North Dakota Turkey Hunting Season Guide 2026–2027 (Dates, Units, Tags & Field Notes)
This guide is designed to be a good resource for anyone planning a trip to North Dakota in 2026–2027. The first time I attempted to align maps, unit rules, and deadlines the night before a hunt, I wish I had. We’ll go over the declared dates for 2026, the main species you’ll see, the operation of open units, and a concise license/tag summary. We’ll also include helpful tips on public access, firearms safety instruction, and a few small gear lessons (like why your face mask keeps catching on the one twig you didn’t see) that you learned the hard way.
Quick Overview
Dates shown are the 2026 openings/closings that fall within the 2026–2027 period. ND lists these as tentative until signed.
| Type / Species | Open & Close Dates (2026–2027) | Legal Hunting Methods (High-level) |
|---|---|---|
| Wild turkey (spring hunt) | Apr 11, 2026 – May 17, 2026 | Shotgun, archery equipment, and other legal methods allowed by ND regs (confirm final proclamation) |
| Wild turkey (youth spring) | Apr 11, 2026 – May 17, 2026 | Same general legal methods as spring hunt (youth eligibility rules apply) |
| Wild turkey (fall hunt) | Opens Oct 10, 2026 (end date not shown in the season-date table excerpt; verify once finalized) | Legal methods vary by proclamation; confirm before heading out |
All Turkey Seasons (Detailed Breakdown)
North Dakota’s listings emphasize that “tentative” dates can change until the proclamation is signed. Build your plan around the posted window, but confirm again close to opener.
| Season name | Exact dates (2026–2027) | Zones / regions (units) | Bag limits | Permit / tag details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (regular) | Apr 11, 2026 – May 17, 2026 (Tentative) | All open units | Not posted in the season-date table; verify in the signed proclamation | Listed as Lottery: Yes on ND’s turkey page; apply by deadline shown below |
| Youth spring | Apr 11, 2026 – May 17, 2026 (Tentative) | All open units | Not posted in the season-date table; verify in the signed proclamation | ND notes a youth opportunity and first-time youth options on the turkey page (still confirm final details) |
| Fall (regular) | Opens Oct 10, 2026 (Tentative; closing not shown in the excerpt) | All open units | Not posted in the season-date table; verify in the signed proclamation | Fall details are posted after proclamation is signed (page currently indicates 2026 regs will be posted after signing) |
Important application deadline (Spring)
- Lottery application deadline: Wed, Feb 11, 2026 (Tentative)
From my experience prepping for spring hunts, that deadline sneaks up fast—right about when everyone realizes their boots shrank over winter (they didn’t; your socks just got thicker).
More Bird Species 🕊️ (Other Huntable Birds in North Dakota)
If you’re building a mixed trip, North Dakota’s season-date table also lists several other bird options that land within the 2026–2027 calendar window (many are still marked tentative).
- Crow (spring): Mar 14, 2026 – Apr 26, 2026 (Finalized)
- Mourning dove: Sep 1, 2026 (end date TBD/tentative in listing excerpt)
- Sharp-tailed grouse: Sep 12, 2026 (end date not shown in excerpt)
- Hungarian partridge: Sep 12, 2026 (end date not shown in excerpt)
- Ring-necked pheasant (regular): Oct 10, 2026 (end date not shown in excerpt)
- Sandhill crane (Unit 1 & Unit 2): Sep 19, 2026 (end date not shown in excerpt)
Because several end dates weren’t visible in the excerpted rows, treat these as planning anchors and confirm final frameworks on the signed proclamations before you travel.
North Dakota Turkey Regulations 🌾
North Dakota publishes general hunting regulation sections and species-specific proclamations; for 2026, the agency notes the regs will be posted after proclamation signing for spring and fall.
Here’s the practical, field-friendly version of what to double-check:
- Legal weapons & methods: Confirm what’s allowed for the specific hunt (shotgun gauges, archery equipment, any restrictions by unit). Always use gear that supports safe shot angles and quick target identification.
- Shooting hours: Verify the legal hours in the proclamation—this is one of the easiest “oops” mistakes when you’re excited and it’s still dim out.
- Land access rules: North Dakota has a major walk-in access system through PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen)—but it’s still your job to follow signage, boundaries, and parking expectations.
- Tagging & transport basics: Carry your license/tag, follow any tagging or validation instructions, and keep birds legal during transport. If you’re using a processor or taxidermist, plan ahead so nothing gets misplaced.
- Ethical and safety expectations: Identify your target clearly, be mindful of other hunters (especially on public parcels), and don’t push shots through brush just because the adrenaline is doing cartwheels.
Quick safety reminders (worth re-reading)
- Treat every firearm as loaded; keep the muzzle controlled.
- Know your safe zone of fire and what’s beyond it.
- If you’re new (or rusty), consider firearms safety training before the trip.
- On public parcels, assume you’re not alone—even if it feels like you are.
License & Tag Fees 🎟️
North Dakota’s online system is centralized through the Game and Fish “Buy & Apply” portal, where you can purchase nonlottery licenses and submit lottery applications.
What I can confirm from official pages right now:
- Where to buy/apply: Use the official ND Game and Fish online services via My Account through the department’s licensing tools.
- Fees: Exact resident/nonresident prices and any youth/senior discounts are best pulled from the final 2026 license listings once published for that license year (fees weren’t provided in the pages we pulled here).
If you want, I can update this section with exact pricing once ND posts the 2026–2027 license fee schedule in a clearly accessible format.
Also, this is where a little “adulting” pays off: if you travel often, outdoor insurance can be worth looking into for trip protection and liability coverage (especially when you’re booking travel and lodging). Keep it practical—no need to overcomplicate it.
License Requirements
North Dakota indicates this hunt is lottery-based and not resident-only, and it also notes a youth spring option.
General “who needs what” guidance:
- Who needs a license: Anyone participating generally needs the appropriate license/tag for that hunt (plus any required certifications).
- Hunter education: If you’re new, check North Dakota’s hunter education requirements before purchasing/applying—states commonly require certification based on age/birth year. (Confirm ND’s current rule set before the season.)
- Age limits & youth participation: ND specifically highlights a youth spring opportunity; make sure the youth applicant meets eligibility and applies by the lottery deadline.
- Landowner exemptions: These can be state-specific and situation-specific. Verify current ND rules if you’re hunting on land you own or farm.
A quick note on conservation (why the rules feel “picky”)
Those deadlines, unit boundaries, and method rules aren’t there to ruin anyone’s weekend. They’re management tools—helping North Dakota balance harvest pressure, protect breeding success, and keep access sustainable across open units and public land programs. PLOTS, in particular, is designed to support habitat and public opportunity through agreements with private landowners.
FAQs (North Dakota-focused)
1) When’s the best time of day to hunt in North Dakota?
Early morning and late morning are often productive, but the “best” window depends on weather, hunting pressure, and how birds move between roosts and feeding areas. If it’s windy on the prairie, I plan for sheltered draws and timber edges where sound and movement behave more predictably.
2) Do I have to apply, or can I just buy a tag?
North Dakota lists this hunt with Lottery: Yes, so most hunters should plan to apply through the lottery process and watch deadlines closely.
3) Are there special rules for youth hunters?
Yes—ND lists a youth spring hunt period aligned with the spring dates and provides youth-specific notes on its turkey page. Confirm exact eligibility and any first-time provisions in the signed proclamation.
4) How do I find walk-in places to hunt without knocking on doors all week?
Start with PLOTS parcels and other public access programs, then cross-check boundaries on official maps. If you’re using mapping apps, still verify against posted signs on-site (apps are helpful, but signs are reality).
5) Can I book guided hunts in North Dakota?
Yes, guides and outfitters operate in the region. If you go that route, confirm they’re operating legally and that you still hold the correct license/tag for the unit and dates.
6) What’s the simplest “don’t mess this up” checklist before opener?
- Confirm your unit is open.
- Re-check the final proclamation status (tentative vs signed).
- Verify legal shooting hours and method restrictions.
- Print/download your license and keep it accessible.
- Pack the basics: water, navigation, and a small first-aid kit (the prairie has a way of making “short walks” longer).
7) Are electronic calls allowed?
Rules can vary by species and proclamation details. For this hunt, verify the final 2026 proclamation before using any electronic device.
For a broader look at hunting opportunities across the state (beyond birds), you can skim North Dakota hunting seasons overview for general planning, then come back to the official ND pages to confirm details.
For official unit dates and application deadlines, use North Dakota Game and Fish season dates.
For public access programs and how walk-in parcels work, see NDGFD PLOTS program.
Conclusion
The three main goals of North Dakota’s 2026–2027 planning are to match your unit choice to access, submit your application on time, and stay up to date on the signed proclamation before you leave. You’ll spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time appreciating the things that truly matter, like peaceful mornings, expansive skies, and the occasional “How did that bird appear out of nowhere?” moment, if you do that and maintain a respectful and safe setup.
Certain entries are listed as tentative until signed, and dates and regulations are subject to change. Prior to hunting, always confirm final proclamations, unit maps, legal procedures, and bag restrictions with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.