Hunting Opportunities

2024 - 2025 Hunting Dates:

All 2024 - 2025 Hunt Dates are currently booked.
If you would like to be put on our call list for the
2025-2026 Season

Contact:
Cody - call or text at 919-836-6145

Did you know that feral pigs as large as 300 pounds roam the forests of Howell Woods?

While the environmental learning center offers outdoor programs and activities for nature enthusiasts, it is also a popular hunting spot for wild pig, whitetail deer, wild turkey, and other game.

Why Hunt at Howell Woods?

As areas become more urban, it can be difficult to find places that are available for hunting.  At Howell Woods, you get an opportunity to hunt in a pristine area where you can "get away from it all," enjoy the camaraderie of fellow hunters, and if you've had a good hunt, you get a natural, additive-free meat for your dinner table.

The Quality of the Habitat

The quality and well-regulated habitat makes Howell Woods one of the best hunting areas in eastern North Carolina. Hunters from within a 100-mile radius and many hunters from other states have experienced the great hunting from September through March on the 2,800 acres of Howell Woods.

With the application of specific game laws and ethical and humane harvest techniques, hunting can be a valuable management tool for wildlife. Wildlife species (game and non-game) and their habitats are managed on the property of Howell Woods by four technicians. Game species, properly managed, are seen as a natural, renewable resource.

Because we are foremost an educational facility, education is our top priority. We believe hands-on practical applications of the principles we are teaching is the best way to learn those principles. As you read through the information about hunting at Howell Woods, please keep in mind our mission to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and to enhance an awareness and appreciation of the conservation, preservation, and restoration of North Carolina's natural resources.

Safe Environment

The rules and regulations are designed to ensure a safe hunting experience, ensure an equal opportunity to participate in hunting sports for the general public in well managed habitats, and ensure proper game management by applying humane and scientific harvest techniques and regulations.

The staff will not tolerate unsafe or unethical hunters as any true sportsperson should not either! We hope after a hunting experience at Howell Woods that each hunter will have a new respect for outdoor safety, the profession of wildlife management, fellow hunters, native ecosystems, and all wildlife species in general!

Everything You Need to Finish the Hunt

At Howell Woods, you have the opportunity to hunt for different game and can expect to find all the necessary equipment needed to start and finish the hunt. In addition to stands and feeders, Howell Woods is also equipped with a processing area that includes gambrels, butchering tools, and walk-in coolers where you can properly prepare your game after the hunt.

Thank you for your interest in hunting at Howell Woods and good luck!


Volunteer Hunt

Whitetail Deer and Feral Pig

Quality deer management practices are strictly followed for whitetail deer harvests. Feral pigs are liberally harvested to control the extent of damage done by these feral animals.

Volunteers upon earning the required number of hours to receive a hunt are eligible to participate in two four day hunts. The first hunt occurs in the fall/winter for deer and feral pigs the other in the spring for feral pigs only.

  • To participate in the volunteer hunt, the hunter(s) must complete and mail/deliver a Volunteer Sign-Up Form (*fillable PDF:76KB/1p) before starting to work the required number of hours on a specific program, activity or project.
  • The required number of hours must be completed before the hunter is allowed to hunt or before the requested hunt date is secured. As soon as the volunteer reaches the required number of volunteer hours for the number of slots requested, then the slots will be reserved.
  • The use of personal tools or equipment receives one bonus hour per visit with more than four hours worked per visit.  Four bonus hours are awarded for assisting with prescribed burning activities that last longer than four hours.
  • Credit for volunteer hours is given only for actual work time conducted while under the supervision or direction of a Howell Woods staff member. Time for meal breaks is not credited.
  • One volunteer may earn enough hours for multiple hunters, or volunteers may combine, share, or donate their hours to other hunters for the desired hunt option.
  • Volunteer hunters may only receive assistance from staff members in recovering harvested animals.
  • Additional or unused hours will be rolled over to the next calendar year.
  • Volunteers may not volunteer during a hunt for which they are participating in by hunting.
  • Volunteers are subject to the supervision of any Howell Woods staff member and must conform to all the safe working procedures as addressed in the Johnston Community College Safety Plan while working on the property or performing work off the property for the volunteer hour credits.

Volunteer Work Hours

Subject to change on a yearly basis.

*Volunteers may use 20 hours for each additional day

Volunteer Work Hours Needed

  • 40 hours - 1 hunter/per two day hunt.
  • Small Buck Harvest Penalty - $250.00
  • Button Buck Harvest Penalty- $25.00