Tools
NC Hunting Licenses & Fees
current season season license requirements, fees, and purchase options
🗓 current season License Year · Aug 1 – Jul 31
Who Qualifies as a Resident?
- You must have lived in North Carolina for at least 6 consecutive months before purchasing
- Active duty military stationed in NC qualify for resident rates
- College students attending NC institutions may qualify — check with NCWRC
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|
Combination Licenses
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Resident Hunting & Fishing Combo Most popular all-in-one license | All hunting license + inland fishingOptional | $42.00 |
Resident Sportsman License The best value — hunt, fish, and trap | All hunting + all fishing + trappingOptional | $63.00 |
Unified Sportsman/Coastal Recreational Fishing Statewide hunting, inland and coastal recreational fishing for residents during a license term. Includes the privileges of hunting for big game, hunting on game lands, hunting for waterfowl (does not include the Bear Management E-Stamp or Federal Duck Sta | Hunting, Inland and coastal recreational fishing | $82.00 |
Hunting Licenses
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Resident Hunting License Base license — required for all hunting | Required | $30.00 |
Annual Comprehensive Hunting Ages 11–15 | Ages 11–15 only | $47.00 |
Resident Big Game License Required for deer, bear, turkey | Required | $17.00 |
Bear Management E-Stamp Additional bear tag | Optional | $14.00 |
Hunter Education Required: Any hunter born on or after August 1, 2001 must complete a NC-approved hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. The online course is available at NCWRC.
Non-Resident License Requirements
- All non-residents must purchase a non-resident hunting license
- Short-term licenses available for 10-day or season options
- Big game license required in addition to base hunting license
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|
Non-Resident Hunting Licenses
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Non-Resident Hunting License Annual base license — required | Required | $119.00 |
Non-Resident Hunting License (10-day) Short-term option for visiting hunters | 10 consecutive days | $95.00 |
Non-Resident Big Game License Required for deer, bear, turkey | Required | $119.00 |
Annual Hunting/Inland Fishing Guide Annual — all hunting + inland fishing | OptionalBest value combo | $189.00 |
About Lifetime Licenses
- Available to NC residents only (must reside in NC at time of purchase)
- One-time purchase — valid for the holder's lifetime
- Age at time of purchase determines cost tier
- Can be purchased for infants and children
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|
Lifetime Hunting Licenses
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Lifetime Hunting License | Infant (under 1 yr) | $315.00 |
Adult Lifetime Sportsman | Age 12–17 | $630.00 |
Youth Lifetime Sportsman | Age 18–49 | $441.00 |
Infant Lifetime Sportsman | Age 50–64 | $252.00 |
Disabled Veteran Lifetime Sportsman | Age 65+ | $126.00 |
Totally Disabled Lifetime Sportsman | OptionalAny age | $126.00 |
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|
Deer Harvest Tags
| License | Notes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Big Game | IncludedIncluded with Big Game license | $17.00 |
Bear Management E-Stamp | County-specific | $14.00 |
Migratory Waterfowl | Federal land hunting | $17.00 |
HIP Certification | Online or in-person | FREE |
Controlled Hunting Preserve | Resident $10/yr · Non-resident $20/yr | $27.00 |
Buy Your License Online
Purchase directly from NCWRC — available 24/7, instant delivery.
Buy at NCWRC →License-Free Ages
| Age 10 & under | No license required |
| Age 11–15 | Junior license |
| Age 16–69 | Full license required |
| Age 70+ | Free — resident |
| Disabled Veteran | Free w/ proof |
Where to Buy
- ›Online at NCWRC (fastest)
- ›NCWRC regional offices
- ›License agents — Walmart, sporting goods stores
- ›By phone — check NCWRC website
License Year
NC hunting licenses are valid August 1 through July 31 of the following year. Lifetime licenses have no annual renewal.
Fees shown are for current season. Always verify current fees at NCWRC before purchasing.