North Carolina is part of the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major migratory bird corridors in North America. The 2025–2026 waterfowl season runs from September 1 through March 31, 2026, with 26 distinct season segments covering ducks, geese, coots, and other migratory game birds. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Wildlife Resources Commission within frameworks established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September Canada Goose | Sep 1 | Sep 30 | 15 | 45 |
| Resident Canada Goose - Split 1 | Oct 24 | Oct 25 | 5 | 15 |
| Resident Canada Goose - Split 2 | Nov 8 | Dec 6 | 5 | 15 |
| Resident Canada Goose - Split 3 | Dec 18 | Feb 7 | 5 | 15 |
| Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11 | Sep 20 | 6 | 18 |
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Duck Season - Split 1 | Oct 24 | Oct 25 | 6 | 18 |
| Coastal Duck Season - Split 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 29 | 6 | 18 |
| Coastal Duck Season - Split 3 | Dec 18 | Jan 31 | 6 | 18 |
| Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 24 | Feb 7 | 25 | – |
| Segment | Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coot Season - Split 1 | Oct 24 | Oct 25 | 15 | 45 |
| Coot Season - Split 2 | Nov 8 | Nov 29 | 15 | 45 |
| Coot Season - Split 3 | Dec 18 | Jan 31 | 15 | 45 |
| Opens | Closes | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 9 | Mar 31 | – | – |
Season dates and bag limits are verified against official state wildlife agency publications and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Data shown is for the 2025-2026 season. This data has not yet been verified against official sources for this season. Always confirm with your state's official regulations before hunting.