Hunt unit · Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

A - NC Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The A - NC unit is one of 4 mapped hunt units on Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in Currituck County, NC. It covers approximately 6,705 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations. A refuge permit is required.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗

6,705acres

Special regsstatus 2026–27

Yesrefuge permit

Currituck Countycounty

A - NC map

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OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates

Downloads (whole refuge):KML GPX

Rules & permits for this unit

Status: Open – special regulations apply

Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to North Carolina regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.

Refuge permit required. Type: Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Mail, Online FWS, Visitor Center.

Hunting only

Game at Mackay Island NWR

Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.

Getting to the A - NC unit

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Destination: center of the A - NC unit

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Decimal: 36.51775, -75.94311
DMS: 36°31′03.9″N 75°56′35.2″W

Nearest towns

Virginia Beach, VA23 mi S of town
Elizabeth City, NC23 mi NE of town
Norfolk, VA30 mi SE of town

Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.

The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.

Shooting hours at this unit

Today at A - NC

Legal light*–

Sunrise–

Sunset–

Pick a date

*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in New York local time.

Full season calculator →

2026–2027 season sun table

Date	Shooting light	Sunrise	Sunset	Daylight
Tue, Sep 1, 2026	6:04 AM	6:34 AM	7:33 PM	12h 60m
Tue, Sep 15, 2026	6:15 AM	6:45 AM	7:13 PM	12h 28m
Thu, Oct 1, 2026	6:27 AM	6:57 AM	6:48 PM	11h 51m
Thu, Oct 15, 2026	6:39 AM	7:09 AM	6:29 PM	11h 19m
Sun, Nov 1, 2026	5:56 AM	6:26 AM	5:08 PM	10h 42m
Sun, Nov 15, 2026	6:10 AM	6:40 AM	4:56 PM	10h 16m
Tue, Dec 1, 2026	6:26 AM	6:56 AM	4:49 PM	9h 52m
Tue, Dec 15, 2026	6:38 AM	7:08 AM	4:49 PM	9h 41m
Fri, Jan 1, 2027	6:45 AM	7:15 AM	4:57 PM	9h 42m
Fri, Jan 15, 2027	6:44 AM	7:14 AM	5:10 PM	9h 55m
Mon, Feb 1, 2027	6:35 AM	7:05 AM	5:27 PM	10h 22m

Computed for 36.518, -75.943 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

Weather forecast

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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.

Other units at Mackay Island NWR

Unit	Status	Acres	Permit
A - VA	Special regs	901	Required
West Marsh	Special regs	1,117	Required
Closed - NC	Closed	0.7	Required

Back to Mackay Island NWR →