Most of North Carolina's wintering tundra swans can be found at and near Mattamuskeet National Wildlife 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. Permits are sold through Recreation.gov.
For current information on hunting dates and procedures, see the hunting regulations brochures or contact the refuge headquarters.
Types of Hunts
September Canada Goose Hunt
Before the general waterfowl season, hunters can purchase a pass 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.
Purchase a September Canada Goose Hunt Pass
See the September Goose Virtual Brochure below for regulations and procedures for this hunt.
Deer Hunts
The refuge offers two two-day deer hunts in October. See the link below for dates and to purchase a pass.
See the Deer Hunt Virtual Brochure below for regulations and procedures for this hunt.
Late Season Waterfowl Hunts
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 lottery typically opens in September, with selections in early November. Additional lottery opportunities are available for youth and disabled hunters.
Waterfowl Hunt Permit Lottery on Recreation.gov
Disabled Waterfowl Hunt Lottery on Recreation.Gov
Youth Waterfowl Hunt Lottery on Recreation.gov
Permits that are unclaimed by 5am on the day of a given hunt are allotted to standby hunters via an on-site lottery system.
Blind Assignments
Please see the files below for blind assignments. Blind assignments will be posted in late November or early December each year.
Refuge Hunt Fees
There is a $15 fee per person, per hunt. Fees are paid through Recreation.gov. See the links above.
