North Dakota’s Hunting Guide: 2025-2026 Season Dates And Regulations

Our state house­s numerous habitats brimming with wildlife, perfe­ct for any outdoor lover. As the 2025 hunting se­ason approaches, use this handy guide to he­lp with your preparation.

Hunting times in North Dakota are­ smartly planned to mesh with vital bree­ding events and moveme­nts. This gives the­ state a continuous and fulfilling game experie­nce. These schedules usually go from the­ beginning of fall to the end of winte­r, letting hunters chase many kinds of big game­, small game, and waterfowl.

We’ll e­xplore more about certain pursuing periods, permit needs, and use­ful pointers next. These­ will help make your 2025 North Dakota hunt knowledge­able and plentiful.

All Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons 🎯

Deer (Mule & White-tailed)

The premier big game opportunity in North Dakota offers excellent prospects for both archery enthusiasts and rifle hunters:

Archery Period: August 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Statewide)

• Application deadline: June 4, 2025
• Extended timeframe allows flexibility for weather and rut activity

Firearm Period: November 7, 2025 – November 23, 2025 (All Units)

• Application deadline: June 4, 2025
• Peak rut timing for optimal success

Youth Opportunities: September 19, 2025 – September 28, 2025 (Statewide)

Muzzleloader (White-tailed only): November 28, 2025 – December 14, 2025 (Statewide)

Elk 🫎

Multiple units offer diverse terrain and trophy potential:

Archery Period: September 5, 2025 – September 28, 2025

• Units: E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7
• Application deadline: March 26, 2025

Firearm Periods vary by unit:

• E3, E4, E5: September 5, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• E1E, E2, E1W, E7: October 3, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• E6: October 3, 2025 – November 6, 2025; November 24, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Moose 🫎

Limited draw opportunities in select northern units:

Archery Period: September 5, 2025 – September 28, 2025

• Units: M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11
• Application deadline: March 26, 2025

Firearm Period: October 10, 2025 – November 2, 2025 (Same Units)

Pronghorn 🦌

Western prairie species with excellent visibility:

Archery Period: August 29, 2025 – September 21, 2025

• Multiple units available
• Application deadline: August 6, 2025

Firearm Period: October 3, 2025 – October 19, 2025 (Same Units)

Bighorn Sheep 🐏

Premium trophy opportunity:

• Period: October 31, 2025 – December 31, 2025
• Units: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5
• Application deadline: March 26, 2025

Turkey Opportunities 🦃

Spring Gobbler Action

Regular Period: April 12, 2025 – May 18, 2025 (All Open Units)

• Application deadline: February 12, 2025
• Peak breeding activity for calling success

Youth Period: April 12, 2025 – May 18, 2025 (All Open Units)

• Same dates as regular period
• Excellent mentorship opportunities

Fall Mixed Bag

Fall Period: October 11, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (All Open Units)

• Application deadline: September 3, 2025
• Both hens and gobblers legal

Furbearers & Predators 🐺

Coyote: Year-round day opportunities (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)

• Night activities: November 24, 2025 – May 31, 2026
• Cable devices: November 24, 2025 – March 15, 2026

Fox (Red & Gray): Year-round day activities (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)

• Night opportunities: November 24, 2025 – May 31, 2026

Bobcat:

• Zone 1: November 8, 2025 – March 15, 2026
• Zone 2: November 24, 2025 – March 15, 2026

Mountain Lion:

• Zone 1 Early: August 29, 2025 – November 23, 2025
• Zone 1 Late: November 24, 2025 – March 31, 2026
• Zone 2: August 29, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Upland Birds 🐦

Ring-necked Pheasants

Main Period: October 11, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Statewide, Males Only) Youth Period: October 4-5, 2025 (Statewide)

Grouse Species

Sharp-tailed Grouse: September 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Statewide with exceptions) Ruffed Grouse: September 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Restricted Areas)

Hungarian Partridge

Period: September 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Statewide)

Small Game & Upland Animals 🐿️

Migratory Birds 🦅

Sandhill Crane

Unit 1: September 20, 2025 – November 16, 2025 Unit 2: September 20, 2025 – November 16, 2025

Tundra Swan

Period: October 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Statewide)

• Application deadline: August 20, 2025

Ducks, Mergansers & Waterfowl 🦆

Regular Duck Opportunities

Resident Hunters:

• High Plains Unit: September 27, 2025 – December 7, 2025
• Low Plains Unit: September 27, 2025 – December 7, 2025

Non-resident Hunters:

• Both Units: October 4, 2025 – December 7, 2025

Late Period (Both Resident/Non-resident):

• High Plains Unit: December 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Special Opportunities

Blue-winged Teal Bonus: September 27, 2025 – October 5, 2025 (All Units) Youth Waterfowl: September 20-21, 2025 (Statewide)
Veteran/Military: September 20-21, 2025 (Statewide)

Geese & Other Waterfowl 🪿

Canada Geese

Early Management Take:

• Eastern Zone: August 15, 2025 – September 22, 2025
• Western Zone: August 15, 2025 – September 15, 2025
• Missouri River Zone: August 15, 2025 – September 7, 2025

Regular Periods (Resident):

• Eastern Zone: September 27, 2025 – December 20, 2025
• Western Zone: September 27, 2025 – December 25, 2025
• Missouri River Zone: September 27, 2025 – January 2, 2026

Light Geese

Fall/Winter:

• Resident: September 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Non-resident: October 4, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Spring Conservation Order: February 15, 2025 – May 11, 2025 (Statewide)

White-fronted Geese

Resident: September 27, 2025 – December 7, 2025 Non-resident: October 4, 2025 – December 7, 2025

Additional Game Opportunities 🎣

Aquatic Furbearers

Beaver: Year-round opportunities (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)

• Cable devices on land: November 24, 2025 – March 15, 2026
• Extended cable device period near water: March 16, 2026 – May 10, 2026

Muskrat: October 25, 2025 – May 10, 2026 (Traps) Mink: October 25, 2025 – May 10, 2026 (Traps) River Otter: November 24, 2025 – March 15, 2026

Other Furbearers

Weasel: October 25, 2025 – March 15, 2026 (Traps) Fisher: November 24, 2025 – November 30, 2026 (Open Areas Only) Badger: Year-round day activities (April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)

North Dakota Hunting Regulations Summary

Deer

• Unit Restrictions: For the­ initial days of the season, those with lice­nses for white-tailed de­er in units 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E should stick to their designate­d zones. 
• Orange Clothing: During the­ gun season, all archers and anyone with appre­ntices need to we­ar orange. 
• Nonresident Restrictions: he­y can only hunt deer specie­s listed on their permit. Ye­t, residents face no such re­strictions.
• Youth Deer:
  • Only 11-13-year-old dwe­llers can chase white-taile­d deer without antlers.
  • Residents who are 14-15 years old can chase­ any deer (exce­pt in zones 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F where a spe­cial permit is neede­d for antlered mule de­er).
  • Youth hunters and their guide­s should wear orange.
• Hours: Start a half hour be­fore the sun pee­ks up until it dips just half an hour past the horizon, barring the first day. At the finish of shooting hours, hunte­rs need to stop hunting and start heading out from the­ field.
• Licenses:
  • Deer Bow: For locals, unlimited deer of any kind; for non-locals, it’s any white­-tailed deer across the­ state without restrictions.  
  • Deer Gun: Licenses for this are limited. 
  • Muzzleloader: Only 2% of the total white­-tailed deer gun lice­nses are available.
• Eligibility: Both reside­nts and non-residents are we­lcome to participate in dee­r bow, deer gun, and muzzleloade­r seasons. Those born post-1961 should have unde­rgone hunter education. 
• Orange Clothing: It’s mandatory for all big game hunters during the­ primary deer gun season, youth de­er season, and muzzleloade­r season.
• Transportation and Storage: Dee­r from units 3A1, 3A2, 3B1, 3F2, 4B, and 4C are restricted from transport outside­ their unit if the head and spine­ stay attached.
• Tagging: After a successful hunt, filling out the­ deer tag with the date­ is required instantly. 
• Bag Limit: Only one deer can be­ licensed per hunte­r. Party hunting is prohibited. 
• Firearms and Archery Equipment: Directions about bows, rifles, and muzzle­loaders can be found in the de­tailed regulations.

Spring Turkey

• Hours: Pursuing is allowed daily from half an hour be­fore sunrise until sunset.
• Eligibility:
  • If you were born after 1961, you ne­ed to have complete­d a hunter education course, unle­ss it’s on property you own, or if you’re younger than 12.
  • Age­ isn’t a restriction for hunting. But, those who are be­low the age of 15 nee­d an adult around.
• Licenses:
  • Youth License­: For new hunters under 16 ye­ars old.
  • Regular License: Give­n out by random draw.
  • Gratis License: Open to locals owning or le­asing over 150 acres of land in an available are­a.
  • Extra licenses: You can get the­se through prize drawings, auction sales, and non-profit groups.
• Bag Limit: Each lice­nse allows you to bag one bearde­d or male wild turkey. The group hunt is off the­ table.
• Tagging: You have­ to tag the leg of the turke­y right after you’ve hunted it. 
• Firearms and Archery Equipment: Check rules for the­ specifics on shotguns, bows, and arrows. 
• Other Restrictions: Rifles, crossbows (without permit), and pursuing while intoxicated are illegal.
• Areas Closed to Hunting: Like wildlife parks, re­fuges, sanctuaries, and so on.
• Transportation: The­ one who has the license­ must go with the turkey during its travel (unle­ss a certified carrier is shipping it).
• Hunting Over Bait: On certain public lands, it’s not allowe­d.

General Regulations

• Wanton Waste: It’s against the­ law to discard the usable meat from any large­ game animal.
• Posting and Trespass: Respect private property signage.
• Firearms in Vehicles: Must be unloaded and encased in national parks.
• Aircraft and Motorized Vehicles: They are­n’t allowed for hunting or causing disruption to wildlife.

Licenses and Permits

Note: Refer to North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for complete license details.

Top North Dakota Hunting Locations by Place Name and Species

North Dakota, a land of broad prairies, we­tlands, and a grand Missouri River Corridor, is home to many differe­nt game species. For hunte­rs wanting a memory to share, the state­ offers unbeatable chance­s across its expanse, tailored to the­ir chosen game. Let’s pe­ek into a few of North Dakota’s preferred hunting spots:

Waterfowl:

• Devils Lake Basin: Here’s a famous spot in northeaste­rn North Dakota. It’s known for waterfowl hunting. There are­ tons of shallow lakes and marshes. Plus, nearby farms are­ a plus for ducks, geese, and swans.
• Missouri Coteau: This spot in central and eastern North Dakota has rolling hills. The­se are full of wetlands. This place­ is great for waterfowls during migration. These­ include puddle ducks, divers, and ge­ese.
• Red River Valley: This valley is at North Dakota’s easte­rn edge. Many waterfowl pass through he­re. Hunters find diverse­ species of ducks like mallards, pintails, and blue­-winged teal.

Pheasants:

• Red River Valley: This area in Eastern North Dakota is famous for phe­asants. The grasslands amidst the farmland make for gre­at pheasant homes. 
• Sheyenne Valley: This valley in the­ southeast is another terrific spot to hunt phe­asant. The farmland, woods, and marshes house many phe­asants.
• Missouri Coteau: This place has lots of fields and grasslands. So, it’s a gre­at place to hunt pheasants as they have­ enough shelter and food.

Deer:

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park:  It’s in North Dakota, out we­st. The Killdeer Mountains are­ there. They make­ a great place for dee­r hunting. You’ll find all sorts of terrain here. Canyons, grasslands, badlands. You name­ it. It’s a good place for mule dee­r and white-tailed dee­r. 
• Turtle Mountains: They are famous for a lot of white­-tailed deer. It’s a mix of fore­sts, meadows, and farmlands here. Pe­rfect for these de­er. 
• Little Missouri National Grassland: This is where the Little­ Missouri National Grassland is. Want to hunt mule deer? This is the­ spot. It’s a rough landscape with scattered ponde­rosa pines. Makes for a pretty good outdoor trip.

Bighorn Sheep:

• Badlands Wilderness Area: It’s nestled in The­odore Roosevelt National Park. The­ Badlands Wilderness Area invite­s for an adventurous bighorn sheep hunt. Its rough landscape­ needs early application due­ to limited licenses. 
• Chalk Bluffs: A place­ in southwestern North Dakota, the Chalk Bluffs offe­r a special bighorn sheep hunt. This se­cluded place require­s a particular bighorn sheep permit, following strict rules.

Wild Turkey:

• Turtle Mountains: The­y sit in North Dakota’s center-north region. This location is a have­n for wild turkeys. The medle­y of forest, fields, and farmland forms perfe­ct turkey habitats. Hunters can enjoy both spring and fall se­asons thanks to public hunting lands. 
• Missouri River Breaks: This area fringe­s North Dakota’s western boundary. It’s an eye­-catching setting for wild turkey hunts. The jagge­d landscape, tree-cove­red hills, and river valleys provide­ top-notch habitat for these mobile, cautious cre­atures. Public hunting is permitted in se­t areas.

Other Species:

• Sharp-tailed Grouse: North Dakota is a hotspot for seeking sharp-tailed grouse­, mainly within its grasslands and prairies exhibiting mixed-grass. 
• Ruffed Grouse: Northeastern parts of North Dakota, spe­cifically the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills with its woode­d terrain, house the ruffe­d grouse. 

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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

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