Crossbow Hunting Regulations In North Carolina

North Carolina crossbow hunting regulations are a big topic of discussion these days. Depending on where you stand on the issue, you may have a different opinion on what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to crossbow hunting. 

In this article, we’ll provide you with the latest information on North Carolina crossbow hunting regulations so that you can decide how to go about crossbow hunting in that state.

North Carolina crossbow laws and Regulations

If you’re looking to buy a crossbow for deer hunting or other games, pests, or birds, you’ll first need to check the state’s laws and regulations. In North Carolina, Crossbow hunters must have a valid hunting license, regardless of their impairment.

We researched North Carolina crossbow regulations and spoke with representatives from several organizations (including the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the World Archery Foundation). Here’s what you need to know about North Carolina’s laws:

1. It is legal to use crossbows during bow and arrow hunting season and open, gun, archery, and muzzleloader season.
2. However, it is illegal to take down migratory birds with a crossbow.
3. You can use crossbows for hunting on Sunday without considering the restriction applied to firearm hunting.
4. The legal specifications of crossbows are that they must have a draw weight of at least 100 pounds and use fixed broadheads with a width of at least 7/8 inches.
5. Mechanical broadheads opening should not be more than 7/8 inches wide when open.
6. Broadheads that are barbed, poisoned, or have explosives are illegal. A pistol permit is no longer necessary to purchase a crossbow.
7. It is unlawful to carry a crossbow with a bolt and cocked position.
8. You can not hunt after 30 minutes of the sunset.
9. According to House Bill 29 and Senate companion Bill 66, you can now use the dog on a leash for tracking wounded game animals until 11 p.m.
10. You can also carry a .22-caliber pistol for taking down wounded game animals, even if you’re using a crossbow during archery season.
11. You can only use a portable light source to track the wounded or retrieve the dead game animal.
12. Using any drug, chemical, poison, or explosive with the arrow is strictly prohibited in order to take down any game animal.
13. It is unlawful to use dogs for chasing and hunting deer in some counties.
14. If you hunt with a crossbow during deer firearms season on Sunday or even the Youth deer hunting day, you must need to wear a hunter orange cap/hat or outer garments of hunter orange.
15. In some counties of North Carolina, you can not hunt deer from floating devices or boats.

Why North Carolina Is a Great Destination For Hunting

Hunting in North Carolina is a popular sport enjoyed by many. With over 1,350,000 acres available for hunting each year, there is plenty of opportunities to get out and hunt some game. While most hunters prefer to pursue deer, other large game animals are also hunted, including wild boar and black bear. 

Some great locations for deer hunting include Halifax County in the central part of the state. Whitetail hunting is definitely something that can be enjoyed in North Carolina, and Carolina Woods & Waters is a great resource for those looking to hunt this big game. 

Annual comprehensive hunting, annual hunting preserve, and annual sportsman license are all affordable options for getting out and taking care of some venison. The yearly comprehensive hunting permit costs $39 and allows holders to hunt all year round, while the annual hunting preserve permit costs $22 and is valid only during specific season dates. Finally, the annual sportsman license is the most affordable option and costs $53 annually.

Conclusion

We tried our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but please note that this is not a legal document. Always consult with your local authorities for the most up-to-date regulations. We can not guarantee the accuracy of information found on this website since laws and regulations can change at any time. If you find any of the information on this website inaccurate, please let us know so we can correct it. We appreciate your feedback.