Hinson Game Land

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hinson Game Land is a wildlife management area located in the southeastern part of North Carolina, near the town of Goldsboro.


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Summary

The area covers over 3,000 acres and offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the state's coastal plain region.

There are several good reasons to visit Hinson Game Land, including its diverse range of habitats and wildlife. The area is home to a variety of species, including deer, turkey, quail, and waterfowl, which makes it a popular destination for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.

One of the most interesting points of interest in Hinson Game Land is the Mill Creek Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits and programs about the local flora and fauna. There is also a shooting range on the property, which is open to the public.

Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former military training ground and its designation as a "Game Land" by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The land was acquired by the state in the 1950s and has been managed for wildlife conservation ever since.

The best time of year to visit Hinson Game Land depends on your interests. Fall and winter are popular times for hunting, while spring and summer are better for hiking and wildlife viewing. It's important to check the area's hunting and fishing regulations before planning a visit, as some areas may be closed during certain seasons or for specific activities.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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