The initial available places are already filled. Applicants will be considered if cancellations occur.
You can still apply to the waitlist, register to receive notifications about our other programs opening soon, or subscribe to receive website updates. If you cannot get a seat this year, you’ll receive an early application notice when 2027 opens.
Program Overview
Webinar Series: Free, on-demand “Learn to Deer Hunt” webinars open to everyone (links available on website).
Field Day Series: Hands-on training for adults (18+) new to deer hunting without local mentors. Space is limited. Full participation in all field days and most prep events required. Location: Lillington, NC 27546.
Application & Selection
Apply only if you can attend all key dates below. Selection based on interest and need at mentorship team’s discretion. Expect a call to discuss eligibility.
What You’ll Learn
Core Training: Led by experienced hunters proficient with bows, black powder rifles, shotguns, and center fire rifles.
Required Certification: Complete NC Wildlife Resources Commission Hunter Education Certification Class (required for first hunting license).
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Essential Skills:
- Laws, seasons, and licensing requirements
- Gear selection for your environment and game
- Identifying promising hunting locations and deer patterns (movement, feeding, bedding)
- Developing effective hunting strategies for different scenarios
- Trail camera use for monitoring wildlife and planning hunts
- Safe setup and use of tree stands, climbers, saddles, lock-ons, and ground blinds
- Ethical shot placement for clean, humane kills
- Field dressing, skinning, quartering, and deboning harvests
- Emergency preparedness in remote areas
Community & Mentorship:
- Connect with fellow new hunters who often become long-term friends and hunting partners
- Paired with an experienced mentor to prepare you for fall deer hunting
- Opportunity to join a mentored hunt when ready
What’s Not Included
You’re responsible for: transportation, food, lodging, weapon, hunting gear, licenses, range fees, and independent firearms/archery training. You must hunt deer independently at least twice during the 2026 fall season.
Cost
$140 nonrefundable registration fee (due at first Field Day), plus hunting license, weapon, gear, range fees, and fall-arrest vest.
Eligibility
- Adults (18+) with little/no deer hunting experience and no local mentors
- Typically one applicant per family
- Priority: those planning to teach others and prior NC WRC Learn to Hunt participants
- Must complete: NC Hunter Education Course, webinar series, all field days, and attend as many site prep days as possible
- Must demonstrate weapon proficiency and physical ability for all activities
Key Dates (2026)
Field Days: Feb 7, Mar 21, May 16, Sep 12
Site Prep: May 2, Aug 29
Optional Hunts: Sep 12 (archery), Oct 24/Nov 7 (gun)
Optional Processing: Dec 5
Health & Safety
Self-screen for illness, follow CDC guidelines, practice social distancing, and bring personal sanitizers.
Questions? Contact us for more information.