Comprehensive Hunting License

A landowner or person leasing land primarily for cultivation, their spouse, and dependents under 18 residing with them, may hunt, trap and fish on such land without a license. A resident of this state who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces serving outside N.C., or who is on full-time military duty outside the state in a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces is exempt from hunting, inland and coastal fishing license requirements while on leave in this state for 30 days or less. When hunting or fishing under this exemption you must carry, on your person, your military ID card and a copy of the official document confirming you are on leave from a duty station outside of N.C. Individuals hunting bear must purchase a “Bear Management E-Stamp.” You must also comply with all report­ing and hunter safety requirements as mandated by the Commission and purchase a federal duck stamp if waterfowl hunt­ing. Individuals exempt from the requirements of a hunting license must obtain a “License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card” when hunting deer, bear or wild turkey. Those hunting bear must also obtain a “Bear Management E-Stamp.” Individuals exempt from hunt­ing and fishing license requirements must adhere to designated seasons and limits. Hunting. Youth under age 16 are exempt from the requirement of a hunt­ing license provided they comply with the following: Youth who have not obtained a Certificate of Competency showing their completion of the hunter safety course must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult when hunting. Youth who have obtained this certificate, may hunt without being accompanied by an adult, but must carry their certificate while hunting. Youths exempt from the hunting license requirement must obtain a “License-Exempt Big Game Harvest Report Card” when hunting deer, bear or wild turkey. Youth hunting bear must also obtain a “Bear Management E-Stamp.”