Market Report · 2026
North Carolina
Hunting Market
North Carolina ranks #20 nationally by outfitter count with 16 verified operators (2% of the Search Huntr directory).
Outfitters
16
Featured
0
Species
6
National Rank
#20
Species Breakdown
| Species | Operators | Tag Cost | Avg Hunt Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | 10 | $180 | $NaN |
| Turkey | 6 | $100 | $NaN |
| Bear | 6 | $225 | $NaN |
| Waterfowl | 5 | $100 | $NaN |
| Upland Bird | 2 | $100 | $NaN |
| Hog | 2 | $100 | $NaN |
Average hunt price includes base hunt (fully guided), nonresident tag, travel, and standard guide tip. Run the cost estimator for a personalized breakdown.
Hunt Types Offered
rifle
5
operators
shotgun
5
operators
muzzleloader
4
operators
archery
4
operators
Top 6 Operators
Occoneechee Hunting Lodge
Hillsborough, NC
The Best Whitetail Deer Hunting in North Carolina since 1989
10,000 acres (8,000-10,000 acres family-owned) · Over 100% success ratio in past several years
Backwoods Trophy Outfitters
Hertford, NC
North Carolina's premiere whitetail hunting destination with guided deer, bear, and turkey hunts.
12,000 acres
GGS Outfitters
Hyde County, NC
North Carolina Duck, Swan, and Bear Hunting Guide
Lily Pond Creek Hunting Lodge
Northampton, NC
Trophy hunting for whitetail deer, turkey, and black bear in North Carolina.
30,000 acres · approximately 100% for spring turkey hunts
Mile High Outfitters
Wolftown Community ᏩᏲᎯ, NC
Seasonal guided mountain hunting in Northwestern North Carolina.
Fair Game Outfitters
Pittsboro, NC
Complete North Carolina hunting outfitter with trophy deer properties and lodge accommodations.
5,000+ acres
North Carolina Nonresident Tag Costs
| Species | Approx 2026 Tag |
|---|---|
| Bear | $225 |
| Whitetail Deer | $180 |
| Turkey | $100 |
| Hog | $100 |
| Upland Bird | $100 |
| Waterfowl | $100 |
Tag costs include the base nonresident hunting license plus species tag. Excludes habitat stamps, draw application fees, and trophy fees. Updated for 2026 from state Fish & Game sources.
Methodology
All data is aggregated from our directory of verified North Carolina outfitters. Hunt prices reflect Search Huntr's national model calibrated to state-specific tag and travel costs. Tag prices are updated annually from state Fish & Game departments. See full methodology for details.