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North Carolina

Hunting

Hunting

Turkey Seasons & Regulations

Wild Turkey Seasons

Daily limit 1; Possession and season limit 2, only one of which may be taken during the youth season.

Note: For information on permit hunts for select Game Lands, refer to the “Game Lands” section.

Season Dates

Additional Information

Youth Season (Male or Bearded Turkey Only)

April 6 – April 12, 2024

Youth under the age of 18 may hunt turkey statewide during this season, but some Game Lands require a permit (see “Game Lands” section). Each youth must have a Big Game Harvest Report Card and report harvests according to instructions in this Digest. License-exempt youth should report their harvest using a Big Game Harvest Report Card for License-Exempt Hunters.

Statewide Spring Season (Male or Bearded Turkey Only)

April 13 – May 11, 2024

Restrictions

It is unlawful to:

  • Use any type of handgun or rifle to hunt wild turkey.
  • Knowingly take wild turkeys from within 300 yards of any place in which bait has been placed. (An area is considered baited until 10 days after the bait has been consumed or otherwise removed.)
  • Possess live wild turkeys or live birds that are indistinguishable from wild turkeys.