North Dakota Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

North Dakota is renowned for its majestic great plains, lush river valleys and striking Badlands. Every year, thousands of hunters flock to the region in search of a successful hunting experience. During this time, hunters are allowed to pursue a wide variety of species, including small game such as rabbits, squirrels and grouse, big game like deer and elk, turkey and waterfowl. In order to hunt legally in North Dakota, hunters must have a valid North Dakota hunting license as well as any other necessary permits. Most North Dakota counties also require hunters to purchase an additional local license, so be sure to check the regulations before heading out into the field.

Before heading out on your North Dakota hunt, be sure to visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details regarding licenses, regulations and permits.

North Dakota White-Tailed and Mule Deer Seasons

Archery/BowSept. 2 – Jan. 1
Youth SeasonSept. 16 – Sept. 25
FirearmsNov. 11 – Nov. 20
MuzzleloaderNov. 25 – Dec. 11

*Deer hunting is only available by permit lottery. Make sure to visit the official site of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details.

North Dakota Bighorn Sheep Seasons

General SeasonOct. 28 – Dec. 31

*Bighorn Sheep hunting is only available by permit lottery. Make sure to visit the official site of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details.

North Dakota Elk Seasons

Archery/BowSept. 2 – Sept. 25
General SeasonSept. 2 – Jan. 1

*Season dates vary by zone. Elk hunting is only available by permit lottery, and dates may vary by region. Make sure to visit the official site of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details.

North Dakota Moose Seasons

Archery/BowSept. 2 – Sept. 25
General SeasonOct. 7 – Oct. 30

*Moose hunting is only available by permit lottery, and hunting may be limited to specific regions. Make sure to visit the official site of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details.

North Dakota Pronghorn Seasons

Archery/BowSept. 2 – Sept. 25
General SeasonOct. 7 – Oct. 23

*Pronghorn hunting is only available by permit lottery and may be limited by region. Make sure to visit the official site of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details.

North Dakota Turkey Seasons

Fall General SeasonOct. 9 – Jan. 1

*Turkey hunting is only available by permit lottery. Make sure to visit the official site of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details.

North Dakota Small Game Seasons

Tree SquirrelSept. 10 – Feb. 28
Hungarian PartridgeSept. 10 – Jan. 1
PheasantOct. 8 – Jan. 1
Ruffed and Sharp-tailed GrouseSept. 10 – Jan. 1

*Before heading out on your North Dakota hunt, be sure to visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details regarding licenses, regulations and permits.

North Dakota Crossbow Regulations

All hunters attempting to harvest big game, which includes crossbow hunters, are required to display hunter orange. This display must be of solid, daylight, fluorescent orange and should total at least 400 inches.

  • Crossbows must have at least a 75 pound draw weight without exceeding 200 pounds.
  • The stock of all crossbows must be no less than 14 inches long.
  • Bolts must be no less than 14 inches long.
  • Mechanical broadheads are legal in North Dakota and the minimum size is 7/8 of an inch when in the open position. This can be used for harvesting deer; bear; wild turkey; or wild boar. Blunt type arrowheads are legal for harvesting small game and birds. This includes squirrels; rabbits; grouse; quail; and/or pheasants.
  • Chemically treated or explosive equipped broadheads are never legal.
  • All crossbows must be equipped with a functional, mechanical safety.
  • It is illegal to use a magnifying scope of any kind during the muzzleloader season.

North Dakota Hunting License

Hunters and trappers are required to purchase licenses, except any resident, or member of his or her family permanently residing with him or her, may hunt small game, trap or use cable devices during the open season without a license upon land owned or leased by him or her, but otherwise is governed by seasons, limits and all other regulations. Before heading out on your North Dakota hunt, be sure to visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details regarding licenses, regulations and permits.

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Ohio.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, North Carolina.

About Al Parsons

Al Parsons is originally from Alabama, but has had the pleasure of hunting all over the United States. Al is an expert on crossbow hunting, as well as traditional rifle hunting. His favorite time of year is the start of Archery Deer season in Alabama, so usually in October.