North Dakota Hunting Season 2026-2027 – Dates, Tags & Wildlife Management Units
Planning your next outdoor adventure in the Peace Garden State? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re putting together your 2026–2027 field plans, this guide pulls the latest official information into one place: major openers, species-by-species timing, tags, access rules, game units, and the public-land basics people usually end up looking up at the last minute.
Whether you live in-state or you’re traveling in, don’t assume last year’s setup will carry over exactly. A few of the big-game windows are already locked in, but several bird and trapping dates are still listed as tentative or are missing closing dates until the final proclamation and annual guide are posted. So treat this as a planning guide, then do one last check before you buy tags, line up lodging, or drive across the state.
📅 Quick Reference Points
Here’s the short version before we get into the full breakdown:
- Deer
- Bow: Sept. 4, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
- Youth deer: Sept. 18 – Sept. 27, 2026
- Gun: Nov. 6 – Nov. 22, 2026
- Muzzleloader: Nov. 27 – Dec. 13, 2026
- Elk
- Earliest antlerless opener: Aug. 7, 2026
- Bow opener: Sept. 4, 2026
- Regular units vary by zone through Jan. 3, 2027
- Moose
- Bow: Sept. 4 – Sept. 27, 2026
- Regular: Oct. 9 – Nov. 1, 2026
- Bighorn sheep
- Early segment: Oct. 30 – Nov. 13, 2026
- Late segment: Nov. 14 – Dec. 31, 2026
- Turkey
- Spring regular: Apr. 11 – May 17, 2026
- Spring youth: Apr. 11 – May 17, 2026
- Fall opener: Oct. 10, 2026, currently tentative
- Waterfowl
- Youth waterfowl: Sept. 19, 2026, tentative
- Resident duck/goose opener: Sept. 26, 2026, tentative
- Nonresident duck/goose opener: Oct. 5, 2026, tentative
- Bear
- No statewide bear hunt is listed on the current department schedule for 2026–2027
Legal methods at a glance
- Archery: deer, elk, moose, spring turkey, and some special hunts
- Firearms/modern gun: regular deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, turkey, upland birds, waterfowl
- Muzzleloader: deer has a separate muzzleloader period; muzzleloaders are also legal for some lottery species under their regulations
Youth opportunities
- Youth deer
- Youth spring turkey
- Youth waterfowl
- Youth pheasant opener is tentatively listed for Oct. 3, 2026
🦌 Big Game Overview
| Species | Hunt Type | Units/Zones | Open | Close | Permit / Tag Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Bow | Statewide | Sept. 4, 2026 | Jan. 3, 2027 | Resident, nonresident, and resident youth bow options available |
| Deer | Youth | Statewide | Sept. 18, 2026 | Sept. 27, 2026 | Residents only; limited by age and prior license history |
| Deer | Regular gun | All units | Nov. 6, 2026 | Nov. 22, 2026 | Unit and deer-type restrictions apply on license |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov. 27, 2026 | Dec. 13, 2026 | White-tailed deer only |
| Elk | Antlerless | E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7 | Aug. 7, 2026 | Sept. 27, 2026 | Private land only in assigned unit |
| Elk | Antlerless | E3, E4 | Aug. 7, 2026 | Aug. 30, 2026 | Lottery-based |
| Elk | Bow | E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7 | Sept. 4, 2026 | Sept. 27, 2026 | Bow-only period |
| Elk | Regular | Varies by unit | Sept. 4 or Oct. 2, 2026 | Up to Jan. 3, 2027 | E6 has split dates; E5 is a general lottery unit |
| Elk | Late antlerless | Multiple units | Jan. 9, 2027 | Jan. 17, 2027 | Special late opportunity |
| Moose | Bow | M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11 | Sept. 4, 2026 | Sept. 27, 2026 | Lottery license required |
| Moose | Regular | M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11 | Oct. 9, 2026 | Nov. 1, 2026 | Unit/type printed on license |
| Bighorn sheep | Early | B1–B5 | Oct. 30, 2026 | Nov. 13, 2026 | Male sheep only |
| Bighorn sheep | Late | B1–B5 | Nov. 14, 2026 | Dec. 31, 2026 | Male sheep only |
Big-game notes that matter
Deer is the easiest place to make a mistake because of access and unit rules. Nonresidents with bow tags are limited to private land only during the first 9½ days of the archery period, excluding PLOTS unless they are the enrolled landowner. Starting Sept. 14, they may use both private and public ground. There is also an October block when nonresidents are barred from Game and Fish WMAs and Conservation PLOTS unless they own the enrolled property.
For elk and moose, only residents may apply. Bighorn sheep is different: both residents and nonresidents who have never drawn a state sheep permit there may apply. Orange clothing is required for most firearm phases, but not for elk bow or moose bow. Harvest reporting is mandatory for elk and moose license holders by Jan. 15, 2027.
🦃 Turkey Dates
| Hunt | Units | Open | Close | Method Notes | Bag / Restriction Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring regular | All open units | Apr. 11, 2026 | May 17, 2026 | Shotgun or legal archery equipment | One bearded or male bird per license |
| Spring youth | All open units | Apr. 11, 2026 | May 17, 2026 | Same legal methods as spring regular | For hunters 15 or younger on opening day who have never had a spring turkey license |
| Fall regular | All open units | Oct. 10, 2026 | TBD | Final 2026-27 rules not yet posted | Final bag limits and close date still pending |
Turkey notes
Spring rules are already pretty clear. Shotguns up to 10 gauge are legal if they hold no more than three shells total. Hand-drawn bows are legal; crossbows are not unless the department has issued a specific permit. Shooting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
The fall page is not finalized yet. Right now, the opener is shown as Oct. 10, 2026 on the state schedule, but the close date and full rule sheet still haven’t been posted. If fall turkey is your main goal, wait for the signed proclamation before you lock in travel dates.
The extended fall season running into early January provides excellent opportunities, especially after deer season ends and hunting pressure decreases. Many successful fall turkey hunters focus on food sources and winter roosting areas. Plains hunters should note North Dakota turkey season permits and limited-unit access.
🦝 Furbearer Opportunities
| Species | Timing | Method Snapshot | Special License Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Apr. 1, 2026 – Mar. 31, 2027 | Day hunting, traps | Resident furbearer rules apply; nonresidents may use furbearer/nongame route for fox and coyote |
| Fox (red/gray) | Apr. 1, 2026 – Mar. 31, 2027 | Day hunting, traps | License required |
| Badger | Apr. 1, 2026 – Mar. 31, 2027 | Day hunting | License required |
| Beaver | Apr. 1, 2026 – Mar. 31, 2027 | Firearms, traps, underwater cable devices, archery | Furbearer rules apply |
| Raccoon | Apr. 1, 2026 – Mar. 31, 2027 | Firearms, traps, underwater cable devices, dogs, archery | License required |
| Mink | Tentative opener Oct. 24, 2026 for traps; Nov. 23, 2026 for firearms/cable devices/archery | Seasonal | Check final proclamation |
| Muskrat | Tentative opener Oct. 24, 2026 for traps; Nov. 23, 2026 for firearms/cable devices/archery | Seasonal | Check final proclamation |
| Weasel | Tentative opener Oct. 24, 2026 for traps; Nov. 23, 2026 for firearms/cable devices/archery | Seasonal | Check final proclamation |
| Bobcat | Tentative Nov. 7 or Nov. 23, 2026 depending on zone/method | Zone-based | Special zone rules |
| Fisher | Tentative Nov. 23, 2026 | Open area only | Resident-only style restrictions may apply |
| River otter | Tentative Nov. 23, 2026 | Traps/cable devices | Limited, rule-specific |
A practical point here: the easy-to-overlook split in North Dakota is between species that are broadly available almost year-round and the tightly managed furbearers that open later and may be zone-specific. Don’t lump them together.
🐦 Small Game Section
Important: the state has posted several 2026 openers, but many small-game closing dates and some 2026–2027 bag-limit updates are still pending. Where the 2026 guide is not yet published, the bag figures below reflect the most recently posted official proclamation and should be rechecked once the new combined guide goes live.
| Species | Open | Close | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dove | Sept. 1, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | 15* | HIP required |
| Ring-necked pheasant (roosters only) | Oct. 10, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | 3* | Youth pheasant opener tentatively Oct. 3 |
| Sharp-tailed grouse | Sept. 12, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | 3* | Statewide with exceptions |
| Hungarian partridge | Sept. 12, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | 3* | Statewide |
| Ruffed grouse | Sept. 12, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | 3* | Restricted area setup |
| Tree squirrel | Sept. 12, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | 4* | Statewide |
| Rabbit | Open year-round | Year-round | No daily limit listed on current other-species page | Treated separately from lottery game |
| Prairie dog / ground squirrel / porcupine / skunk | Year-round | Year-round | No daily bag limit | Residents do not need a license for unprotected wildlife |
| Quail | Not listed on current state 2026 pages | — | — | No statewide listing found in current schedule |
*Most recently posted official bag-limit figures pending the 2026–2027 combined update.
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl is where people need to slow down and read carefully. The department has already announced the resident and nonresident openers, but much of the full 2026–2027 setup is still shown as tentative. That includes some closing dates and zone details that will be confirmed in the annual guide.
| Species / Group | Area | Open | Close | Permit Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth waterfowl | Statewide | Sept. 19, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Youth rules apply |
| Veteran / active military waterfowl | Statewide | Sept. 19, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Special access window |
| Ducks, coots, mergansers – resident | High Plains / Low Plains | Sept. 26, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | HIP + state license package; federal duck stamp if age 16+ |
| Ducks, coots, mergansers – nonresident | High Plains / Low Plains | Oct. 5, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Zone-restricted |
| Bonus blue-winged teal | All units | Sept. 26, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Subject to final bird rules |
| Ducks, resident/nonresident segment | High Plains | Dec. 12, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Later segment shown on schedule |
| Canada geese – resident | Missouri River / Eastern / Western | Sept. 26, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Zone-specific |
| Canada geese – nonresident | Missouri River / Eastern / Western | Oct. 5, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Zone-specific |
| Early Canada goose | Eastern / Missouri River / Western | Aug. 15, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Special early framework |
| White-fronted geese – resident | Statewide | Sept. 26, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Migratory-bird rules apply |
| White-fronted geese – nonresident | Statewide | Oct. 5, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Migratory-bird rules apply |
| Light geese – resident | Statewide | Sept. 26, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Separate from spring conservation order |
| Light geese – nonresident | Statewide | Oct. 5, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Same caution on final dates |
| Spring light goose conservation order | Statewide | Feb. 21, 2026 | May 10, 2026 | Separate spring opportunity |
| Tundra swan | Statewide | Oct. 3, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Lottery license required |
| Sandhill crane | Units 1 and 2 | Sept. 19, 2026 (tentative) | TBD | Unit-specific limits |
Current published bag-limit reference to keep in mind
- Ducks including mergansers: 6 daily
- Coots: 15 daily
- Canada geese: 5 daily in Missouri River Zone; 8 daily in Eastern/Western Zones
- White-fronted geese: 3 daily
- Light geese: 50 daily, unlimited possession
- Tundra swan: 1 per season
- Sandhill crane: 3 daily in Unit 1, 2 daily in Unit 2
Also, one big federal-state reminder: migratory bird timing in each state has to fit inside federal framework dates, bag limits, and flyway rules. That’s why North Dakota can announce likely openers early while still leaving some details tentative until the final framework and proclamation cycle is complete.
🐗 Other Available Game
| Species | Timing | Useful Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Crow | Mar. 14 – Apr. 26, 2026 | No limit |
| Sandhill crane | Starts Sept. 19, 2026, tentative | Unit-based permit structure |
| Tundra swan | Starts Oct. 3, 2026, tentative | Lottery only |
| Mountain lion | Zone 1 and 2 dates begin Aug. 28, 2026, tentative | Strong zone-specific rules |
| Frog | No current 2026–2027 listing found on posted pages reviewed | Verify in final combined guide |
| Bear | No open bear calendar shown on current department pages | Not an available statewide hunt in current posted schedule |
🗺️ Hunting Zones
| Zone / Access Topic | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Deer units | Unit printed on license matters for regular gun tags |
| Turkey units | Separate spring and fall unit maps are used |
| Waterfowl setup | Duck High Plains/Low Plains and nonresident waterfowl zones matter |
| Goose zones | Eastern, Western, and Missouri River zones each matter |
| Elk / moose / sheep units | Strict unit-based lottery hunts |
| Public vs private access | Always confirm posted status and landowner permission rules |
| Official map link | Use the North Dakota Hunting Atlas for PLOTS, public lands, electronic posting, and map overlays |
North Dakota’s access rules are more nuanced than a lot of visitors expect. Unposted private land may be open, but electronically posted ground is closed without permission, and land can also be physically posted in ways that won’t show on the map. PLOTS parcels are walk-in only, and WMAs are generally open unless a site-specific rule says otherwise.
🎟️ Permits, Tags & Licenses
Before you buy anything, this companion North Dakota hunting license guide can help you compare the basic license paths. For the official fee schedule, here’s the short version:
| License Type | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing/Hunting/Furbearer Certificate | $2 | $5 | Required base item for many licenses |
| General Game & Habitat | $20 | $20 | Common add-on requirement |
| Deer gun | $35 | $355 first lottery; $55 after second lottery if available | Limited by draw/availability |
| Deer bow | $35 | $350 | Nonresident restrictions apply early in archery period |
| Youth deer | $10 | $350 for nonresident youth deer categories shown on fee page | Check exact eligibility |
| Wild turkey | $20 | Fall nonresident listed at $100 if available after lottery | Spring youth pathway differs |
| Small game | $20 | $150 | Nonresident version is structured as 14-day or two 7-day periods |
| Furbearer | $20 | $50 furbearer/nongame path for fox/coyote | Separate trapping rules may apply |
| Waterfowl add-on | $5 state stamp | $5 state stamp | Required with waterfowl activity |
| Federal duck stamp | $25 + mailing | $25 + mailing | Required age 16+ for duck/goose/swan-type hunts |
| Veteran combined hunting | $10 | — | For residents with 100% service-related disability |
License details worth knowing
- Hunters born after Dec. 31, 1961 need hunter education unless an exception applies.
- There is no minimum age for small game, waterfowl, or furbearers, but anyone under 15 using a firearm must be licensed and directly supervised.
- An apprentice validation is available for certain first-time hunters age 12 and older.
- HIP registration is required for ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, cranes, snipe, doves, and woodcock.
- Resident active-duty military on leave may qualify for some license exceptions for small game or trapping.
- Resident service members stationed outside the state may qualify for deer gun access without entering the normal lottery.
❓ North Dakota Hunting Quick FAQ
1. Are all 2026–2027 dates final already?
No. Deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and spring turkey have finalized dates posted. Many bird, waterfowl, and trapping entries are still shown as tentative or are missing closing dates.
2. Can nonresidents bowhunt deer on public land right away?
No. Early in the archery period, nonresidents are limited to private land only, with a PLOTS exception only for enrolled landowners.
3. Is there a bear hunt?
Not on the current 2026–2027 state schedule reviewed here.
4. Do I need HIP for dove and crane?
Yes. HIP covers migratory birds, including doves and cranes.
5. Are rabbits open all year?
Yes, rabbit is listed among the year-round opportunities on the department’s other-species page.
6. Do I need blaze orange?
For many firearm-based big-game hunts, yes. But elk bow and moose bow specifically do not require orange.
7. Is fall turkey fully set?
Not yet. The opener is tentatively shown as Oct. 10, 2026, but the final regulation page still says the full 2026 rules will be posted after the proclamation is signed.
Conclusion
The practical takeaway is simple: deer and the main lottery species already have dependable dates, spring turkey is set, and a lot of the upland and migratory-bird calendar is far enough along to start planning. But a few categories still need a final state signoff, especially waterfowl details, fall turkey, and some small-game close dates.
So if you’re building your trip now, get your permits lined up early, watch the unit and access rules closely, and double-check the final dates before opening morning. Save this page and come back to it when the rest of the 2026–2027 guide is fully posted.
For the live state calendar, keep the North Dakota Game and Fish season dates page bookmarked.