Hunting - General Information
     Hunting by County
     Wildlife Management Areas

Variety best describes hunting in North Dakota. Whatever species you are interested in hunting, you will have to search long and hard to find more opportunity.

Waterfowl (Geese, Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, Swan) - During the fall migrations thousands of potholes and sloughs attract migrating ducks in countless numbers, bolstering an already huge population of birds hatched and raised in the state.
(Incidentally, we lead the nation in duck production.) A sizeable population of resident giant Canada geese is soon augmented by hundreds of thousands of migrating geese that stop over on their journey southward.

Small/Upland Game (Grouse, Dove, Crane, Pheasant, Snipe, Woodcock, Squirrel, Hungarian Partridge) - Early fall seasons for mourning dove and sharp-tailed grouse allow a hunter to enjoy chilly mornings and warm afternoons on the prairie. Come October our sandhill crane and ring-necked pheasant seasons generate a lot of attention.

Big Game (Deer, Pronghorn, Moose, Elk, Bighorn Sheep) - Our deer and pronghorn archery seasons begin in early fall. Later, the gun seasons for pronghorn, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep bring out hunters lucky enough to have drawn one of these special permits. Deer gun season -- the most popular among residents -- begins in early November.

Wild Turkey - North Dakota has both spring and fall seasons for residents who draw a license in the turkey lottery.

Other Species (Coyote, Fox, Prairie Dog) - Coyote and fox hunting seasons are open year around to residents and nonresidents. Late fall and winter offer the best hunting.

Although waterfowl is our major draw, sharp-tailed grouse and ring-necked pheasant, sandhill crane, and pronghorn and deer archery seasons, bring out many hunters. In addition, our deer gun season -- the most popular season among residents -- opens in early November.

Following is a list of federal and state wildlife management (WMA) areas. The name, acreage, location, and most common game species is listed for each area. Many of the areas also provide hunting or trapping for furbearers. Unless otherwise specified, the areas are open to hunting and trapping. Check out the North Dakota Hunting and Fishing link below for details on current hunting proclamations. Most WMAs are also ideal for nature study, hiking, and primitive camping.

More hunting information from the
North Dakota Game and Fish Department