North Carolina Turkey Hunting
Plan your North Carolina turkey 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 turkey hunts across North Carolina, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
North Carolina Turkey Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Youth Season
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Youth hunters
Youth under the age of 16 may hunt turkey statewide during this season, but some Game Lands require a permit (see "Game Lands" section).
Statewide Spring
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North Carolina Turkey Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Big Game | — | — | $99.00 |
Additional Hunting Privileges. Must also possess the appropriate hunting license. Reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia residents. Refer to pages 15-16 for a list of fees. | |||
| Big Game (season) | — | — | $124.00 |
Additional Hunting Privileges. Must also possess the appropriate hunting license. Reciprocal license fees apply to Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia residents. Refer to pages 15-16 for a list of fees. | |||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Turkey season in North Carolina includes a youth season from approximately April 10 through April 11, 2027, for hunters under the age of 16, though some Game Lands require a permit, and a statewide spring season from approximately April 17 through May 15, 2027.
