Most of North Carolina's wintering tundra swans can be found at and near Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. Hunters lucky enough to draw a tag have an excellent chance at getting one of these trophy birds at the refuge. Hunters also find a great variety of ducks at the refuge, including green-winged teal, gadwall, black duck, ring-necked duck and ruddy duck. Lake Mattamuskeet, the largest lake in North Carolina, encompasses about 40,000 acres of the 50,000-acre refuge. The refuge also provides quality public hunting of white-tailed deer.
Permits are required to hunt at the refuge. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s Permit Hunting Opportunities Program processes lotteries. Refuge permits will be issued to successful lottery applicants. Before the general waterfowl season, hunters can enter into a lottery for a permit to hunt resident Canada geese during the September season. This hunt was created to help control the population of resident Canada geese at the refuge. Regular season waterfowl hunts are scheduled as two consecutive day hunts during the late-season months. Waterfowl hunts are issued by lottery, and hunters are assigned a blind prior to their hunt days. One of the 16 waterfowl blinds accommodates hunters with disabilities. The refuge also offers two two-day lottery deer hunts in October.
For current information on hunting dates and procedures see the hunting regulations brochure or contact the refuge headquarters.
Permit Application Process
September Canada Goose Hunt:
For goose permits, hunters must apply through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission's Permit Hunting Opportunities Program (1-888-248-6834 or ncwildlife.org). The State charges an application fee of $8.00 (plus $2 online processing fee), 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 $15.00 per person fee to the Refuge in order to receive their permits. Permitted applicants may hunt Canada geese on the refuge from September 1 through September 30th Monday through Saturday. State limits apply. See below for directions for SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS (those who were drawn by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission) to pay hunt permit fees.
Deer Hunts:
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 ncwildlife.org). 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 $15.00 per person fee to the Refuge in order to receive their permits. See below for directions for SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS (those who were drawn by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission) to pay hunt permit fees.
Late Season Waterfowl Hunts:
For late season waterfowl permits, hunters must apply through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission's Permit Hunting Opportunities Program (1-888-248-6834 or ncwildlife.org). The State charges an application fee of $8.00 (plus $2 online processing fee). Successful applicants may bring two guests to participate in the hunt. Successful applicants will be notified by mail by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, provided directions for check-in and refuge special regulations, and directed to submit a $15.00 per person per day fee to the Refuge in order to receive their permits. State limits apply. See below for directions for SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS (those who were drawn by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission) to pay hunt permit fees.
Please read the Late Waterfowl Hunt Self-Orientation sheet and share with others who may hunt with you.
Refuge Hunt Fees
Information on how to pay the $15.00 2024-2025 Refuge Hunt Fees will be posted in fall of 2024.
Blind Assignments
The 2024-2025 Hunt Blind Assignments will be posted in fall of 2024.
