North Carolina Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the North Carolina hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website or a North Carolina–approved agent.

Types of North Carolina Hunting Licenses

North Carolina Resident

A resident is a person who has lived in North Carolina for at least 6 months or established a permanent residence for 60 days. Non-resident students who attend an institution in North Carolina and active-duty military members are considered residents.

All North Carolina residents age 16 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional privilege licenses and stamps may be required to hunt specific game species.

Non-Resident

All non-residents age 16 or older must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional privilege licenses and stamps may be required to hunt specific game species.

Youth Hunting License

North Carolina residents and non-residents under 16 years of age are not required to have a hunting license if they hunt with a licensed adult or have completed hunter education certification. Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website for more details.

Senior Hunting License

North Carolina residents born on or before Aug. 1, 1953, may purchase the reduced-fee Senior Sportsman License when they turn 65 years of age. Those born after Aug. 1, 1953, may purchase the license when they turn 70 years of age. This is a lifetime license.

Disability License

North Carolina residents with severe physical disabilities may be eligible for disability licenses. The Totally Disabled Hunting and Inland Fishing License and the Totally Disabled Sportsman License are lifetime licenses that are available to hunters who are totally and permanently disabled. Additional privilege licenses and stamps may be required to hunt specific game species. Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are non-residents may purchase a resident hunting license. In addition, active-duty military members who are North Carolina residents but stationed elsewhere are not required to have a hunting license while on leave. Their leave must be less than 30 days.

Resident veterans who are 50% or more disabled may be eligible for the Disabled Veteran Sportsman License and the Disabled Veteran Hunting and Inland Fishing License. These are lifetime licenses.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the North Carolina Waterfowl Privilege and the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good for 12 months from the date of purchase. North Carolina residents and non-residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a North Carolina Hunting License

• Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website.
• Call 1-888-248-6834.
• Visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission office or an approved agent.
• Mail in a paper application.