Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Southeast Region

Hunting on Mattamuskeet:
The 50,180 acre Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1934 primarily to preserve wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl. The refuge's predominant feature is the 40,000 acre Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest natural lake in North Carolina. The regulated harvest of surplus animals is one tool used to manage wildlife populations.


Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Permit Hunt applications now have earlier deadlines due to administrative changes in the application and payment processes. Application dates for the September goose hunts and October deer hunts will be announced at a later date.

For goose permits, hunters must apply through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission's Permit Hunting Opportunities Program (1-888-248-6834 or www.ncwildlife.org); the Canada Goose Hunt Item Number is 7047. The State charges an application fee of $5.00, and they will draw 100 applicants. Parties of up to five persons may apply. Successful applicants will be notified by mail by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and will be directed to submit a $12.50 per person fee to the Refuge in order to receive their permits. Permitted applicants may hunt Canada geese on the refuge from September 2 through September 30th Monday through Saturday. State limits apply.

Likewise, prospective deer hunters must apply for the two two-day October deer hunts through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission's Permit Hunting Opportunities Program (1-888-248-6834 or www.ncwildlife.org); the Deer Hunt Item Number is 7050. Applications may be made singly or by groups of up to five hunters. Successful applicants will be notified by mail by the Commission and will be directed to submit a $12.50 per person fee to the Refuge in order to receive their permits.

Permits will also be available for waterfowl hunting on Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge; however, the deadlines for those applications have not changed. Dates for the late season waterfowl hunts will be available September 1, 2013.


Early Season Canada Goose Hunt:   To be announced.

Deer Hunt:   To be announced.

2013 - 2014 Waterfowl Hunt:

  • 2013 - 2014 Waterfowl Hunt Blind Assignments to be announced.
  • Youth Waterfowl Hunt Letter to be announced.
  • Standby Hunt Information 2013-2014 Late Season Waterfowl Hunt to be announced.


Youth Hunt:   To be announced.

General late season hunt:

  • 2013-2014 Late Season Waterfowl Hunt Dates: 
  • To be announced.

    Apply through the North Carolina Permit Hunting Opportunities Program by visiting your license agent, calling 1-888-248-6834, or online at www.ncwildlife.org.
Last Updated: 3/18/13