With the end of deer and bear seasons next Monday in Columbus County, hunters are out in full force hoping to fill one more tag and put some meat in the freezer.
The limit on whitetail deer in Columbus is six, of which four may be antlerless.
Limit on bear is one per hunter, per season. Sows with dependent cubs and bears under 100 pounds may not be taken.
All big game harvests must be tagged on the site of the kill, and be registered by calling 1-800-I-GOT-ONE or at ncwildlife.org.
A safety orange cap, vest or other outer garment visible from 360 degrees must be worn while hunting all big and small game. Waterfowlers and migratory bird hunters are not required to wear orange, but it is recommended.
While “hunting season” only means deer to many outdoorsmen, multiple small game species may be hunted through January and February.
Gray and red squirrels may be hunted through Feb. 29. The daily limit is eight, and there is no possession or season limit. Fox squirrels may be hunted through Jan. 31. The daily limit on fox squirrels is one, with possession of two and ten for the season.
Rabbits may be taken through Feb. 29, with a daily limit of five per hunter and no season or possession limit. Quail season also runs through Feb. 29, with a daily limit of six, twelve in possession and no season limit.
Bobcat, raccoon and possum may be taken through Feb. 29. Only coons have a daily limit of three.
Other species, including coyote, nutria, striped skunk, armadillo and feral hogs, may be taken year-round, with no possession or bag limit. Fox regulations vary by county. Beaver may be hunted year-round with permission of the landowner.
Federal migratory birds, including doves, duck and geese, fall under different regulations. Doves may be taken through Jan. 31, with a daily limit of 15. Woodcock are also fair game through Jan. 31, with a limit of three per day.
Go to ncwildlife.org for a full list of waterfowl seasons, limits and rules. Consult the Regulations Digest or ncwildlife.org for more information.
