Deer Hunting in McDowell County, North Carolina

McDowell County, North Carolina hunters harvested 1,027 deer in the 2025-2026 season, about 2.3 per square mile, 81st in the state. The county is roughly 33% public land.

Updated August 2026
buck-heavy harvest
Harvest Split
1,027 total deer
Antlered659
Antlerless368
See the state's top harvest counties →
Density
2.3 deer / sq mi
This county2.3
North Carolina avg4.2
See the densest counties in North Carolina →
County Rank
#81 of 100
Most harvestLeast harvest
#80 Macon County
#81 McDowell County
#82 Wake County
See the full state ranking →
Public Land
33% public — 93,970 acres
National Forest
71,025 ac
76%
Other state
13,494 ac
14%
State Park/Recreation
4,245 ac
5%
State Wildlife/Conservation Area
2,677 ac
3%
Other federal
1,781 ac
2%
Local/Metropark
748 ac
1%
See counties with the most public land →
Full History
Every reported season
SeasonAntleredAntlerlessTotal
2025-20266593681,027

Harvest source: ncwildlife.gov

Harvest figures for McDowell County are compiled from the state wildlife agency's published county reports and can be revised.

Season Dates
North Carolina deer season, 2025-2026

North Carolina deer and turkey season dates are listed on the North Carolina season page. Harvest figures reflect the 2025-2026 season published by the North Carolina wildlife agency and can be revised — always verify current regulations before you hunt.

Nearby
Counties bordering McDowell County
Dig deeper in Ember
Scout in Ember
Night

Scout McDowell County in Ember

These are county-wide numbers. Drop your stands in Ember and it scores each one by terrain, wind, water, and your own history — the Breakdown that county totals can't give you.

Get Ember