Turkey hunting continues to grow in popularity across North Carolina. The spring gobbler season offers exciting camaraderie and challenge that many hunters look forward to each year. But regulations surrounding Sunday hunting have caused confusion in the past. So what are the rules – can you legally hunt wild turkeys in North Carolina on Sundays?
The short answer is yes, with some restrictions. As of 2020, North Carolina lifted its longstanding prohibition on Sunday hunting for all game species, including wild turkeys. This opened up new opportunities for hunters who previously struggled to find time to hunt during the work week.
However, there are specific regulations and limitations in place for Sunday turkey hunting in NC. Here is a complete overview of the updated rules and how they impact your turkey hunting opportunities.
Overview of NC’s Sunday Hunting Law
In 2020, North Carolina passed the “Outdoor Heritage Enhanced” law which expanded Sunday hunting opportunities in the state. Here are some key points on how it applies to turkey hunting
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Sunday turkey hunting is permitted on private lands statewide, with some restrictions. Public land rules vary.
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On private land, you must remain 500 yards away from residences and places of worship.
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Shooting hours are limited. You cannot hunt turkeys with firearms between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM on Sundays.
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Archery equipment may be used to hunt turkeys on Sundays without the time restrictions applied to firearms.
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Additional restrictions may apply on public lands. Always check regulations for specific game lands before hunting there on Sundays.
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Sunday hunting for migratory birds, including waterfowl, remains completely prohibited statewide.
By following these rules, you can now hunt wild turkeys on private lands in North Carolina on Sundays, within the set limitations. Public land rules differ, so confirm regulations first.
Benefits of Expanded Sunday Hunting
Lifting the statewide ban on Sunday hunting yielded several benefits:
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Allows hunters more flexibility around work and family commitments.
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Boosts business for rural tourism industries through increased activity.
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Provides additional options for managing overpopulated game species.
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Lets hunters better work around variable weather conditions week-to-week.
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Generates more conservation funding through license sales and excise taxes.
Tips for Hunting Turkeys on Sundays
If you plan to hunt wild turkeys on Sundays in North Carolina, keep these tips in mind:
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Obtain landowner permission and scout areas thoroughly in advance.
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Take a hunter safety course if new to turkey hunting.
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Use turkey calls and decoys ethically. Don’t over-call.
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Choose appropriate turkey hunting weapons and ammunition. Pattern your shotgun.
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Wear camo and sit still against a tree or blind to stay hidden.
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Follow all regulations carefully, including Sunday-specific rules.
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Let others know where you’ll be hunting and when to expect your return.
Outlook for the Future
While the updated law was a major step forward, some hunters continue advocating for further expanded Sunday hunting opportunities in North Carolina, including:
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Allowing Sunday hunting on game lands with an inclusive public input process
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Lifting timing restrictions for Sunday turkey hunting on private lands
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Opening Sundays to migratory bird hunting once federal approvals are obtained
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission continues working with hunters, landowners and other stakeholders to evaluate additional options. For now, hunters have many more options for Sunday turkey hunting on private lands across North Carolina.
Hunting Turkeys on Sundays Legally and Safely
Sunday turkey hunting can be an excellent opportunity to enjoy time in the spring woods. But be sure to follow all regulations carefully. Confirm rules for the specific land you’ll be hunting. Use ethical practices, avoid conflicts with others, and prioritize safety.
With thoughtful preparation and care, North Carolina’s expanded Sunday hunting law allows hunters to better fit this cherished tradition around other weekend commitments. Now you can legally hunt wild turkeys on many private lands on Sundays within the established framework. This provides more chances to get out there while supporting conservation and local economies.
Motor Vehicles, Boats and Vessels
- It is unlawful to use any of the following in taking wild birds or animals:
- a motor vehicle while the passenger area is occupied or while the vehicle engine is running;
- vessels: under sail, under power, or with the engine running, or while still in the motion from such propulsion, except crippled waterfowl (see Migratory Game Bird Regulations); or
- airplanes
- Deer may not be hunted from boats or other floating devices in some counties (see âLocal Lawsâ section).
Baiting and Attractants
- No wild bird may be taken with the use or aid of salt, grain, fruit, or other bait.
- No wild turkey may knowingly be taken from within 300 yards of any place in which bait has been placed until the expiration of 10 days after the bait has been consumed or otherwise removed.
- Black bear may not be taken with the use or aid of:
- Any animal, animal part or product, salt, salt lick, honey, sugar, sugar-based material, syrups, candy, pastry, gum, candy block, oils, spices, peanut butter, grease; or extract of such substances; or any substance modified by any of the above substances or extract of above substance; or any bear bait attractant, including scented sprays, aerosols, scent balls, and scent powders; or processed food products as defined on Bear Seasons Map.
- For the purposes of bear hunting, bait means any natural, unprocessed food product that is a grain, fruit, nut, vegetable, or other material harvested from a plant crop that is not modified from its raw components.
- Bears may not be taken while consuming bait.
- Regulations for taking bear with unprocessed foods are on Bear Seasons Map.
- Possession or use of substances containing a cervid (deer) excretion, including feces, urine, blood, gland oil, or other bodily fluid for the purposes of taking or attempting to take, attract, or scout wildlife are prohibited. However, the following substances may be used:
- Synthetic products that are labeled as such
- Products containing natural substances collected by a hunter from a cervid legally harvested in North Carolina, except in CWD Surveillance Areas
- Natural deer urine and other substances collected from a facility in North Carolina with a valid Farmed Cervid License from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and identified and labeled as such
- Products labeled as participating in the Responsible Hunting Scent Associationâs Deer Protection Program
- Placement of bait or food to congregate wildlife is prohibited in CWD surveillance areas from January 2 though August 31 each year. See Deer Regulations for more details.
OPENING WEEKEND TURKEY HUNT!!!! AFTERNOON TURKEY HUNTING IN NORTH CAROLINA!!!!
FAQ
Can you turkey hunt game lands on Sunday in NC?
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission announced last Wednesday that there will be Sunday hunting for the first time on 51 different state game lands in limited capacity starting August 1st, 2021.
What time can you hunt in NC on Sunday?
On Sundays the following apply: Hunting with firearms between 9:30 a.m.and 12:30 p.m. is prohibited except on controlled hunting preserves; Hunting migratory birds is prohibited; The use of firearms to take deer that are.
Can you hunt turkeys all day in NC?
Hunting times are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Turkeys may not be taken with the use of dogs or with a pistol or rifle.Mar 16, 2021
Can you hunt on Sunday in NC on private property near?
Hunters may not hunt at any time on Sunday within 500 yards of a place of religious worship, nor hunt deer with the use of dogs. Shooting hours remain unchanged, meaning private lands may be hunted for wild animals and upland game birds with a firearm on Sunday prior to 9:30 a.m. and after 12:30 p.m.
Can you hunt on Sunday in North Carolina?
North Carolina also has strict rules for firearms and archery equipment ¹ that apply to hunting on Sundays. It is any device with a stationary handle, two limbs, and a string that can propel arrows or bolts. Longbows, compound bows, crossbows, and recurve bows are allowed for hunting in an open hunting season.
Where is Sunday hunting in North Carolina?
When it comes to Sunday hunting, the central part of North Carolina and the coastal regions have their own distinct characteristics. The central region, which includes cities like Raleigh and Durham, offers a mix of agricultural and wooded areas, making it an ideal spot for hunting small game like deer, turkey, and rabbit.
Can you hunt a dog on Sunday?
Like private lands, public land managers can only allow Sunday hunting on their lands with firearms before 9:30 am and after 12:30 pm. This means no hunting with a gun for this duration. Moreover, hunters are prohibited from using hunting dogs and hunting in a religious place located within 500 yards.
What does North Carolina’s New hunting law mean for hunters?
North Carolina’s new law opens up expanded hunting opportunities for hunters. A new law, “Outdoor Heritage Enhanced,” will increase opportunities to hunt wild animals and upland game birds on private lands.
What animals can you hunt in North Carolina at night?
The firearms include rifles, shotguns, or pistols, and archery equipment can be longbows, recurve bows, or compound bows. You can hunt feral swine, raccoons, and opossums at night. Coyotes can also be hunted at night in every North Carolina county, excluding Tyrrell, Beaufort, Hyde, Washington, and Dare.
Can you hunt a raccoon at night in North Carolina?
You can hunt feral swine, raccoons, and opossums at night. Coyotes can also be hunted at night in every North Carolina county, excluding Tyrrell, Beaufort, Hyde, Washington, and Dare. Hunting on Sundays in North Carolina has been prohibited since 1868.