North Carolina
Record-weight coastal black bears, Great Smoky mountain game lands, and expansive Pamlico Sound waterfowl.
Weapons & Regulations in North Carolina
Official Regulatory Authority
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)
Centerfire Rifle
Centerfire rifles of any caliber firing expanding ammunition are legal for deer and black bear during the gun season. Recommended .243 Win to .30-06 for whitetails; .30-06, .35 Whelen, or .300 Win Mag recommended for giant coastal black bears (500+ lbs). Suppressors are legal with federal compliance. FMJ prohibited.
Muzzleloader
Minimum .44 caliber single-barrel muzzleloaders. Modern in-line muzzleloaders with 209 primers, sabots, and magnifying scopes are fully legal during the dedicated two-week Blackpowder season in each of the three geographic regions. Black powder or commercial synthetic powders only.
Archery (Vertical Bow)
Compound, recurve, and longbows with minimum 35 lb draw weight. Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting width. Fixed and mechanical broadheads are legal. Archery deer season opens the second Saturday in September statewide.
Crossbows
Fully legal for ALL licensed hunters during the entire archery deer season, muzzleloader season, and gun season without requiring a medical disability permit. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 100 lbs, a working safety, and shoot bolts with hunting broadheads measuring at least 7/8 inch wide.
Shotgun
10, 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns firing single slugs or buckshot are legal for deer. 3-shell capacity limit. Non-toxic shot strictly mandatory for all waterfowl across Pamlico Sound, Currituck Sound, and coastal impoundments.
Handguns
Centerfire handguns .24 caliber or larger firing expanding ammunition with a minimum barrel length of 4 inches are legal for big game. Heavy magnum handguns (.44 Magnum, 10mm Auto) widely carried for bear defense in thick pocosin swamps.