NCWRC Information
NC Wildlife Resources Commission — rules, contacts, and official tools for NC hunters
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Common Regulation Questions
Do I need to report my deer kill?

Yes. All harvested deer must be reported through Game Check before the hunter or the deer is transported from the property. You can report online, through the mobile app, or by calling your state game check hotline.

Can I hunt on Sundays?

Sunday hunting rules vary by state. Check current regulations — in many states Sunday hunting on private land is legal with written permission of the landowner. Sunday hunting is often not allowed on state game lands or national forests.

  • Sunday hunting legal on private land (written permission required)
  • Not allowed on WRC game lands or national forests
  • Check county/municipality rules — local ordinances may differ
What is the legal shooting hours for deer?
  • Deer may be hunted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
  • Nighttime hunting is prohibited for all deer species
  • Artificial lights (including night vision scopes) are prohibited
  • Check your state regulations for any exceptions
What are the antler restrictions for deer?

Antler point restrictions (APR) may be in effect for certain counties. In APR counties, antlered deer must meet a minimum point requirement to be harvested legally. Always verify your specific county rules before hunting.

  • APR varies by county — check your state regulation book
  • Game lands may have different rules than surrounding private land
What weapons are legal during archery season?
  • Traditional recurve and longbow
  • Compound bow
  • Crossbow (check your state regulations)
  • Minimum draw weight required — check regulations
  • Firearms and muzzleloaders are NOT legal during archery-only season
NCWRC Regional Offices

Visit https://www.ncwildlife.org for a full list of regional offices and contact numbers.

NCDeer is not affiliated with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Always verify regulations directly with NCWRC before hunting. Rules change annually.