North Carolina Waterfowl Season 2026-27
Opens in 18 daysNorth Carolina's waterfowl season opens 2026-10-15 and closes 2027-01-30.
Last verified September 25, 2026North Carolina wildlife agency
Zones & dates
- Opens in 92 days
Northeast Hunt Zone
Regular
- Opens
- December 28, 2026
- Closes
- January 30, 2027
- Bag limit
- 2/day (pending federal approval). Resident Population Zone has 3 segments Oct 15-Feb 6.
- Opens in 18 days
Inland Zone
Segment 1
- Opens
- October 15, 2026
- Closes
- October 17, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 26 days
Coastal Zone
Segment 1
- Opens
- October 23, 2026
- Closes
- October 24, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 41 days
Inland Zone
Segment 2
- Opens
- November 7, 2026
- Closes
- November 28, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 41 days
Coastal Zone
Segment 2
- Opens
- November 7, 2026
- Closes
- November 28, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 81 days
Coastal Zone
Segment 3
- Opens
- December 17, 2026
- Closes
- January 30, 2027
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 82 days
Inland Zone
Segment 3
- Opens
- December 18, 2026
- Closes
- January 30, 2027
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
Key rules
- Dates and units
- Use the zone or region shown for your hunt.
- Official regulations
- Confirm license, permit, legal shooting hours, bag limits, and special requirements with the state agency before hunting.
Frequently asked questions
North Carolina's waterfowl season opens 2026-10-15 and closes 2027-01-30.
Nearby states
Regulations change every year and can vary by county or unit. Hunting Season by State is a reference tool, not a substitute for the official regulation book — always verify dates, zones, and bag limits with the state wildlife agency before you hunt.