RALEIGH, N.C. — The N.C Wildlife Resources Commission will open the statewide wild turkey season April 11 through May 9, preceded by a youth-only turkey season from April 4 through April 10. The daily limit is one turkey and the possession and season limit is two turkeys per hunter, only one of which may be taken during youth season.
During youth season, hunting is only allowed for those younger than 18 years of age, but hunters age 16 and 17 must be properly licensed. Those under the age of 16 are exempt from license requirements provided they are accompanied by a licensed adult at least 18 years of age. If youth are properly licensed or have successfully obtained a hunter education certificate, they may hunt without the supervision of an adult.
Based on the ongoing and rapidly evolving situation concerning the recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (covid-19), the Commission’s hunter education classes have been cancelled through April 30. Any potential hunter that needs to complete the hunter education certification can take one of the three online hunter education courses (with varying fees) that provide a convenient alternative to the classroom course. The Commission has moved to temporarily waive the field day requirement for our online courses, so once the online course is completed, a hunter education card can be printed in order to purchase a North Carolina hunting license. More information about online courses can be found at ncwildlife.org/huntered.
The Commission’s Home from the Hunt™ campaign offers these safety tips for turkey hunters:
All bait must be consumed or removed for 10 days before that area can be legally hunted.
Avoid wearing tom turkey-related colors, specifically red, white, blue or black.
Stalking a turkey is dangerous, as it increases your chances of being mistaken for game.
If another hunter approaches,
