NC Hunting Licenses & Fees
Current 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
Combination Licenses
| License | Notes | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Resident Hunting & Fishing Combo
Most popular all-in-one license |
All hunting license + inland fishing Optional | $42.00 |
|
|
Resident Sportsman License
The best value — hunt, fish, and trap |
All hunting + all fishing + trapping Optional | $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
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 | Best value comboOptional | $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
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 | Any ageOptional | $126.00 |
Deer Harvest Tags
| License | Notes | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
Big Game | Included with Big Game licenseIncluded | $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 |