North Dakota offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. Hunters can pursue various game species across the state’s picturesque landscapes. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department manages hunting seasons for deer, waterfowl, upland game, and other wildlife, setting specific dates and regulations for each species.

Hunting seasons in North Dakota typically align with animal migration patterns and population trends. The state divides its territory into units, with different rules and dates applying to each area. This approach helps maintain sustainable wildlife populations while providing fair access to hunters.

North Dakota’s hunting regulations cover essential aspects such as licensing requirements, bag limits, and permitted hunting methods. Hunters must familiarize themselves with these rules before venturing into the field. The state also implements measures to address concerns like chronic wasting disease in deer populations, ensuring the long-term health of wildlife and hunting traditions.

General Hunting Regulations in North Dakota

Hunting in North Dakota requires a valid hunting license. The General Game and Habitat License is mandatory for most hunters.

Season dates vary by species and are set annually. Hunters must adhere to specific opening and closing dates for each game animal.

Many hunts in North Dakota operate on a lottery system. Online lottery applications are typically available in early May for gun seasons.

Application deadlines are crucial. For example, special allocation lottery applications are accepted from October 1 to January 1 each year.

Hunters must follow bag limits and tagging requirements. These regulations ensure sustainable wildlife populations.

Certain areas have specific hunting unit restrictions. Hunters may be required to stay within assigned units during part of the season.

Safety is paramount. Hunters must wear blaze orange during firearm deer seasons and follow all weapon regulations.

Combination licenses are available for residents, offering a cost-effective option for those pursuing multiple species.

Nonresident hunters face additional restrictions and may have limited license availability for certain game species.

It’s essential to review the current year’s proclamation, as regulations can change annually to address wildlife management needs.

Deer Hunting Seasons

North Dakota offers diverse deer hunting opportunities for white-tailed and mule deer across various seasons and hunting methods. Hunters can participate in archery, regular gun, muzzleloader, and youth seasons, with special allocations available through lotteries and gratis licenses.

White-Tailed and Mule Deer

North Dakota is home to both white-tailed and mule deer populations. White-tailed deer are found throughout the state, while mule deer primarily inhabit the western regions. Hunters must be aware of the differences between these species and their specific hunting regulations.

Bag limits and hunting units vary depending on the deer species and season. Some units may have restrictions on harvesting mule deer does to protect populations.

Archery Season

The archery deer season in North Dakota typically runs from late August through early January. For the 2024-2025 season, the tentative dates are August 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

Archery hunters can pursue both white-tailed and mule deer with a valid license. The season is statewide, allowing hunters to move between units. However, some units may have specific regulations or restrictions.

Regular Deer Season

The regular deer gun season is the most popular hunting period in North Dakota. It usually starts in early November and lasts for 16.5 days. Specific dates for the 2024 season have not been finalized as of October 30, 2024.

Hunters must apply for licenses through a lottery system. Units 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E have special regulations for white-tailed deer hunters. In units 4B and 4C, hunters must hunt in their assigned unit for the first 2.5 days before being allowed to hunt in either unit.

Muzzleloader Season

The muzzleloader deer season provides a unique hunting experience with traditional firearms. This season typically occurs in late November and early December, after the regular gun season.

Muzzleloader hunters can pursue both white-tailed and mule deer. Specific regulations and bag limits may vary by unit and deer species. Hunters must obtain a muzzleloader license through the lottery application process.

Youth Deer Season

North Dakota offers a special youth deer hunting season to encourage young hunters. This season usually takes place in September, before the regular gun season opens.

Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult. The season provides an excellent opportunity for mentoring and passing down hunting traditions. Specific age requirements and regulations apply to participate in the youth season.

Special Allocation Lottery and Gratis Licenses

North Dakota offers special allocation licenses through a lottery system. Applications are accepted between October 1 and January 1 each year. These licenses provide additional hunting opportunities for residents and non-residents.

Gratis licenses are available to landowners who meet specific acreage requirements. These licenses allow landowners to hunt on their own property without going through the regular lottery process.

Veterans and active military personnel may be eligible for special hunting opportunities or license allocations. Hunters should check with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for specific details and eligibility requirements.

Waterfowl Hunting Seasons

North Dakota offers diverse waterfowl hunting opportunities with separate seasons for different species and age groups. Hunters can target ducks, geese, and other waterfowl across various units and time periods.

General Waterfowl Season

The general waterfowl season in North Dakota typically runs from late September through early December. Specific dates vary by species and hunting unit. Ducks and coots can be hunted in both the Low Plains and High Plains units.

Bag limits differ for various species. For ducks, hunters are often allowed 6 per day, including restrictions on certain species like mallards and pintails. Goose limits vary by species, with separate regulations for Canada geese and other types.

Shooting hours usually begin 30 minutes before sunrise and end at sunset. Hunters must possess appropriate licenses and follow all state and federal regulations.

Youth Waterfowl Season

North Dakota offers a special youth waterfowl season, typically held in mid-September. This season provides young hunters an early opportunity to target ducks, geese, and coots before the general season opens.

Participants must be 15 years old or younger and accompanied by a licensed adult. The youth season often lasts for two days, allowing young hunters to experience waterfowl hunting with less competition.

Bag limits and shooting hours during the youth season generally mirror those of the regular season. This event helps introduce the next generation to waterfowl hunting traditions and conservation ethics.

Bonus Blue-Winged Teal Season

North Dakota sometimes offers a bonus blue-winged teal season in September, before the general duck season opens. This special season targets early-migrating blue-winged teal.

Hunters can take advantage of this additional opportunity to pursue these fast-flying ducks. The bonus season typically lasts for about a week and has a separate daily bag limit for blue-winged teal.

Participation in this season requires a valid hunting license and federal duck stamp. Hunters should be skilled in waterfowl identification to ensure they target only blue-winged teal during this specialized season.

Upland Game and Small Game Seasons

North Dakota offers diverse hunting opportunities for upland game and small game species. Hunters can pursue turkeys, pheasants, grouse, and Hungarian partridges during specific seasons with designated bag limits.

Turkey

Turkey hunting in North Dakota is split into spring and fall seasons. The spring season typically starts in mid-April and runs through mid-May. Fall turkey season usually begins in mid-October and lasts until early January.

Hunters must obtain a turkey license through a lottery system. The state is divided into hunting units, each with a limited number of licenses available. Bag limits are typically one turkey per license.

Spring hunters can take one bearded turkey, while fall hunters may harvest one turkey of either sex. Hunting hours are generally from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Pheasant

Pheasant season in North Dakota typically opens in mid-October and extends through early January. The season provides ample time for hunters to pursue these popular game birds.

Daily bag limits for pheasants are usually set at three roosters per day, with a possession limit of 12. Shooting hours start 30 minutes before sunrise and end at sunset.

North Dakota’s pheasant population fluctuates based on weather conditions and habitat quality. The western and south-central regions of the state often offer the best pheasant hunting opportunities.

Grouse

North Dakota offers hunting seasons for sharp-tailed grouse and ruffed grouse. The season for both species typically opens in mid-September and runs through early January.

Sharp-tailed grouse are more common in the state’s prairie regions, while ruffed grouse prefer wooded areas. Daily bag limits are usually set at three of each species, with a possession limit of 12.

Hunters should be aware of the differences in appearance and habitat preferences between the two grouse species. Proper identification is crucial for adhering to bag limits and conservation efforts.

Hungarian Partridge

Hungarian partridge, also known as gray partridge, can be hunted in North Dakota from mid-September through early January. These birds are often found in agricultural areas and grasslands.

The daily bag limit for Hungarian partridge is typically set at three birds, with a possession limit of 12. Hunters may encounter these birds while pursuing other upland game species.

Hungarian partridge populations can be affected by harsh winters and changes in agricultural practices. Scouting and familiarity with their preferred habitats can improve hunting success.

Big Game Seasons

North Dakota offers hunting opportunities for several big game species. Each has designated seasons and specific regulations to ensure sustainable population management.

Elk

Elk hunting in North Dakota is highly regulated. The season typically runs from early September to late December. Hunters must obtain licenses through a lottery system due to limited tags available. Different units across the state have varying season dates and bag limits.

Bulls and antlerless elk may be harvested depending on the specific tag. Some units allow archery hunting prior to rifle seasons. Hunters should carefully review unit boundaries and access restrictions before their hunt.

Success rates for elk hunters vary by unit and year. Scouting is crucial for locating herds. Hunters often focus on areas with suitable elk habitat like the Badlands region.

Moose

Moose hunting is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for North Dakota residents. The season generally occurs in October and November. Like elk, moose licenses are distributed through a lottery drawing with very limited availability.

Bulls, cows, and calves may be legal depending on the specific tag drawn. Hunting units are primarily located in the north-central and northeastern parts of the state where moose populations are highest.

Hunters should be prepared for challenging terrain and potentially harsh weather conditions. Proper field care and extraction methods are crucial given the large size of moose.

Pronghorn

Pronghorn seasons in North Dakota typically run from early September through October. Both archery and firearm seasons are offered. Licenses are allocated through a lottery system for specific hunting units.

Hunters can pursue both bucks and does, with bag limits varying by unit and license type. Pronghorn are mostly found in the western half of the state in open grassland habitats.

Spot-and-stalk hunting is a popular method. Hunters should be prepared for long-range shooting opportunities. Proper field judging is important to distinguish between bucks and does at a distance.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep hunting is extremely limited in North Dakota. Only a handful of licenses are issued each year through a highly competitive lottery. The season generally occurs in October and November.

Hunting is restricted to specific areas in the Badlands where sheep populations exist. Rams are the primary target, with minimum horn curl requirements in place.

Successful applicants often spend significant time scouting before their hunt. The rugged terrain presents both physical challenges and exciting spot-and-stalk opportunities. Guide services are available but not required.

Furbearer and Varied Game Seasons

North Dakota offers diverse hunting opportunities for furbearers and other game species. Hunters must obtain proper licenses and adhere to specific regulations for each animal.

Coyote and Fox

Coyote and fox hunting seasons in North Dakota run year-round. No license is required for residents to hunt these species on their own land. Non-residents and those hunting on other properties need a furbearer or combination license.

Night hunting for coyotes is allowed from November 25, 2024, to March 15, 2025. Hunters must use artificial lights with power no greater than 6 volts.

Trapping seasons for coyotes and foxes typically start in late October and end in mid-March. Trappers must check their sets daily and possess a furbearer certificate.

Bobcat

Bobcat season in North Dakota is limited and highly regulated. The 2024-25 season runs from November 23, 2024, to March 15, 2025.

Hunters and trappers must possess a furbearer license and obtain a bobcat tag before pursuing these animals. There is a strict quota system in place, and the season may close early if the harvest limit is reached.

Successful hunters must report their bobcat harvest within 24 hours and present the animal for tagging within 5 days. This helps wildlife officials monitor population levels and ensure sustainable management.

Mountain Lion

Mountain lion hunting in North Dakota is divided into two zones with separate quotas. Zone 1 includes the Badlands region, while Zone 2 covers the rest of the state.

The 2024-25 season for Zone 1 is split into two parts:

• Early season: August 30, 2024 – November 24, 2024
• Late season: November 25, 2024 – March 31, 2025

Zone 2 remains open year-round unless the harvest limit is met. Hunters must possess a furbearer or combination license to pursue mountain lions.

Hunters are required to report their harvest within 12 hours and present the animal for inspection within 24 hours.

Beaver and Fisher

Beaver trapping season typically runs from November to April. Trappers must possess a furbearer license and follow specific regulations regarding trap placement and checking intervals.

Fisher trapping is more restricted due to lower population numbers. The season usually lasts only a few weeks in November and December.

Both beaver and fisher trappers must obtain a furbearer certificate. This involves completing a trapper education course or providing proof of previous trapping experience.

Trappers are required to report their harvest numbers at the end of the season to assist with wildlife management efforts.

Conservation and Wildlife Management

North Dakota’s Game and Fish Department plays a crucial role in preserving the state’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife populations. Through carefully managed hunting seasons, they maintain a balance between conservation efforts and recreational opportunities.

Hunting regulations in North Dakota are designed to protect vulnerable species while allowing sustainable harvest of abundant game. These rules are based on scientific research and population surveys conducted throughout the year.

The state’s grasslands are particularly important habitats for many species. Conservation programs encourage landowners to maintain native prairies, benefiting wildlife like the greater prairie chicken.

North Dakota Hunting licenses fund many conservation initiatives. Revenue from license sales supports habitat restoration, wildlife research, and public education programs.

Controlled hunts help manage wildlife populations, preventing overgrazing and maintaining healthy ecosystems. For example, deer hunting helps control numbers in areas where natural predators are scarce.

Wildlife biologists monitor animal health and distribution across the state. This data informs decisions about hunting quotas and season lengths for various species.

By promoting responsible hunting practices, North Dakota ensures that its rich wildlife heritage will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Licensing and Applications

North Dakota offers various hunting licenses to accommodate different needs and preferences. Hunters can choose from individual licenses or opt for a combination license that includes multiple privileges.

The Combination License provides fishing, general game and habitat, small game, and furbearer licenses for individuals aged 16 and older. This comprehensive option costs $52 plus a $1 certificate fee.

Veterans with 100% service-related disabilities can obtain a special Combined Hunting license for $3, which includes general game and habitat, small game, and furbearer privileges.

For deer hunting, North Dakota uses a lottery system. Online applications for gun seasons typically become available in early May. Hunters should mark their calendars to ensure they don’t miss this important deadline.

Special Allocation Lottery Applications have a different timeline. These applications are accepted between October 1 and January 1 each year. It’s crucial to note that submissions before October 1 are not accepted.

Nonresident hunters interested in archery deer hunting also participate in an online lottery system. This ensures fair distribution of hunting opportunities among residents and nonresidents alike.