Hunting

Be Aware – Hunting is permitted on all National Forests in North Carolina 

Hunting is permitted throughout the National Forests in North Carolina, including Panthertown. Hunters must have the proper licenses or permits needed to hunt in North Carolina. Hunting is a seasonal activity and state regulations for seasons, dates, and licensing apply on national forest land. For information about specific dates and times, please visit or call the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 919-707-0010.

Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations

2025-2026 Hunting Seasons in WNC

Bear: October 4 – November 22, 2025 and December 13, 2025 – January 1, 2026.

Deer: 
> Archery: September 13 – November 7, 2025.
> Blackpowder: November 8 – 21, 2025.
> Gun: November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026.
> Youth Deer Hunting Days: November 27 - 28, 2025.

Wild Turkey Spring Season: April 12 – May 10, 2025 and April 11 – May 9, 2026.
(bearded or male turkeys only)

Wild Turkey Youth-only Season: Apr. 5 – 11, 2025 and April 4 - 5, 2026.
(bearded or male turkeys only)

Raccoon and Opossum: October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026.

Squirrel Gray and Red Squirrels: October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026.

Spring Squirrel Season (Gray Squirrel) Private Lands: May 12 – May 26, 2025 and May 11 - 25, 2026.

Fox Squirrels: October 13, 2025 – January 31, 2026.

Rabbit: October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026.

Quail: November 22, 2025 – February 28, 2026.

Grouse: October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026.

Bobcat: October 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026.

Fox: See “Fox Season Hunting and Trapping Seasons” publication.

Crow: Aug. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026, June 3, 2026 – July 31, 2026 Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of each week. Crows may also be hunted on Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Independence Day; except when these days fall on a Sunday.

Pheasant: September 1, 2025 - February 2026 (pheasants of either sex).

Trapping: October 1, 2025 - February 28, 2026.

Safety Tips for Non-hunters visiting the National Forests

• Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange, or green, and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing. Orange vests and hats are advisable.
• Don’t forget to protect your pet. Get an orange vest for your pet or bright colored scarf/bandana.
• Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters to your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement.
• Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid confrontations.
• If you do hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know that you are in the vicinity.
• Know when hunting seasons are. Continue to hike, but learn about where and when hunting is taking place.
• Know your own comfort level. If hunting makes you uneasy, choose a hike in a location where hunting is not allowed, such as a national park or a state park, or schedule your outings for Sundays.

Attention Hunters:

When on Forest Service land remember that:

• All firearms and bows with arrows should be cased and unloaded while in a recreation area or other public areas.
• Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be.
• Shooting across bodies of water or a Forest Service road is prohibited.
• Shooting into or within any cave, mine or open shaft is prohibited.
• Private land is interspersed with public land and you must obtain written permission from the private landowner to hunt on their property. Obtain a map and use caution to ensure you don’t inadvertently stray off public land onto private.
• Only portable stands or blinds are allowed. Check with your local ranger district for restrictions and time limits.

Stay safe when hunting by following these tips:

• Check weather reports before embarking on a hunting trip.
• Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.
• Be familiar with the area you want to hunt. Bring a map and compass.
• Carry a basic survival kit and be prepared for an unexpected overnight stay in the field. The survival kit should contain a rope, a knife, water, waterproof matches, an emergency shelter, and first aid supplies.
• Dress properly and be prepared for the worst possible conditions.
• Wear hunter orange as your outermost gear so that you are visible to other hunters. Do not wear white or tan during deer season.
• Always treat your weapon as if it is loaded, even if it isn’t, and know where your hunter partners are located at all times.
• If accompanied by a dog, the dog should also wear hunter orange or a very visible color on a vest, leash, coat or bandana. Check the state regulations to determine if a dog is allowed on a hunt.
• Check hunting equipment before and after each outing, and maintain it properly. Familiarize yourself with its operation before using it in the field.
• Carry a spare set of dry clothing. Utilize layering techniques to pull away moisture while retaining body warmth. Always bring rain gear.
• Clearly identify your target before shooting. Prevent unfortunate accidents or fatalities.
• Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Other recreationists are enjoying the forest as well.
• Your cell phone may save your life, but don’t count on it. Many areas of most forests are not within signal range.

Remember: You are responsible for the safety of yourself and for those around you.