Small game seasons in the Carolinas will close on Feb. 28 in North Carolina, and March 1 in South Carolina for most small game species that are currently open.
A few species are exceptions, such as beavers on private lands. This season is open year-round in both states.
Quail on private, controlled preserves also remains open a little longer, along with a few other species in certain locations.
Squirrel season closes on Feb. 28 in North Carolina for gray and red squirrels (fox squirrel season closed Jan. 31). However, the state also has a spring season, which runs from May 11 – 25 for grays and reds.
Some other small game species have no closed season, including groundhog, nutria, skunk, and armadillo.
Hunters looking for other wild game seasons need to wait several more weeks after the end of this month. Turkey season is the next species that will come into season.
South Carolina’s hunters get first crack at longbeards. Their private-land season opens state-wide on April 3 and runs through May 3. But youth hunters are the real early birds, and can hunt March 28 – 29.
The 2026 turkey season for North Carolina opens April 11 and runs through May 9 state-wide. Their youth season takes place April 4 – 5.
Two species that are always available for hunters in the Carolinas are wild hogs and coyotes, so hunters have no reason to sit at home moping about hunting season being over.
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