During the North Carolina deer season of 2021–2022, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reported that hunters harvested a total of 168,427 deer. Deer hunting in North Carolina has always been good, and many people travel to this state each year to hunt for them. White-tailed deer are the major species of animals hunted because they are present in most states.

North Carolina provides hunters with a large population of animals and plenty of places to hunt. and weather that is perfect for hunting. Continue reading to discover 9 reasons North Carolina is the ideal location to hunt deer.

9. Deer Species Available

North Carolina is home to three of the five species of deer. However, the predominant deer species in the tar heel state is the white-tailed deer.

Elk

One species of deer in North Carolina is the elk. Many people do not realize that elk is a species of deer. The Wildlife and Game Commission reports the population of elk in the state to be between 150 and 200 animals. The elk is located on public and private land, with the largest concentration in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Mule Deer

In North Carolina, mule deer are increasing in numbers due to wildlife management and conservation efforts by the state and private foundations. Most mule deer harvested in North Carolina are taken from private hunting lands and National Forest land.

Whitetail Deer

North Carolina deer season is primarily white-tailed deer season. White-tailed deer are the most common species in the tar heel state. They number more than one million, and the healthy living conditions allow the population to be replenished yearly with new fawns.

8. Deer Population Density

North Carolina deer season is made better because of the population of deer in the state. The state is home to about one million white-tailed deer. According to the white-tailed deer harvest report for 2018-209, the number of antlered bucks per square mile varies from 0.18 in Dare County to 6.06 in Cabarrus County. However, the county with the most deer harvested in the 2018-2019 hunting season was Ashe, with 3,487.

At one time, white-tailed deer were a threatened species in North Carolina. A successful wildlife management program, including harvesting restrictions, has increased the population.

7. Habitat Quality

Quality habitats for the deer in North Carolina exist because the state has many lakes, creeks, rivers, and streams for the animals to drink from. Deer can adapt to live in most areas, even in suburban areas. However, they need a constant source of fresh water to remain healthy.

North Carolina offers fresh water, wooded areas, open fields for grazing, and protected areas in the wildlife preserves and National Forest that allow the animals to raise their young.

6. Weather Conditions

North Carolina’s deer season is pleasant because the average temperatures during the day are about 59 °F, and the lows at night are about 39 °F. Deer season begins in November, one of the driest months in N.C.

In December and January, the rainfall amounts increase, but it averages only 9 days per month, totaling around 3.68 inches. Hunters can normally expect cool, dry days; however, snow can blanket the ground in the upper elevations during these winter months. Snow is more likely to occur in January and February when the deer season draws close.

5. Access To Public Hunting Lands

Public hunting lands open during the North Carolina deer season include hunting areas inside the national parks.

Big Game Hunting Lands in The National Parks

• Croatan Ranger District inside Croatan National Forest’
• Tsali Recreation area inside Nantahala National Forest
• In the Hurricane Creek Horse and primitive campground area in Nantahala National Forest.
• At Standing Indian Campground in Nantahala.
• Around the Appalachian ranger district of Nantahala.
• The Hamilton Den area.
• Along the Black Mountain and South Toe River of Nantahala.
• At the Badin Lake Group camp of Uwharria National Forest.
• In the West Morris Mtn, Campground
• at Yates Place in Uwharrie
• In the Uwharrie Canebreak Campground,

More public hunting lands are available across the state, including:

Area	Acreage	Land Type
Burnsville County near Asheville	500,000	State Wildlife Management
Craven near New Bern	160,000	U. S. Forest Service
Graham County, near Robbinsville	3,000	State Wildlife Management
Haywood County near Mars Hill	26,400	U. S. Forest Service
Macon County, near Franklin	13,000	State Wildlife Management
Macon County	531,148	U. S. Forest Service
McKenzie County, near McKenzie	987	State Wildlife Management
Otto near Franklin	800	State Wildlife Management

4. Season Dates and Length

North Carolina deer populations have increased because of the strict season dates. However, in North Carolina, the season dates are varied, and there are more chances to hunt than in most other states. The section of the state you are hunting in and the type of weaponry you will be using delegates the dates on which you can hunt.

• Youth season with any weapon, antlerless or antlered, occurs on one September day annually.
• Archery season opens in early September and continues for 21 days.
• Blackpowder season begins right after the archery season ends in October and continues until the day before the gun season opens.
• Gun season opens in mid-November and continues until December or January.

3. Hunting Regulations

North Carolina deer season regulations change according to the county you are hunting in, the weapon you will be using, and your age.

• Hunters must have a valid hunting license.
• Completing a hunter safety course is mandatory.
• Orange safety clothing that is visible from all sides is required.
• Dogs are not allowed for deer hunting.
• Shotguns must be 10 gauge or smaller.
• A dog and a single light source can be used when tracking a wounded animal.
• Firearm hunting on Sunday is prohibited between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
• It is unlawful to take a deer that is swimming.

2. License Costs and Availability

The license to hunt deer in North Carolina is affordable and readily available. Hunters can purchase their licenses online or at approved retail establishments.

License Type	Cost
10 day nonresident license	$80
Resident	$25
Lifetime Comprehensive Hunting	10-day nonresident license

1. Local Culture and History of Big Bucks

North Carolina deer season attracts more hunters because of the history of hunters taking larger than average animals in the state. The record holder for the largest deer taken in the state is Don C. Rockett, who has a 23-point buck. This deer was harvested in 1998.

Several times, Rockingham County has provided the winner for the largest deer according to the Boone & Crockett Club standards. In 2011, Ron Collins harvested a buck that scored 1705/8. This score is calculated by adding the measurements of the spread between the horns, the length of the main horn beams, and the length of the points. The number of points the buck has is not as crucial as the sum of those measurements. However, a large buck with many points will score higher because the spread between their horns will be longer, and the length of their points will be higher. The minimum score allowed is 160, and the average score is 185.

Summary: 9 Reasons To Deer Hunt In North Carolina

Rank	Reason
9	Deer Species Available
8	Deer Population Density
7	Habitat Quality
6	Weather Conditions
5	Access To Public Hunting Lands
4	Season Dates and Length
3	Hunting Regulations
2	License Costs and Availability
1	Local Culture and History of Big Bucks

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jeramey Lende/Shutterstock.com