Deer Hunting in Rutherford County, North Carolina

Rutherford County, North Carolina hunters harvested 3,802 deer in the 2025-2026 season, about 6.7 per square mile, 12th in the state. The county is roughly 13% public land.

Updated August 2026
balanced harvest
Harvest Split
3,802 total deer
Antlered2,028
Antlerless1,774
See the state's top harvest counties →
Density
6.7 deer / sq mi
This county6.7
North Carolina avg4.2
See the densest counties in North Carolina →
County Rank
#12 of 100
Most harvestLeast harvest
#11 Randolph County
#12 Rutherford County
#13 Person County
See the full state ranking →
Public Land
13% public — 47,160 acres
Other state
21,767 ac
46%
State Wildlife/Conservation Area
15,487 ac
33%
State Park/Recreation
6,283 ac
13%
Local/Metropark
3,623 ac
8%
See counties with the most public land →
Full History
Every reported season
SeasonAntleredAntlerlessTotal
2025-20262,0281,7743,802

Harvest source: ncwildlife.gov

Harvest figures for Rutherford 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 Rutherford County
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