State wildlife agency announces 2025-2026 North Carolina migratory game bird seasons

RALEIGH – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission 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 nine-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.