 or older horseback riding must possess a Game Land License.

Dare Game Land (7) – Dare and Hyde counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 18 (conservative season).
  • No hunting on posted parts of bombing range. Selected roads may be closed for military training.
  • The use and training of dogs is prohibited from March 1 – June 30.
  • Bear hunting is by permit only on the Dare Designated Bear Management Area.

Dover Bay Game Land (6) – Craven County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

DuPont State Forest Game Land (P) – Henderson and Transylvania counties

  • Permit-only area. (Apply at ncwildlife.org.)
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Training and the use of dogs is prohibited except during sched­uled permit hunts.

Elk Knob Game Land (7) – Watauga County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 23 – Nov. 29 (conservative season).

Embro Game Land (7) – Halifax and Warren counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate season).
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Goose Creek Game Land (7) – Beaufort and Pamlico counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Prior to Oct. 1, waterfowl may be taken only on Tuesdays and Saturdays and on the opening and closing days of the statewide waterfowl seasons on the posted impoundments.
  • Beginning on the first open waterfowl season day in October and through the end of the waterfowl season, waterfowl hunting is by permit only on posted waterfowl impoundments.
  • Hunting and vehicular access on the Parker Farm Tract is restricted from Sept. 1 – Jan. 1 and April 1 – May 15 to individuals that possess a valid hunting opportunity permit.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.
  • On the Beaufort County portion north of N.C. 33 except for that portion east of Smith Creek and south of Campbell Creek, the use of dogs for hunting deer or bear is prohibited.

Green River Game Land (6) – Henderson and Polk counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 23, except that portion in Henderson Co. where the season is Nov. 30.
  • Horseback riding is prohibited. This rule includes all equine species.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Green Swamp Game Land (6) – Brunswick County

  • Six-day-per-week area.
  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • On the Little Macedonia Tract, the use of dogs for hunting deer or bear is prohibited and hunting and trapping is by permit-only.
  • Bear hunting is prohibited on the Designated Bear Management Area.

Gull Rock Game Land (7) – Hyde County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • On posted waterfowl impoundments, hunting of any species of wildlife is limited to Tuesdays and Saturdays; Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. days; and opening and closing days of the applicable waterfowl seasons.
  • Bear may only be taken November 9, 11, 12 and December 21, 23, 24, except that portion of the game land in the Designated Bear Management Area. Bear hunting is prohibited on the Designated Bear Management Area.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.

Harris Game Land (7) – Chatham, Harnett and Wake counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 except those parts in Wake and Harnett counties where the season is Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate seasons).
  • Waterfowl may be taken only on Tuesdays, Fridays and Satur­days; on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days; and on the opening and closing days of the applicable waterfowl seasons.
  • The use or construction of permanent hunting blinds is prohibited.
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only, except on those areas posted as Archery Zones.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Horseback riding is prohibited.
  • Except for hunters engaged in the act of hunting, bicycle riding is prohibited.

Headwaters State Forest Game Land (6) – Transylvania County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30.

Hill Farm Game Land (P) – Stokes County

Holly Shelter Game Land (6) – Pender County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Waterfowl hunting is allowed only on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. days; and on the opening and closing days of the applicable waterfowl seasons.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.
  • Dogs may be used for hunting deer and bear on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days only.
  • On the portion of the game land that is north of the Bear Garden Road, west of Shaw Road to Baby Branch, east of the Northeast Cape Fear River, south of N.C. 53 and west of N.C. 50, deer hunt­ing and bear hunting are by permit only. Other species may be hunted on this area only during the normal open days for this game land.
  • Hunting deer and bear with dogs on the Pender 4 and Greentree impound­ment tracts is prohibited.
  • Hunting and vehicular access on the Pender 4 Tract is restricted from Sept. 1 through the last day of February and April 1 – May 15 to individuals that possess valid hunting opportunity permits.
  • Hunters who possess a Disabled Access Permit to operate all terrain vehicles are allowed on and within 100 yards of trails designated for Disabled Sportsman Access. See the online game land maps for designated trails.
  • Target shooting is prohibited except on the Holly Shelter Shooting Range.
  • Geocaching is allowed only on closed days for taking bear, deer, turkey, and waterfowl.

Hyco Game Land (7) – Person County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 (moderate season).
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

J. Morgan Futch Game Land (P) – Tyrrell County

Johns River Game Land (P) – Burke County

  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.
  • The construction of permanent hunting blinds is prohibited.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Jordan Game Land (6) – Durham, Chatham, Orange and Wake counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Jan. 1, except that part in Wake Co. where the season is Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum seasons).
  • Waterfowl may be taken only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sat­urdays; on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days; and on the opening and closing days of the applicable waterfowl seasons.
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is allowed only on those areas posted as American Tobacco Trail and other areas specifically posted for equestrian use. Unless otherwise posted, horseback riding is permitted on the American Tobacco Trail anytime the trail is open. On all other posted equestrian trails, horseback riding is allowed seven days per week from May 16 – Aug. 31, and on Sundays only from Sept. 1 – May 15. Participants age 16 and older must obtain a game land license prior to engaging in horseback riding on any area other than the American Tobacco Trail.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only, except on those areas posted as Archery Zones.
  • Except while hunting, bicycle riding is restricted to designated areas.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 through May 14.

Juniper Creek Game Land (7) – Brunswick and Columbus counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.
  • Bear hunting is prohibited on that portion in the Designated Bear Management Area.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 10 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.

Kerr Scott Game Land (6) – Wilkes County

  • Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 23 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Use of centerfire rifles is prohibited.
  • Deer may be taken by archery equipment only except during the blackpowder season.
  • Tree stands may not be left overnight and no screws, nails, or other objects may be used to aid in climbing or to attach a tree stand or blind to a tree.
  • Turkey hunting is archery only.

Lantern Acres Game Land (6) – Tyrrell and Washington counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only.
  • Dogs may not be used to hunt deer on the Godley Tract.
  • Waterfowl hunting on posted waterfowl impoundments is by permit only.

Lee Game Land (7) – Lee County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 (moderate season).
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Except for hunters engaged in the act of hunting, bicycle riding is prohibited.

Light Ground Pocosin Game Land (7) – Pamlico County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Linwood Game Land (7) – Davidson County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).

Little Fork State Forest Game Land (3) – Wilkes County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Nov. 23 – Dec. 4 (conservative season).
  • Bear Hunting is prohibited.

Lower Fishing Creek Game Land (7) – Edgecombe and Halifax counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate season).
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited.
  • Dogs may not be used for hunting deer.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Mayo Game Land (7) – Person County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 (moderate season).
  • Waterfowl may be hunted only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; Christmas and New Year’s days; and on opening and closing days, of the applicable waterfowl seasons.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Mitchell River Game Land (4) – Alleghany and Surry counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Nov. 23 – Dec. 3 (conservative season).
  • Horseback riding is prohibited except on designated trails. May 16 – Aug. 31. All horseback riding is prohibited. Sept. 1 – May 15. This rule includes all equine species.

Nantahala Game Land (7) – Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain and Transylvania counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30 in that portion in Transylvania County (introductory season).
  • Dogs may be used to hunt feral swine during the open bear season and from January 1 – 31.

Needmore Game Land (7) – Macon and Swain counties

  • There is no gun antlerless season.
  • Horseback riding is prohibited except on designated trails May 16 – Aug. 31. All horseback riding is prohibited from Sept. 1 – May 15. This rule applies to all equine species.
  • On posted dove fields, dove hunting on the opening day of dove season is by permit only.

Neuse River Game Land (6) – Craven County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Camping is allowed but restricted to within 100 yds of the Neuse River on the Turkey Quarter Creek Island Tract (west of N.C. 43).

New Lake Game Land (7) – Hyde and Tyrrell counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Nicholson Creek Game Land (3) – Hoke County

  • Gun Deer Season: Open days during Nov. 16 – Dec. 14.
  • Archery Season: Open days during Sept. 7 – Nov. 1.
  • Blackpowder Season: Open days during Nov. 2 – Nov. 13 (Antlered or antlerless deer may be taken on these days.)
  • Gun Antlerless Season: Nov. 16 (introductory season).
  • The use of dogs for hunting deer is prohibited.
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only. (Apply at ncwildlife.org.)
  • Swimming and internal combustion engines are prohibited at Lake Upchurch.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

North River Game Land (7) – Camden and Currituck counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • The boundary of the game land shall extend five yards from the edge of the marsh or shoreline.
  • Hunting on the posted waterfowl impoundment is by permit only.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.
  • Bear hunting is prohibited in the Designated Bear Management Area, except by permit only.
  • All activities on the North River Game Land Waterfowl Impoundments, except waterfowl hunting and trapping during the trapping season, are restricted to the posted Scouting-only Zone from Nov. 1 through March 15.

Northwest River Marsh Game Land (7) – Currituck County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • The boundary of the game land shall extend five yards from the edge of the marsh or shoreline.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Pee Dee River Game Land (7) – Anson, Montgomery, Richmond and Stanly counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 except that part in Richmond Co. where the season is Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate seasons).
  • The use of dogs to hunt or pursue deer or bear is prohibited on that portion of the game land that is south of U.S. 74.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Horseback riding is allowed seven days per week from May 16 – Aug. 31, and on Sundays only from Sept. 1 – May 15 only on roads open to vehicular traffic and gated roads and trails posted for equestrian use.

Perkins Game Land (4) – Davie County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 23 – Dec. 1 (conservative season).
  • Horseback riding is prohibited from Nov. 1 – Jan. 1.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Pisgah Game Land (7) – Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30, except that portion in Watauga County where the season is Nov. 23 (introductory seasons).
  • Hunting raccoon, opossum and bobcat on the Harmon Den and Sherwood Designated Bear Management Areas in Haywood County is allowed.
  • Bear hunting on Daniel Boone and Mt. Mitchell Designated Bear Management Areas is by permit only.
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited on the Black Bear (McDowell County), Linville River (Burke County), and Little Tablerock tracts (Avery, McDowell and Mitchell counties).
  • Biking is restricted to designated trails on the Linville River tract (Burke Co.). This restriction does not apply to hunters engaged in the act of hunting.
  • Target shooting is prohibited on the Black Bear (McDowell County), Linville River (Burke County), and Little Tablerock tracts (Avery, McDowell, and Mitchell Counties). Alcohol and fires are prohibited on the Lutz track and Wilson Creek portions.

Pond Mountain Game Land (7) – Ashe County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 23 – Nov. 29 (conservative season).
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited except on designated trails and allowed only from May 16 – Aug. 31 and on Sundays only from Sept. 1 – Oct. 31. All horseback riding is prohibited from Nov. 1 – May 15.

Pungo River Game Land (6) – Hyde County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).

Rhodes Pond Game Land (P) – Cumberland and Harnett counties

  • Swimming is prohibited.

Roanoke Island Marshes Game Land (P) – Dare County

Roanoke River Wetlands Game Land (P) – Bertie, Halifax, Martin and Northampton counties

  • Vehicles are prohibited on roads or trails, except those vehicles operated on official Wildlife Resources Commission business or by permit holders.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14. (Camping is allowed anytime within 100 yards of the Roanoke River.)
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Robeson Game Land (4) – Robeson County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Rockfish Creek Game Land (3) – Hoke County

  • Gun Deer Season: Open days during Nov. 16 – Dec. 14.
  • Archery Season: Open days during Sept. 7 – Nov. 1.
  • Blackpowder Season: Open days during Nov. 2 – Nov. 13 (Antlered or antlerless deer may be taken on these days.)
  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 (introductory season)
  • The use of dogs for hunting deer is prohibited.
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only.
  • Taking fox squirrels is prohibited.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Rocky Run Game Land (P) – Onslow County

  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Sampson Game Land (4) – Sampson County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.

Sandhills Game Land (3) – Hoke, Moore, Richmond and Scotland counties

  • Hunting is prohibited on the J. Robert Gordon Field Trial Grounds from Oct. 18 – March 31 except as listed below. This restriction does not apply to permit hunts offered to disabled sportsman.
  • Gun Deer Season: Open days during Nov. 16 – Dec. 14 (Deer with visible antlers only), except on the field-trial grounds, where the season is only on the open days during Nov. 16 – Nov. 30.
  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: By permit only.
  • Archery Season: Open days during Sept. 7 – Nov. 1 (Antlered or antlerless deer may be taken on these days.) and Dec. 16 – Jan. 1 (Deer with visible antlers only) except on the field trial grounds where the archery season is only on open days during Sept. 7 – Nov. 1.
  • Blackpowder Season: Open days during Nov. 2 – Nov. 13 (Antlered or antlerless deer may be taken on these days.) and Dec. 16 – Jan. 1 (Deer with visible antlers only) except on the field trial grounds where the blackpowder season is only on open days during Nov. 2 – Nov. 13.
  • Squirrel (fox and gray) hunting on the field-trial grounds is allowed on open days during Nov. 16 – Nov. 30.
  • Opossum and raccoon hunting on the field-trial grounds is allowed on open days during Oct. 14 through the last day of February.
  • Rabbit hunting on the field-trial grounds will be allowed on open days during Nov. 16 – Nov. 30.
  • Dove hunting on the field-trial grounds will be prohibited from the third Sunday in September through the remainder of the hunting season.
  • Horseback riding is prohibited on the J. Robert Gordon Field-Trial Area Oct. 16 – March 31, except by people riding in field trials.
  • Horseback riding is allowed on the remainder of Sandhills Game Land seven days per week on roads that are open to vehicular traffic and gated roads and trails posted for equestrian use.
  • Waterfowl hunting on the field trial grounds is allowed on open days during any waterfowl season.
  • In addition to the regular open days, waterfowl may be taken on the opening and closing days of the applicable waterfowl seasons.
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only.
  • Dog training is prohibited on the field trial grounds. Elsewhere, dog training is restricted to Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from Oct. 1 – April 1.
  • Swimming in lakes is not permitted.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14.
  • All of Sandhills Game Land in Moore County is located within the Sandhill Township (See Moore County “local laws” for rifle caliber restrictions and additional restrictions.)
  • Target shooting is prohibited except on the John F. Lentz Hunter Education Complex.

Sandy Creek Game Land (7) – Franklin and Nash Counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate season).
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited.
  • Dogs may not be used for hunting deer.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Sandy Mush Game Land (3) – Buncombe and Madison County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30 (introductory season).
  • Horseback riding is prohibited except on designated trails May 16 – Aug. 31, and all horseback riding is prohibited from Sept. 1 – May 15. This rule includes all equine species.
  • Dogs may only be trained on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and only during that time period when dog training is allowed on game lands.
  • Dove hunting is by permit only from the opening day through the second Saturday of dove season.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Second Creek Game Land (P) – Rowan County

Shocco Creek Game Land (7) – Franklin, Halifax, Nash and Warren counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate season).
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

South Mountains Game Land (7) – Burke, Cleveland, McDowell and Rutherford counties

  • Gun Deer Season: Nov. 30 – Jan. 1 in all portions of the game land.
  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30 (introductory season) in all portions of the game land.
  • Blackpowder Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 in all portions of the game land. (Antlered and antlerless deer may be taken on these days.)
  • Archery Season: Sept. 7 – Nov. 15 in all portions of the game land.
  • Horseback riding is prohibited, except on designated trails Jan. 2 – March 31 and May 16 – Aug. 31 and on Sundays April 1 – May 15 and Sept. 1 – Jan. 1. This rule includes all equine species.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas. The maximum number of consecutive days camping allowed is 14 days.

Stones Creek Game Land (6) – Onslow County

  • Swimming in all lakes is prohibited.
  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Waterfowl may be taken only on Tuesdays and Saturdays; on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. days; and on the opening and closing days of the statewide waterfowl season.
  • Dogs may be used for hunting deer on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Geocaching is allowed only on closed days for taking bear, deer, turkey, and waterfowl.

Suggs Mill Pond Game Land (P) – Cumberland and Bladen counties

  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 10 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.
  • During scheduled permit hunts, only hunters and trappers with permits may enter the game land, EXCEPT the public may use Campground Road to access the pond at the dam.
  • The use of vessels on managed waterfowl impoundments on Suggs Mill Pond Game Land is restricted to permitted waterfowl hunters from Nov. 1 – March 15 and, except for Sundays, from Nov. 1 – Jan. 31 on Suggs Mill Pond Lake and Little Singletary Lake.

Sutton Lake Game Land (7) – Brunswick and New Hanover counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 19 (conservative season).
  • Harvesting of bear is prohibited on Sunday.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • Discharge of centerfire rifles is prohibited.

Tar River Game Land (P) – Edgecombe County

  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Texas Plantation Game Land (P) – Tyrrell County

Three Top Mountain Game Land (7) – Ashe County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 23 – Nov. 29 (conservative season).
  • Horseback riding is prohibited. This includes all equine species.

Thurmond Chatham Game Land (7) – Alleghany and Wilkes counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 23 – Dec. 6 (moderate season).
  • Horseback riding is prohibited except on designated trails May 16 – Aug. 31, and all horseback riding is prohibited from Sept. 1 – May 15. This rule includes all equine species. Partici­pants age 16 or older must obtain a game lands license prior to horseback riding on this area.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 14 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.

Tillery Game Land (7) – Halifax County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Oct. 25 (moderate season).
  • Horseback riding, including all equine species, is prohibited.
  • Dogs may not be used for hunting deer.
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Toxaway Game Land (7) – Transylvania county

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30 (introductory season).
  • Horseback riding is prohibited, except on designated trails May 16 – Aug. 31, and all horseback riding is prohibited from Sept. 1 – May 15. This rule includes all equine species.

Uwharrie Game Land (7) – Davidson, Montgomery and Randolph counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Nov. 29 (moderate season).
  • On the posted waterfowl impoundment, waterfowl may be taken only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Martin Luther King Jr. days; and on the opening and closing days of the applicable waterfowl seasons.
  • Target shooting is prohibited except on the Flintlock Valley Shooting Range.

Vance Game Land (6) – Vance County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • The use of dogs, centerfire rifles and handguns for hunting deer is prohibited on the Nutbush Peninsula Tract.

Van Swamp Game Land (7) – Beaufort and Washington counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Bear may only be taken on November 9, 11, 12 and December 21, 23, 24.

Voice of America Game Land (P) – Beaufort County

  • Target shooting is prohibited.

White Oak River Game Land (3) – Onslow County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Open days during Oct. 12 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • Prior to Oct. 1, waterfowl may be taken only on Tuesdays and Satur­days; and on the open­ing and closing days of the statewide water­fowl hunting seasons on the posted impoundments.
  • Beginning on the first open waterfowl season day in October and through the end of the waterfowl season, waterfowl hunting is by permit only on posted waterfowl impoundments.
  • Waterfowl hunting on the Huggins and Morton tracts is by permit only for the entire waterfowl season.
  • A hunting opportunity permit is needed to access Hargett Avenue and Sloan Farm Road.
  • On the Huggins and Morton tracts, dogs may not be used to hunt deer, there is no discharge of centerfire rifles allowed, AND hunting is by permit only.
  • Turkey hunting is by permit only.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.

Whitehall Plantation Game Land (P) – Bladen and Pender Counties

  • The pursuing or chasing of deer or bear with dogs for the purposes of training or hunting on the Long Ridge Tract is prohibited.
  • Camping is restricted to Sept. 1 through the last day of February and March 31 – May 10 in areas both designated and posted as camping areas.

William H. Silver Game Land (7) – Haywood County

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 30 (introductory season).

Yadkin River Game Land (7) – Davie, Davidson, Montgomery, Rowan and Stanly counties

  • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 16 – Jan. 1, except that part in Davie County where the season is Nov. 23 – Jan. 1 (maximum season).
  • On the Lick Creek Tract, deer and bear hunting is archery only.