Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) 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. Mattamuskeet NWR provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors! Hunting is allowed in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations under a refuge issued permit and in designated areas. Hunting opportunities include deer hunts, a September Canada Goose hunt, and Late-season Waterfowl hunts. A separate permit is required for each of these hunts.
The pass allows the holder to participate in a two-day Deer Hunt. Hunting is allowed during two two-day hunts in October. Deer may only be taken by shotgun, muzzleloading rifle/shotgun, archery, or crossbow. With the appropriate North Carolina big game license, each hunter may take one antlered and one antlerless, or two antlerless deer per day on the refuge. Deer hunting is allowed throughout the refuge except in those areas designated as closed on the hunt map found here:
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-08/mattamuskeet-virtual-deer-hunt-2024.pdf
Youth
Youth hunters (under 16) must carry and possess evidence of completion of a State-approved hunter safety course.
They must be supervised by a validly licensed adult at least 21 years of age.
Each adult may supervise up to two youth, remaining in sight and normal voice contact at all times.
Both adult and youth hunters require a pass.
Access
Permitted hunters will be authorized access from one hour before legal shooting time until one hour after legal shooting time. Vehicles are restricted to designated roads only (see map).
Access to open hunting areas behind road gates will be by foot, bicycle, or boat only.
Hunters can use boats to access hunt areas, but hunting from a boat is prohibited.
Disabled sportsmen with valid proof of disability should contact the refuge office prior to arrival if special arrangements are needed.
Hunters are reminded that the land adjacent to the refuge is privately owned and entering or hunting on this land is at the discretion of the landowner.
General Regulations and Enforcement
All persons participating in the deer hunt must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of fluorescent orange-colored material above the waistline that is visible from any direction.
All deer taken on the Refuge must be checked in with the State. No facilities are available for dressing deer. Field dressing harvested deer is allowed and encouraged; however, depositing or leaving deer carcasses on refuge lands is prohibited.
Permit hunters may put up one portable blind or stand the day before the start of their hunt and must remove it at the end of the second day of that 2-day hunt. Blinds must display fluorescent orange-colored material visible from all directions. Any stands or blinds left overnight on the Refuge must have a tag with the hunter's name, address, and telephone number.
Only biodegradable flagging tape can be used to mark trails. All flagging tape must be removed on the last day of hunting.
Hunters, including youth, must carry a valid Pass while hunting. In addition, hunters must possess the proper North Carolina hunting licenses.
Please be prepared to show your hard copy pass or digital pass on your mobile device. Print out or download the pass on your mobile device in advance of your visit as cellular service may be limited.
Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
Hunters using the refuge are subject to inspections of permits, licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, vehicles, and their contents by Refuge or State law enforcement officers.
Shooting hours are in accordance with State regulations.
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on national wildlife refuges must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42) and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32.
Prohibited Activities
Shooting on, from, or across any road open to vehicles including Rose Bay, Sandy Dike, East Main, and Farm Field Roads.
Hunting from a boat.
Distributing and hunting over, or by the aid of any type of bait (food, salt, other minerals or other substances that lures or attracts animals)
Use of ATV's and any other unlicensed and unregistered vehicles
Use of nails, bolts, wire or screws (metal steps) to attach portable stands to trees or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven
Use of artificial lights, including vehicle headlights, to observe, locate, or take wildlife
Use of dogs to pursue, track or retrieve deer
Possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting
Taking or possession of any plants and wildlife (other than Canada geese)
Littering - if you pack it in, pack it out!
Camping or open fires
Overnight parking