North Dakota Hunting Season 2025-2026 – Dates, Tags & Wildlife Management Units
Planning your next outdoor adventure in the Peace Garden State? You’ve come to the right place. North Dakota offers some of the finest hunting opportunities in the Midwest, from world-class waterfowl to trophy whitetails roaming the prairie landscape. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 hunting calendar, including specific dates, licensing requirements, and the best wildlife areas to explore.
Whether you’re a local hunter who’s been chasing game across the state for decades or a visiting sportsman planning your first North Dakota expedition, understanding the regulations and opportunities available can make or break your experience. The state’s diverse ecosystems—from the Missouri River breaks to the prairie pothole region—provide habitat for an impressive variety of game species.
Let’s dive into what promises to be another excellent year for North Dakota hunters, with updated regulations, expanded opportunities, and plenty of reasons to get excited about the upcoming seasons.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance overview of the major hunting opportunities awaiting you this year:
Big Game Highlights:
- Deer archery opens August 29 and runs through January 4
- Regular deer gun season: November 7-23 (that’s right, just 17 days!)
- Elk opportunities in select units from September through January
- Moose permits available in designated management areas
Upland Game Action:
- Pheasant season kicks off October 11 (youth get early access October 4-5)
- Grouse and partridge hunting begins September 13
- Squirrel season runs from September through February
Waterfowl Excellence:
- Duck seasons vary by zone and residency status
- Canada geese have extended opportunities through early January
- Special teal season provides bonus hunting in late September
Year-Round Opportunities:
- Many furbearer species can be pursued throughout the license year
- Coyote hunting continues nearly year-round with minimal restrictions
Big Game Overview
North Dakota’s big game hunting revolves primarily around white-tailed and mule deer, but the state also offers limited opportunities for elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope.
Deer Hunting – The Crown Jewel
| Season Type | Dates | Method | Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 29, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Bow only | Statewide |
| Regular Gun | Nov 7-23, 2025 | Firearms | All units |
| Youth | Sep 19-28, 2025 | Any legal method | Statewide |
The regular firearm season is notably short at just 17 days, making it crucial to plan your hunt carefully. The archery season, however, offers incredible flexibility with over four months of opportunity. Youth hunters get their own special two-week window in mid-September, which often coincides with excellent weather conditions.
Elk – The Prairie Giant
Elk hunting in North Dakota requires winning a lottery draw, but the opportunities are expanding. Units E1E, E1W, E2, E6, and E7 offer both archery and rifle opportunities. Archery hunters get first crack from September 5-28, while rifle hunters have varying seasons depending on the specific unit—some running as late as January 4.
Moose – Trophy Potential
Limited to units M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, and M11, moose hunting follows a similar pattern to elk with early archery seasons (September 5-28) followed by rifle opportunities (October 10 – November 2). These are once-in-a-lifetime hunts for most people, making proper preparation essential.
Pronghorn Antelope
The speed goats of North Dakota offer unique hunting experiences. Archery hunters can pursue them from August 29 through September 21, while rifle hunters get their chance October 3-19. Multiple units are available, though populations fluctuate based on winter conditions and habitat quality.
Turkey Dates
Turkey hunting in North Dakota has really taken off in recent years as populations have expanded into new areas of the state.
| Season | Dates | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Season | Apr 12 – May 18, 2025 | Shotgun, archery, crossbow | Beards and spurs required |
| Youth Spring | Apr 12 – May 18, 2025 | Any legal method | Same dates as regular |
| Fall Season | Oct 11, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Any legal method | Either sex legal |
Spring turkey hunting coincides with peak breeding activity, making it the most popular season. The gobblers are vocal and responsive to calls, creating exciting hunting opportunities. Fall hunting offers a different challenge, as birds are typically in flocks and less vocal.
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.
Furbearer Opportunities
North Dakota’s furbearer hunting and trapping provides year-round opportunities for dedicated outdoors enthusiasts. The state’s diverse ecosystem supports healthy populations of various fur-bearing species.
| Species | Method | Season | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Day hunting, traps | Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 | Year-round opportunity |
| Coyote | Night hunting | Nov 24, 2025 – May 31, 2026 | Extended night season |
| Bobcat | Firearms, archery, traps | Nov 8, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026 | Zone-dependent |
| Fox (Red/Gray) | Day hunting, traps | Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 | Year-round |
| Raccoon | Firearms, traps, archery | Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 | Year-round |
| Beaver | Firearms, traps, archery | Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 | Year-round |
| Mink | Traps | Oct 25, 2025 – May 10, 2026 | Prime fur season |
| Muskrat | Traps | Oct 25, 2025 – May 10, 2026 | Prime fur season |
| Badger | Traps | Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 | Year-round trapping |
The year-round coyote season reflects the state’s management approach to this adaptable predator. Night hunting becomes legal in late November, providing additional opportunities during peak winter months when pelts are prime.
Mountain lion hunting is managed through specific zones, with Zone 1 having split seasons (early: August 29 – November 23, late: November 24 – March 31) while Zone 2 offers a continuous season from August 29 through March 31.
Small Game Section
Small game hunting in North Dakota centers around the state’s famous ring-necked pheasants, but also includes excellent opportunities for grouse, partridge, and other upland species.
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Special Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasants | Oct 11, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | 3 roosters daily | Males only during regular season |
| Pheasants (Youth) | Oct 4-5, 2025 | 3 roosters daily | Special youth weekend |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Sep 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | 3 daily | Statewide |
| Hungarian Partridge | Sep 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | 3 daily | Statewide |
| Ruffed Grouse | Sep 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | 3 daily | Restricted units only |
| Tree Squirrel | Sep 13, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 6 daily | Extended season |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Sep 13, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 6 daily | Excellent populations |
The pheasant youth season has become increasingly popular, giving young hunters their first crack at roosters before the regular opener. This creates a great mentoring opportunity and helps recruit new hunters to the sport.
Grouse hunting offers a more challenging experience, with sharp-tailed grouse being the most abundant species. Hungarian partridge, while less common, provide exciting fast-flying opportunities for wingshooters.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
North Dakota’s position in the Central Flyway makes it a waterfowl hunter’s paradise. The state’s prairie pothole region produces more ducks than any other area of similar size in North America.
Duck Seasons
| Hunter Type | Zone | Dates | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | High Plains Unit | Sep 27 – Dec 7, 2025 | Split season |
| Resident | Low Plains Unit | Sep 27 – Dec 7, 2025 | Split season |
| Nonresident | High Plains Unit | Oct 4 – Dec 7, 2025 | Week delay |
| Nonresident | Low Plains Unit | Oct 4 – Dec 7, 2025 | Week delay |
| All Hunters | High Plains Unit | Dec 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Late season |
Goose Hunting Excellence
| Species | Residency | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Geese | Resident | Missouri River | Sep 27, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026 |
| Canada Geese | Resident | Western | Sep 27 – Dec 25, 2025 |
| Canada Geese | Resident | Eastern | Sep 27 – Dec 20, 2025 |
| Canada Geese | Nonresident | All zones | Oct 4 start, same end dates |
| Light Geese | Resident | Statewide | Sep 27, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 |
| Light Geese | Nonresident | Statewide | Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 |
Special Waterfowl Opportunities
- Blue-winged Teal Season: September 27 – October 5, 2025 (All hunters)
- Youth Waterfowl: September 20-21, 2025 (Also open to veterans and active military)
- Early Canada Goose: August 15 – September 22, 2025 (Zone-dependent)
The nonresident waterfowl license changes for 2025 have eliminated the statewide option, requiring nonresidents to choose specific zones. This reflects the state’s effort to manage hunting pressure more effectively across different regions.
Unlike some states such as Colorado, North Dakota’s waterfowl regulations remain relatively straightforward, though zone boundaries are crucial to understand before purchasing licenses.
Other Available Game
North Dakota offers several unique hunting opportunities beyond the traditional big game and waterfowl species:
| Species | Season Dates | Method | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sep 1 – Nov 29, 2025 | Shotgun, archery | Federal HIP certification |
| Sandhill Crane | Sep 20 – Nov 16, 2025 | Shotgun, archery, muzzleloader | Units 1 & 2 only |
| Tundra Swan | Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Shotgun, archery | Lottery required |
| Wilson’s Snipe | Sep 13 – Nov 30, 2025 | Shotgun, archery | Federal regulations apply |
| American Woodcock | Sep 20 – Nov 3, 2025 | Shotgun, archery | Limited habitat |
| Crow | Spring: Mar 8 – Apr 20, 2025 | Any legal method | No permit required |
| Crow | Fall: Aug 16 – Nov 4, 2025 | Any legal method | No permit required |
The sandhill crane hunt is particularly noteworthy, as these “ribeye of the sky” provide excellent table fare and a unique hunting experience. The lottery system keeps hunter numbers manageable while providing sustainable harvest opportunities.
Tundra swan hunting requires advance planning due to the lottery system, with applications typically due in August. These magnificent birds provide both a challenging hunt and excellent meat.
Hunting Zones & Public Access
Understanding North Dakota’s hunting zones and public access opportunities is crucial for planning successful hunts. The state offers extensive public hunting access through several programs:
Key Public Access Programs
PLOTS (Private Land Open to Sportsmen)
- Over 750,000 acres enrolled
- Private land open to walk-in hunting
- Clearly marked with orange signs
- Maps available online and at license vendors
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- State-owned lands managed for wildlife
- Open to public hunting unless posted otherwise
- Detailed maps available from Game and Fish Department
- Official WMA listing and maps
Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs)
- Federal lands managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Primarily wetland habitats
- Excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities
- Open to hunting unless specifically closed
Important Zone Boundaries
The state divides into different zones for various species:
- Waterfowl Zones: High Plains, Low Plains, Missouri River, Eastern, and Western
- Deer Units: Numbered units throughout the state
- Elk Units: E1E, E1W, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7
- Moose Units: M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11
- Bobcat Zones: Zone 1 and Zone 2 with different regulations
Getting familiar with these boundaries before your hunt saves time and prevents violations. The official North Dakota Game and Fish website provides detailed maps and unit descriptions.
Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Understanding North Dakota’s licensing structure helps ensure you have the proper permits for your intended hunting activities.
Basic License Requirements
| License Type | Resident | Nonresident | Youth (Under 16) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Game & Habitat | $30 | $100 | $10 |
| Deer Bow | $30 | $250 | $10 |
| Deer Gun/Muzzleloader | $30 | $250 | $10 |
| Small Game | $15 | $65 | $7 |
| Furbearer | $30 | $75 | $10 |
Required Stamps & Certifications
Federal Duck Stamp: $25 (required for all waterfowl hunters 16+)
State Waterfowl Stamp: $5 (North Dakota residents and nonresidents)
HIP Certification: Free (required for migratory bird hunting)
Special Licenses & Add-ons
- Fishing, Hunting, Furbearer Certificate: $1 (residents), $2 (nonresidents)
- Habitat License: Various fees depending on species
- Apprentice Hunting License: Available for first-time hunters
Important Notes About Licensing
Nonresident waterfowl hunters face significant changes for 2025, with the elimination of the statewide license option. You’ll now need to choose specific zones when purchasing nonresident waterfowl privileges.
Military personnel and disabled veterans may qualify for reduced fees or special permits. Contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for specific requirements and documentation needed.
All hunters born after 1961 must complete hunter education before purchasing licenses. Online courses are available, making it convenient to meet this requirement.
North Dakota Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: When do I need to apply for lottery hunts?
A: Most lottery applications are due in March, with specific deadlines varying by species. Bighorn sheep applications close March 26, while deer and elk deadlines typically fall in mid-March.
Q: Can I hunt the same day I purchase my license?
A: Yes, North Dakota licenses are valid immediately upon purchase for most species. However, some lottery hunts require advance application and drawing results.
Q: What’s the difference between the High Plains and Low Plains waterfowl units?
A: The High Plains unit generally includes the western portion of the state with different habitat types and hunting pressure. Specific boundary maps are available on the Game and Fish website.
Q: Do I need landowner permission to hunt PLOTS lands?
A: No, PLOTS lands are open to walk-in hunting without additional permission. However, you should still respect the property and follow all posted regulations.
Q: Can I use electronic calls for predator hunting?
A: Yes, electronic calls are legal for coyote, fox, and other furbearer species during their respective seasons.
Q: What happens if I’m drawn for multiple lottery hunts?
A: North Dakota allows hunters to hold multiple lottery permits simultaneously, unlike some states that limit you to one big game tag.
Q: Are there any restrictions on Sunday hunting?
A: North Dakota allows Sunday hunting for most species, making it more flexible than neighboring states like Minnesota where Sunday hunting restrictions exist.
Essential Resources & Links
Planning your North Dakota hunting adventure requires reliable information sources. Here are the most important resources to bookmark:
Official State Resources:
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- Season Dates and Regulations
- License Purchase Portal
- Wildlife Management Area Maps
Federal Resources:
Weather and Conditions:
Planning Tools:
- North Dakota PLOTS Interactive Map
- HuntWise App – Popular among North Dakota hunters
- onX Hunt – GPS and property boundary mapping
These resources will help you stay current with regulation changes, find hunting locations, and plan successful trips throughout the season.
Wrapping Up Your North Dakota Adventure
North Dakota’s 2025-2026 hunting seasons offer incredible diversity and opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts. From the early archery deer season starting in late August to the extended waterfowl opportunities running into early January, there’s something for every hunter’s preference and schedule.
The state’s commitment to providing public access through programs like PLOTS and maintaining quality wildlife populations makes it a destination worth considering. Whether you’re chasing trophy whitetails in the river breaks, pursuing limit bags of greenheads in the prairie potholes, or trying your luck at drawing a once-in-a-lifetime elk tag, North Dakota delivers authentic hunting experiences.
Remember that regulations can change, and it’s your responsibility as a hunter to stay current with the latest information. Weather conditions, population surveys, and other factors may influence season adjustments throughout the year.
Get your licenses early, scout your areas in advance, and prepare for what could be your best hunting season yet. The combination of abundant wildlife, accessible land, and reasonable regulations makes North Dakota a premier hunting destination in the heartland of America.
Plan ahead, hunt safely, and make memories that will last a lifetime in the great outdoors of North Dakota. The 2025-2026 seasons are shaping up to be exceptional—don’t miss your chance to be part of the action.
