Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Late Season Waterfowl Hunting Permits
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.
Notifications and Alerts
The Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Late Season Waterfowl Hunting Permit lottery will open for applications on 9/1/2026 at 10am ET. Please visit the following pages for other opportunities for this hunt:
For Disabled Late Season Waterfowl Hunting Permits, the lottery will open for applications on 9/1/2026 at 10am ET: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/5393939.
For Youth Late Season Waterfowl Hunting Permits, reservations will become available on 9/1/2026 at 10am ET: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/5404040.
Permit & Season Information
Late Season Waterfowl Hunts:
Late-season waterfowl hunts are allowed by permit only in 16 hunting blinds on the refuge. These permits will be allotted through a lottery system. Hunters can apply for the lottery from September 1st to October 31st. Waterfowl hunt dates will be scheduled as two-day paired hunts on Tuesday/Wednesdays and Friday/Saturdays during North Carolina’s late waterfowl season.
Hunt Day Check In Process:
All waterfowl hunters must check-in at the refuge headquarters between 4:30–5 am each day.
During check-in, any remaining fees will be collected, permits will be issued, blind assignments made, and check-out instructions provided.
Unclaimed permits as of 5 am of each hunt date will be allotted to standby hunters via a lottery system.
Need to Know
Youth
Youth hunters (under 16) must carry a valid refuge hunt permit and have passed a State approved hunter safety course. They must be supervised by an adult who is at least 21 years of age. Each adult may supervise up to two youth and must remain in sight and normal voice contact with the youth. Hunters aged 16-17 must possess a valid license, duck stamp, and HIP certification as well as refuge hunt permit.
Access
All waterfowl hunters must check-in at the refuge headquarters between 4:30 – 5 am each day. During check-in, user fees will be collected, permits issued, blind assignments made, and check-out instructions provided. Unclaimed permits as of 5 am of each hunt date will be allotted to standby hunters via a lottery system. Access to hunt area is by vehicle on East Main Road and then via foot or non-motorized boat. Hunting is restricted to the assigned blind. Only crippled birds may be shot from outside the blind.
General Regulations and Enforcement
In addition to the proper North Carolina hunting licenses and signed Federal duck stamp, waterfowl hunters must have the HIP certification.
Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise until 12 noon.
Bag limits are the same as those prescribed by the State.
Waterfowl may only be taken with shotguns.
Hunting is restricted to the use and possession of non-toxic shot shells only.
There is a 30 shell limit per hunter per day.
Decoys may only be put out on the mornings of the hunt and must be removed daily.
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.
The use of retrieving dogs is permitted, but dogs must be under voice command at all times.
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
Use of ATV’s and any other unlicensed and unregistered vehicles
Use of motorized boats
Distributing and hunting over, or by the aid of any type of bait (food, salt, other minerals or other substance that lures or attracts animals) is prohibited on the refuge
Blocking roads, trails, or fire lanes
Camping
Possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting
Taking or possession of any plants and wildlife (other than waterfowl)
Littering
Overnight parking
Open Fires
Trapping
Using artificial lights (including vehicle headlights) to locate, observe, or take wildlife
Please consult the Mattamuskeet Late Season Waterfowl Hunt - Self-Orientation sheet for more information on this hunt.
https://www.fws.gov/media/late-waterfowl-hunt-self-orientation
Links to other helpful documents are located at the bottom of the refuge’s hunting web page.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/mattamuskeet/visit-us/activities/hunting
Fee Policy
Lottery Application Fee: $6.00
Recreation Fee: $24.00 per person fee (fee covers both days)
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: There will be no refunds issued if a cancellation occurs.
Change Policy: Not applicable to this permit.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
85 Mattamuskeet Road Swanquarter NC 27885
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/mattamuskeet
Phone Number
(252) 926 4021
