North Dakota Hunting Seasons & Licensing

North Dakota is one of the premier waterfowl and upland bird hunting destinations in North America. The state's prairie pothole region produces a significant portion of the continent's duck population. North Dakota also offers good white-tailed and mule deer hunting, pronghorn, and elk in limited areas. Over 2 million acres of PLOTS (Private Land Open to Sportsmen) land provides walk-in hunting access on private land, supplementing the state's public Wildlife Management Areas.

Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before hunting.

Season Dates by Game Type

Licensing

Tags, Draws & Lotteries

North Dakota allocates non-resident firearm deer licenses by lottery — the state limits non-resident deer hunters to protect the resource and resident access. Applications are due in late March. There is no preference point system — drawings are random. Archery deer licenses are somewhat easier to obtain. Pronghorn, elk, and moose licenses are by lottery for both residents and non-residents. The PLOTS program provides walk-in access on enrolled private land — maps are updated annually.

Harvest Reporting

North Dakota requires mandatory harvest reporting for all deer, pronghorn, elk, and moose through the NDGF online system or by phone. Reporting must be completed within specific timeframes. CWD surveillance is active — mandatory testing in designated zones. Game tags must be validated immediately upon harvest.

North Dakota Wildlife Resources

• North Dakota Game and Fish Department — Hunting Home →
• Current Hunting Regulations →
• Hunter Education →
• Violation Hotline: Report All Poachers (RAP): 1-800-472-2121
• USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →