North Carolina Bear Hunting
Plan your North Carolina bear hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land bear hunts across North Carolina, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
North Carolina Bear Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Season Oct. 3 Nov. 21 2026 And Dec. 12 2026 Jan. 1 2027
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Split season; second segment Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2027.
Season Oct. 17 2026 Jan. 1 2027
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Season Nov. 9 2026 Jan. 1 2027
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Season Nov. And Dec. 2026
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Ages 13–22
Split season; second segment Dec. 12 – 27, 2026.
Season Nov. And Dec. 2026
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Ages 14–22
Split season; second segment Dec. 12 – 27, 2026.
Season Nov. And Dec. 2026
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Ages 14–29
Split season; second segment Dec. 12 – 27, 2026.
Season Nov. 14 2026 Jan. 1 2027
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Season Nov. 21 Dec. 20 2026
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Season Nov. 21 2026 Jan. 1 2027
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Season Nov. And Dec. 2026 Second Segment
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Ages 14–22
Second segment of split season whose first segment is Nov. 14 – 22, 2026.
Season Nov. And Dec. 2026 Second Segment
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Ages 13–22
Second segment of split season whose first segment is Nov. 13 – 22, 2026.
Season Nov. And Dec. 2026 Second Segment
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Ages 14–29
Second segment of split season whose first segment is Nov. 14 – 29, 2026.
Season Oct. 3 Nov. 21 2026 And Dec. 12 2026 Jan. 1 2027 Second Segment
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Second segment of split season whose first segment is Oct. 3 – Nov. 21, 2026.
North Carolina Bear Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Management E-Stamp | — | — | $15.00 |
Must also possess a valid hunting and big game license. | |||
| Bear Management E-Stamp | — | — | $15.00 |
This electronic stamp is needed to hunt bear. Resident hunters must possess a valid hunting license with big game privileges in addition to this e-stamp. Individuals who purchased a lifetime license with big game privileges prior to July 1, 2014 do not have to purchase this additional e-stamp; however they must obtain a no-cost e-stamp to hunt bear. Bear Management E-Stamps may be purchased from July 1 until the close of bear season and expire on June 30 of each year. | |||
| Big Game | — | — | $18.00 |
Must also possess a Bear Management E-Stamp to hunt bear. | |||
| Big Game Hunting | — | — | $18.00 |
Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey. Residents must also purchase a Bear Management E-Stamp to hunt bear. A hunting license is required in addition to this privilege. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear | — | — | $294.00 |
Additional Hunting Privileges. Must also possess a valid hunting license, big game license, and Bear Management E-Stamp. | |||
| Bear Hunting License (nonresident) | — | — | $294.00 |
Needed by nonresident license holders, in addition to the hunting license, big game privilege license, and Bear Management E-Stamp, to hunt bear. Nonresident individuals who purchased a resident or nonresident lifetime license prior to May 24, 1994 do not have to purchase this additional license to hunt bear. Bear hunting licenses may be purchased from July 1 until the close of bear season and expire on June 30 of each year. | |||
| Bear | — | — | $294.00 |
Must also possess a valid hunting license, big game license, and Bear Management E-Stamp. | |||
| Bear Management E-Stamp | — | — | $15.00 |
This electronic stamp is needed to hunt bear. Nonresident hunters must possess a valid hunting license, big game privilege license and bear hunting license in addition to this e-stamp. Bear Management E-Stamps may be purchased from July 1 until the close of bear season and expire on June 30 of each year. | |||
| Bear Management E-Stamp | — | — | $15.00 |
Additional Hunting Privileges. Must also possess a valid hunting license, big game license, and bear license. Must also possess a valid hunting license, big game license, and bear license. | |||
| Big Game Hunting | — | — | $124.00 |
Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey. Nonresidents hunting bear must also purchase the bear hunting license and Bear Management E-Stamp. A hunting license is required in addition to this privilege. | |||
| Big Game Hunting | — | Georgia resident | $225.00 |
| Big Game Hunting | — | South carolina resident | $310.00 |
| Big Game Hunting | — | Tennessee resident | $195.00 |
| Big Game Hunting | — | Virginia resident | $85.00 |
| Big Game Hunting 10-Day | — | — | $99.00 |
Needed to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey during the 10-day period specified on the license. Nonresidents hunting bear must also purchase the bear hunting license and Bear Management E-Stamp. A hunting license is required in addition to this privilege. | |||
| Big Game Hunting 10-Day | — | Georgia resident | $202.00 |
| Big Game Hunting 10-Day | — | South carolina resident | $310.00 |
| Big Game Hunting 10-Day | — | Tennessee resident | $195.00 |
| Big Game Hunting 10-Day | — | Virginia resident | $85.00 |
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Management E-Stamp Youth | — | Youth hunters | $0.00 |
| License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card | — | Youth hunters; License-exempt | $0.00 |
Obtained from a wildlife service agent or by calling 833-950-0575. License-Exempt Cards (no cost) are not available online. License-exempt youth should obtain their own card rather than reporting on their parent's Big Game Harvest Report Card. | |||
