NC Hunting License - Steps to Buy in North Carolina

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a North Carolina hunting license while ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations:


NC Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) for use in North Carolina for NC residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including North Carolina), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your NC Hunting License

North Carolina offers a variety of hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences. Additional privilege licenses and stamps may be required to hunt specific game species.

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.

North Carolina residents born on or before Aug. 1, 1953, may purchase the reduced-fee Senior Sportsman License, which includes affordable fees, 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.

All lifetime licenses (available to all ages & both residents & nonresidents) include appropriate big game and waterfowl privileges; bear e-stamp & federal duck stamp still required annually.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available (note: fishing licenses are separate):​

Resident Licenses

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.

North Carolina residents with severe physical disabilities may be eligible for disability licenses.

  • Annual State Hunting License: Required for residents aged 16 and older. Covers small game; does not include big game, game lands, or waterfowl.
  • Annual Comprehensive Hunting License: Includes big game (deer, bear, turkey), small game, and game lands access. Waterfowl and bear hunting require separate endorsements.
  • Sportsman License (Hunting + Inland Fishing): Covers everything in the Comprehensive license + inland fishing. Excludes federal duck stamp and coastal fishing.
  • Unified Sportsman License: Adds coastal recreational fishing to the Sportsman license.
  • Controlled Hunting Preserve License: For residents only, a permit is required for hunting or trapping in licensed preserves.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents age 16 or older must have a non-resident hunting license.

  • Annual Hunting License: Required for all non-residents aged 16 and older.
  • 10-Day Hunting License: Covers hunting for 10 consecutive days.
  • Big Game Privilege License: Required for hunting deer, turkey, or bear.
  • Non-Resident Bear License: Additional license required to hunt bear.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Under Age 16: Do not need a license when accompanied by a licensed adult. If hunting big game, must obtain a free license-exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior Lifetime Sportsman License: For residents born on/before Aug 1, 1953 (eligible at 65)
    : For those born after Aug 1, 1953 (eligible at 70)
    : Covers hunting (incl. big game), inland fishing, game lands, and waterfowl

  • Senior Unified Lifetime License: Adds coastal fishing

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Veteran Sportsman License: 50%+ service-connected disability
  • Totally Disabled Sportsman License: Permanent total disability (non-military)
  • Resident Military on Leave (≤30 days): May hunt without a license
    : Must carry military ID & leave papers
    : Still need big game tags & bear e-stamp if applicable

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Big Game Privilege License: Required for deer, turkey, and bear
  • Bear Management E-Stamp: Required annually for bear hunting
  • Bonus Antlerless Deer Tags: Available for select urban archery zones
  • NC Waterfowl Privilege (Duck Stamp): Required for waterfowl hunting (age 16+)
  • Federal Duck Stamp: Required for waterfowl (age 16+)
  • HIP Certification: Required for migratory bird hunting

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


Where to buy your North Carolina Hunting License

To hunt in North Carolina, you can buy your license either online through the licensing platform Go Outdoors North Carolina or in person through a licensing agent, all listed here.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of North Carolina:


Where to Find Additional Resources

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Contact Information:

 Phone: (919) 707-0010 Website: ncwildlife.org