The Outer Banks is a destination that many travelers look forward to visiting in the name of beach hopping, shopping, surfing, and sightseeing. It’s also a place where duck hunting has been a tradition for over a century. Early settlers in the area were notorious sportsmen and today, duck hunters come to carry out long expeditions through the lush terrain and coastlines of the Outer Banks. In addition to duck hunting, the Outer Banks hosts seasons featuring deer hunting and other small game as well. However, the Outer Bank’s location along the Atlantic Flyway is what makes ducks so abundant here and hunting so successful. This vast migration route brings waterfowl to the Outer Banks in droves.
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Choose Your Place to Hunt
Duck hunting can be done on land and open water in the Outer Banks. One of the most popular destinations is the sprawling Cape Hatteras National Seashore which is located north of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge near Bodie Island. The area is packed with convenient and rustic duck blinds for stationing boats. Permissible hunting regions in the area include small islands and marshes alike. Do keep in mind that Pelican Island and the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge are both non-hunting grounds. Duck hunters can also utilize shallow draft boats to access the hunting areas designated within the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge where waterfowl thrive.
Before You Go – Permits Requirements
It’s important to be sure you understand the rules and regulations for duck hunting in the Outer Banks before you set out. Hunting seasons vary by the type of game you’re seeking but October and November are the top hunting seasons in this area. Hunters will need a valid state hunting license obtained through the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. These can be obtained online prior to a trip. Hunters will use this same site to report a harvest and keep up to date on any changing regulations. Additionally, those who will be hunting in a refuge, reserve, or along a National Seashore will need a second permit in place. Application forms are available at the Visitor Center as well as online and must be in hand at all times.
The Best Waterfowl & Duck Hunting Guides in Outer Banks
If you’re looking for a guided duck hunting experience during your Outer Banks stay there are plenty of options to choose from.
Parkers Waterfowl Guide Service
Parkers Waterfowl Guide Service is one of the top duck hunting guides in the Outer Banks. You can book a hunt with a full-day experience. A typical day of hunting with this company begins early in the morning, and after you meet with the guide, you’ll take a boat ride to one of their hunting locations. Then you’ll set up decoys and start hunting! Parkers offer these experiences from October through January.
Outer Banks Duck Hunting
The Outer Banks Duck Hunting service focuses on guided hunts through the Oregon Inlet exploring the marshland off the coast of Bodie Island. Trained dogs are allowed on these tours with advanced notice and along the way, you’ll be treated to some truly spectacular views. This marshland sits just off the coast of Bodie Island in Roanoke Sound, and offers a fantastic duck hunting experience along with gorgeous views of the Outer Banks.
T&A Guide Service
You can catch a variety of waterfowl with T&A Guide Service. This Outer Banks duck hunting guide offers a sink box hunt and a stake blind hunt. Their 24-foot skiff embarks on a day of hunting at 5 a.m.
Eastern OBX Guide Service
Duck and swan hunting are available through Eastern OBX Guide Service. They provide half-day and full-day excursions with Captain Jonathan Oglesby. You also receive a complimentary breakfast included with your hunting rate.
Ken Dempsey Guide Service
You can explore and hunt on the beautiful grounds of Hatteras Island with the Ken Dempsey Guide Service. This full-time professional outfitter in the Outer Banks has over 25 years of hunting experience in the area. A large selection of waterfowl is available for hunting, so you never know what you’ll find near Cape Hatteras.
Ocracoke Sportfishing
Captains Ronnie and Ryan are the heads of Ocracoke Sportfishing. In addition to this father and son’s booming fishing business, they offer daily duck hunting tours in the Outer Banks. Up to six hunters can take the journey into the open waters of the Pamlico Sound, where you’ll find an abundant population of waterfowl.
Plan Your Outer Banks Outdoor Vacation
Pirate’s Cove is the perfect place to call home during your Outer Banks vacation. Our extensive collection of properties lies on beautiful Roanoke Island, which gives you a fantastic home base for exploring the beach, going on a duck hunting trip, or seeing the top attractions in the area. You can choose anything from a four-person condo in a gated community to a large family home overlooking Roanoke Sound; the choice is yours! We even offer a selection of pet-friendly rentals so you can bring the entire family along!
Book your Pirate’s Cove rental property today and start planning your trip today! We look forward to welcoming you to the Outer Banks.
