Updated as of 10/14/2025 - "During the blackpowder deer season, the only lawful firearms are blackpowder shotguns, rifles and handguns. The Commission defines a blackpowder firearm as any firearm — including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system — manufactured in or before 1898, that cannot use fixed ammunition; any replica of this type of firearm if such replica is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; and any muzzle-loading rifle, muzzle-loading shotgun, or muzzle-loading or cylinder-loading handgun that is designed to use blackpowder, blackpowder substitute, or any other propellant loaded through the muzzle, cylinder, or breech and that cannot use fixed ammunition."
NORTH CAROLINA MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Season
| Season Dates | Bag Limit | Weapon | Zone |
| Oct. 4 – Oct. 17 | See Regs | Blackpowder Only | Northeastern and Southeastern Antlered Deer Season |
| Nov. 1 – Nov. 14 | See Regs | Blackpowder Only | Central Antlered Deer Season |
| Nov. 8 – Nov. 21 | See Regs | Blackpowder Only | Northwestern Antlered Deer Season |
| Nov. 15 – Nov. 28 | See Regs | Blackpowder Only | Western Antlered Deer Season |
NORTH CAROLINA MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- Scopes are legal
- Pelletized powder is legal
- Inline muzzleloaders are legal
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: North Carolina Hunting Regulations
HAVE NORTH CAROLINA MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about North Carolina Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
