NORTH CAROLINA — The state’s wild turkey hunting season opens in April, but there are a few things to know before heading to the woods.
The official youth season takes place April 2-8, and the statewide season runs from April 9 to May 2.
Officials say hunters will be limited to two turkeys for the season, only one of which can be taken during the youth season.
The following requirements must be met to take part in the youth season:
- Be under the age of 18
- Hunters ages 16 and 17 must have a hunting license
- Anyone under 16 is exempt from license requirements if accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old
- Youth with a license or hunter education card may hunt without adult supervision
Anyone in need of a hunting license can get one here. Hunter education courses are also available across the state and online.
Wildlife officials say all hunters must report their turkey harvest using the Big Game Harvest Report.
The NCWRC’s Wildlife Management Division Assistant Chief Chris Kreh said the state’s timing of the season is strategic, offering “opportunity for breeding before males are harvested. Hens are able to nest and raise poults as they always do.”
“Our agency has safeguards in place to ensure that overharvest does not occur,” Kreh said in a release. “Five weeks of hunting is conservative compared to most states, and hunters must comply with a two-bird limit and may only take male or bearded birds.”
According to information from the state’s wildlife commission, nearly 22,000 turkeys were harvested in 2021, which was the second highest harvest on record. The highest recorded total was set in 2020.
More information on turkey hunting in North Carolina, safety and hunting locations can be found here.