Home › Seasons & Licenses › North Dakota

North Dakota Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against ND Game and Fish Dept before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $35 · nonresident $350. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Deer Bow (opens 12 noon)Sep 4, 2026Jan 3, 2027Deer Bow License
Deer Bow - nonresidents, public land open from September 14Sep 14, 2026Jan 3, 2027Nonresident Deer Bow License
Deer Gun (opens 12 noon, 16.5 day season)Nov 6, 2026Nov 22, 2026Deer Gun License (lottery, unit and type specified)
Muzzleloader (opens 12 noon, white-tailed deer only)Nov 27, 2026Dec 13, 2026Muzzleloader License (lottery)
Youth Deer (opens 12 noon)Sep 18, 2026Sep 27, 2026Youth Deer License (residents only)

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall: Fall turkey open unitsOct 10, 2026Jan 3, 2027Fall Turkey License (lottery; residents only in the initial draw)
Special Flock Reduction Turkey Bow Season (Bismarck/Mandan areas)Oct 10, 2026Jan 3, 2027Special Flock Reduction Turkey Bow License + access permit

Elk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Elk Bow: Elk bow units E1E, E1W, E2, E6 and E7Sep 4, 2026Sep 27, 2026Elk License (lottery)
Antlerless Elk - E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7: Elk bow units E1E, E1W, E2, E6 and E7Aug 7, 2026Sep 27, 2026Antlerless Elk License
Antlerless Elk - E3, E4: Elk Units E3 and E4Aug 7, 2026Aug 30, 2026Antlerless Elk License
Antlerless Elk - January season, all units: All elk units E1E, E1W, E2, E3, E4, E6 and E7Jan 9, 2027Jan 17, 2027Antlerless Elk License
Elk Regular Season - E1E, E1W, E2: Elk Units E1E, E1W and E2Oct 2, 2026Jan 3, 2027Elk License (lottery)
Elk Regular Season - E3, E4: Elk Units E3 and E4Sep 4, 2026Jan 3, 2027Elk License (lottery)
Elk Regular Season - E5: Elk Unit E5Sep 4, 2026Jan 3, 2027Elk License (lottery)
Elk Regular Season - E6 (first segment): Elk Unit E6Oct 2, 2026Nov 5, 2026Elk License (lottery)
Elk Regular Season - E6 (second segment): Elk Unit E6Nov 23, 2026Jan 3, 2027Elk License (lottery)
Elk Regular Season - E7: Elk Unit E7Oct 2, 2026Jan 3, 2027Elk License (lottery)

Beaver Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Year-round season (closes March 31 and reopens April 1)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furbearer License
Cable devices (snares) on landNov 23, 2026May 10, 2027Furbearer License

Bighorn Sheep Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular Season - Early: Bighorn Sheep Units B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5Oct 30, 2026Nov 13, 2026Bighorn Sheep License (lottery)
Regular Season - Late: Bighorn Sheep Units B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5Nov 14, 2026Dec 31, 2026Bighorn Sheep License (lottery)

Bobcat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Zone 1 - firearms, air gun, archery and traps: Bobcat Zone 1Nov 7, 2026Mar 15, 2027Resident Furbearer License (residents only)
Zone 1 - cable devices (snares) and dogs: Bobcat Zone 1Nov 23, 2026Mar 15, 2027Resident Furbearer License (residents only)
Zone 2 - all methods: Bobcat Zone 2Nov 23, 2026Mar 15, 2027Resident Furbearer License (residents only)

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Day hunting season (year-round; closes March 31 and reopens April 1)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furbearer License
Night hunting seasonNov 23, 2026May 31, 2027Furbearer License
Trapping season (year-round)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furbearer License

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall segmentAug 15, 2026Nov 2, 2026Small Game License
Spring segmentMar 13, 2027Apr 25, 2027Small Game License

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 29, 2026Small Game License + HIP certification

Fisher and American Marten Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping and cable devicesNov 23, 2026Nov 29, 2026Resident Furbearer License (residents only)

Red Fox, Gray Fox, Coyote and Badger Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Day hunting season (year-round; closes March 31 and reopens April 1)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furbearer License
Trapping season (year-round; closes March 31 and reopens April 1)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furbearer License
Night hunting season (red fox, gray fox and coyote only)Nov 23, 2026May 31, 2027Furbearer License
Cable devices (snares)Nov 23, 2026Mar 15, 2027Furbearer License

Sharp-tailed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular: Sharp-tailed grouse CLOSED area (southeast)Sep 12, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game License + General Game and Habitat License

Moose Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Moose Bow Season: Moose Units M5, M6, M8, M9, M10 and M11Sep 4, 2026Sep 27, 2026Moose License (lottery)
Antlerless Moose Season - M9, M10, M11: Moose Units M9, M10 and M11Aug 7, 2026Aug 30, 2026Antlerless Moose License
Moose Regular Season: Moose Units M5, M6, M8, M9, M10 and M11Oct 9, 2026Nov 1, 2026Moose License (lottery)

Mountain Lion Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Zone 1 Early Season: Mountain Lion Zone 1Sep 4, 2026Nov 22, 2026Resident license (residents only)
Zone 1 Late Season (dogs permitted): Mountain Lion Zone 1Nov 23, 2026Mar 31, 2027Resident license (residents only)
Zone 2: Mountain Lion Zone 2Sep 4, 2026Mar 31, 2027Resident license (residents only)

Mule Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Deer Bow (opens 12 noon)Sep 4, 2026Jan 3, 2027Deer Bow License (resident any-deer, or nonresident any-deer lottery)
Deer Gun (opens 12 noon, 16.5 day season)Nov 6, 2026Nov 22, 2026Deer Gun License endorsed for mule deer
Youth Deer (opens 12 noon)Sep 18, 2026Sep 27, 2026Youth Deer License + special mule deer licence outside units 4A-4F

Muskrat and Mink Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingOct 24, 2026May 10, 2027Furbearer License
Cable devices (snares)Nov 23, 2026May 10, 2027Furbearer License
Hunting (rimfire, air gun .22 or smaller, archery)Nov 23, 2026May 10, 2027Furbearer License

River Otter Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping and cable devicesNov 23, 2026Dec 13, 2026Resident Furbearer License (residents only)

Hungarian (Gray) Partridge Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 12, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game License + General Game and Habitat License

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (male pheasants only)Oct 10, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game License + General Game and Habitat License
Youth Pheasant Season (15 and younger)Oct 3, 2026Oct 4, 2026Youth Small Game License

Pronghorn Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Bow (opens 12 noon)Sep 4, 2026Sep 27, 2026Pronghorn Bow License (resident lottery)
Gun (opens 12 noon)Oct 2, 2026Oct 18, 2026Pronghorn Gun License (resident lottery)

Rabbit (unprotected species) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Open year-round (calendar year 2026)Jan 1, 2026Dec 31, 2026No licence required for residents; nonresidents need a nongame licence
Open year-round (calendar year 2027)Jan 1, 2027Dec 31, 2027No licence required for residents; nonresidents need a nongame licence

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Year-round season (closes March 31 and reopens April 1)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furbearer License
Cable devices (snares) on landNov 23, 2026May 10, 2027Furbearer License

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 12, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game License + General Game and Habitat License

Sandhill Crane Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - Unit 1 (west of U.S. 281): Sandhill Crane Unit 1Sep 19, 2026Nov 15, 2026Sandhill Crane Permit + small game or waterfowl licence + HIP + non-toxic shot
Regular - Unit 2 (east of U.S. 281): Sandhill Crane Unit 2Sep 19, 2026Nov 15, 2026Sandhill Crane Permit + small game or waterfowl licence + HIP + non-toxic shot

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 12, 2026Nov 29, 2026Small Game License + HIP certification + non-toxic shot

Tree Squirrel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 12, 2026Feb 28, 2027Small Game License + General Game and Habitat License

Tundra Swan Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 3, 2026Jan 3, 2027Tundra Swan License (lottery, 2,200 issued) + HIP + non-toxic shot

Duck, Goose & Waterfowl Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Low Plains Unit - residents: Low Plains Duck UnitSep 26, 2026Dec 6, 2026Resident Small Game License + Waterfowl Habitat Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Low Plains Unit - nonresidents (may not begin before October 5): Low Plains Duck UnitOct 5, 2026Dec 6, 2026Nonresident Waterfowl License (two 7-day periods in two zones) + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
High Plains Unit (first segment) - residents: High Plains Duck UnitSep 26, 2026Dec 6, 2026Resident Small Game License + Waterfowl Habitat Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
High Plains Unit (first segment) - nonresidents (may not begin before October 5): High Plains Duck UnitOct 5, 2026Dec 6, 2026Nonresident Waterfowl License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
High Plains Unit (second segment): High Plains Duck UnitDec 12, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game or Nonresident Waterfowl License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Bonus blue-winged teal (Low Plains, in addition to the daily bag): Low Plains Duck UnitSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Same licences as the regular duck season
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Season (15 and younger)Sep 19, 2026Sep 20, 2026Youth licence + Federal Duck Stamp if 16 or older + HIP
Special Veteran and Active Military Waterfowl SeasonSep 19, 2026Sep 20, 2026Resident hunting licence + proof of status + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Geese (Canada, White-fronted and Light): Early Canada Goose - Missouri River Zone: Missouri River Canada Goose ZoneAug 15, 2026Sep 7, 2026Early September Canada Goose License + Federal Duck Stamp from September 1 + HIP
Geese (Canada, White-fronted and Light): Early Canada Goose - Western Zone: Western Canada Goose ZoneAug 15, 2026Sep 15, 2026Early September Canada Goose License + Federal Duck Stamp from September 1 + HIP
Geese (Canada, White-fronted and Light): Early Canada Goose - Eastern Zone: Eastern Canada Goose ZoneAug 15, 2026Sep 22, 2026Early September Canada Goose License + Federal Duck Stamp from September 1 + HIP
Geese (Canada, White-fronted and Light): Canada Goose regular season - Missouri River Zone: Missouri River Canada Goose ZoneSep 26, 2026Jan 1, 2027Small Game or Nonresident Waterfowl License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Geese (Canada, White-fronted and Light): Canada Goose regular season - Western Zone: Western Canada Goose ZoneSep 26, 2026Dec 24, 2026Small Game or Nonresident Waterfowl License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Geese (Canada, White-fronted and Light): Canada Goose regular season - Eastern Zone: Eastern Canada Goose ZoneSep 26, 2026Dec 19, 2026Small Game or Nonresident Waterfowl License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Geese (Canada, White-fronted and Light): White-fronted Goose - statewideSep 26, 2026Dec 6, 2026Small Game or Nonresident Waterfowl License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Geese (Canada, White-fronted and Light): Light Goose - statewideSep 26, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game or Nonresident Waterfowl License + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP

Weasel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingOct 24, 2026Mar 15, 2027Furbearer License
Cable devices (snares)Nov 23, 2026Mar 15, 2027Furbearer License
Hunting (rimfire, air gun .22 or smaller, archery)Nov 23, 2026Mar 15, 2027Furbearer License

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 19, 2026Nov 2, 2026Small Game License + HIP certification
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with ND Game and Fish Dept before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
Licenses, CWD zones & official links → Build a hunt plan

More for North Dakota hunters

When is the rut in North Dakota?Taxidermists in North DakotaGame processors in North DakotaToday's hunting forecast