When Does Rifle Season Start in NC 2023?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

When Does Rifle Season Start in NC 2023?

Rifle season is a time-honored tradition in North Carolina, and it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery while hunting for some delicious game. But when does rifle season start in NC in 2023?

The answer to that question depends on the type of game you’re hunting. For deer, rifle season starts on October 15th and runs through January 15th. For bear, rifle season starts on September 1st and runs through January 15th. And for small game, rifle season starts on September 1st and runs through February 28th.

Of course, these are just the general dates. The specific dates for rifle season in your area may vary, so be sure to check with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for more information.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at rifle season in NC in 2023. We’ll discuss the different types of game that you can hunt during rifle season, the specific dates for rifle season in each area of the state, and some tips for successful hunting.

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Species Date Time
Deer October 1 8:00 AM
Bear October 15 8:00 AM
Turkey April 1 8:00 AM

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General Rifle Season Dates

General rifle season in North Carolina begins on Saturday, November 12, 2023, and runs through Sunday, January 8, 2024. The season is open for deer, bear, and elk.

Deer

The deer season is divided into two parts: the early season and the late season. The early season runs from November 12 to November 27, and the late season runs from December 10 to January 8.

During the early season, hunters may take one antlered buck and one antlerless deer. During the late season, hunters may take two antlered bucks and one antlerless deer.

The bag limit for does is two per day, but only one of those does may be taken during the early season.

Bear

The bear season runs from November 12 to January 8. Hunters may take one bear per day.

Elk

The elk season runs from November 12 to January 8. Hunters may take one elk per day.

Bag Limits

The bag limits for each game species are as follows:

  • Deer: Two antlered bucks and one antlerless deer
  • Bear: One bear
  • Elk: One elk

Hunting Regulations

The hunting regulations for each game species are as follows:

  • Deer: Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a deer permit. Deer must be tagged immediately upon harvest.
  • Bear: Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a bear permit. Bears must be tagged immediately upon harvest.
  • Elk: Hunters must have a valid hunting license and an elk permit. Elk must be tagged immediately upon harvest.

Early Rifle Season Dates

Early rifle season in North Carolina begins on Saturday, September 10, 2023, and runs through Sunday, October 2, 2023. The season is open for squirrel, rabbit, and dove.

Squirrel

The squirrel season is open statewide. Hunters may take two squirrels per day.

Rabbit

The rabbit season is open statewide. Hunters may take two rabbits per day.

Dove

The dove season is open statewide. Hunters may take 15 doves per day.

Bag Limits

The bag limits for each game species are as follows:

  • Squirrel: Two squirrels per day
  • Rabbit: Two rabbits per day
  • Dove: 15 doves per day

Hunting Regulations

The hunting regulations for each game species are as follows:

  • Squirrel: Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a squirrel permit. Squirrels must be tagged immediately upon harvest.
  • Rabbit: Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a rabbit permit. Rabbits must be tagged immediately upon harvest.
  • Dove: Hunters must have a valid hunting license and a dove permit. Doves must be tagged immediately upon harvest.

For more information on hunting regulations in North Carolina, please visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

3. Late Rifle Season Dates

The late rifle season for deer in North Carolina begins on January 1, 2023, and runs through February 15, 2023. The season is open for all deer species, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, and black bears.

The bag limit for deer is two per day, with a possession limit of six. The bag limit for bears is one per season.

There are a number of hunting regulations that apply during the late rifle season. These regulations include:

  • Hunters must wear blaze orange or other highly visible clothing.
  • Hunters must use a firearm that is legal for hunting deer in North Carolina.
  • Hunters must take all necessary precautions to avoid shooting other hunters or animals.

For more information on the late rifle season for deer in North Carolina, please visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

4. Other Important Dates

In addition to the late rifle season dates, there are a number of other important dates to keep in mind for hunters in North Carolina. These dates include:

  • The deadline to apply for a hunting license is February 1, 2023.
  • The deadline to purchase a hunting permit for each game species is the day before the season opens.
  • The deadline to submit a harvest report for each game species is 10 days after the season closes.

For more information on these important dates, please visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

The late rifle season is a great opportunity for hunters to harvest deer and bears in North Carolina. By following the rules and regulations, hunters can enjoy a safe and successful hunting season.

When does rifle season start in NC 2023?

Rifle season for deer in North Carolina begins on Saturday, November 12, 2023, and ends on Sunday, January 8, 2024.

What are the bag limits for deer in NC 2023?

The bag limit for deer in North Carolina is one antlered buck and two antlerless deer.

What are the hunting regulations for deer in NC 2023?

Hunters must have a valid hunting license and be in compliance with all applicable hunting regulations. For more information, please visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

Where can I hunt deer in NC 2023?

There are many public hunting areas in North Carolina where you can hunt deer. To find a hunting area near you, please visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.

What are some tips for hunting deer in NC 2023?

Here are a few tips for hunting deer in North Carolina:

  • Scout the area before the season to find areas where deer are likely to be found.
  • Hunt during the early morning and evening hours, when deer are most active.
  • Use a variety of hunting methods, such as still-hunting, stalking, and calling.
  • Wear camouflage clothing and use scent-blockers to avoid detection by deer.

What are some common mistakes that hunters make when hunting deer in NC 2023?

Here are a few common mistakes that hunters make when hunting deer in North Carolina:

  • Hunting in areas that are too heavily hunted.
  • Not scouting the area before the season.
  • Hunting during the wrong time of day.
  • Using the wrong hunting methods.
  • Not wearing camouflage clothing or using scent-blockers.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of success when hunting deer in North Carolina.

rifle season in North Carolina will begin on October 11, 2023, and end on January 15, 2024. Hunters will be able to pursue a variety of game animals, including white-tailed deer, elk, bear, and wild boar. It is important to be aware of the regulations and safety procedures in place before heading out into the woods. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

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