State wildlife agency announces migratory game bird seasons
Published 3:56 pm Monday, April 28, 2025
- Northern pintails take flight in Hyde County Wednesday, January 29, 2025. (NCWRC)
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N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has announced the approved season dates, bag limits and applicable regulations for the 2025-26 waterfowl, webless migratory game bird (including doves) and extended falconry seasons. The dates are available on the agency’s website and will be published in the 2025-26 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest this August.
The majority of seasons remain unchanged from the previous year, but there are some notable changes, including:
• The daily bag limit for Northern pintail has been increased from 1 bird to 3 birds.
• The September teal season has been shortened from a 16-day season to a 9-day season.
• The first Youth and Veterans/Military waterfowl day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 between the second and third waterfowl season splits.
• The second Youth and Veterans/Military day will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, following the closing of the general duck season.
• The definition of “youth” has been updated to include only hunters ages 15 or younger.
For more information, visit the Wildlife Commission’s Regulations webpage.