North Carolina Bow Hunting: Mountains to Coast
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
September 7
Archery Season Close
January 1
Min Draw Weight
35 lbs
Resident License
$25/yr
Non-Resident License
$100/yr
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Elk, Wild Turkey, Black Bear
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Pisgah National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Elk, Bear, Turkey
Western NC mountains. Growing elk herd in Cataloochee area. Challenging mountain terrain.
Nantahala National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Bear, Turkey
Southwestern NC. Wild trout streams and remote ridges. Quality mountain hunting.
Uwharrie National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey
Central NC piedmont. Small but productive. Often overlooked, which means less pressure.
⚖️ North Carolina Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
- •Elk hunting in Cherokee County by limited draw only
- •Bear license required separately
- •Sunday hunting allowed
💡 Expert Tips for North Carolina
- →North Carolina has a growing elk herd in the western mountains — limited draw available
- →Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains has free-ranging elk viewable year-round
- →Coastal plain counties (Sampson, Duplin) produce exceptional bucks from ag fields
- →Mountain hunting in October before leaf drop gives bowhunters great visibility
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide