North Carolina hunters are gearing up for the start of the 2026 spring wild turkey season, which began with a special Youth Season on April 4–5, followed by the statewide opener on April 11.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding hunters of bag limits, reporting requirements, and several key restrictions designed to protect the state’s growing but carefully managed turkey population.
Youth Season: April 4–5
Hunters under age 16 got the first opportunity of the year, with a two‑day youth‑only season that allowed the harvest of male or bearded turkeys only. Youth hunters must carry a Big Game Harvest Report Card, and license‑exempt youth must use the special License‑Exempt Big Game Report Card to report their harvest.
Statewide Season: April 11 – May 9
The general spring season opens one week later and runs through May 9, with the same restriction of male or bearded turkeys only.
Hunters are limited to:
- Daily bag limit: 1
- Season limit: 2 (only one may be taken during the youth season)
Important Restrictions
Wildlife officials emphasize several rules that will be strictly enforced:
- No rifles or handguns may be used to hunt wild turkeys.
- It is unlawful to take a turkey within 300 yards of bait. An area remains baited for 10 days after all bait is gone or removed.
- Hunters may not possess live wild turkeys or any live birds that cannot be distinguished from wild turkeys.
A Strong Tradition Continues
North Carolina’s turkey population has rebounded dramatically over the past several decades, thanks to restoration efforts, regulated seasons, and responsible hunting practices. Spring turkey season remains one of the state’s most popular hunting traditions, drawing thousands of sportsmen and youth hunters into the woods each April.
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