Public Hunting Land in North Dakota

North Dakota is a hunter’s paradise, especially for upland bird and waterfowl enthusiasts. With over 2 million acres of public and accessible private land, the Peace Garden State delivers solid opportunities for deer, pheasant, ducks, geese, and sharp-tailed grouse across diverse prairie landscapes.

Types of Public Land Available in North Dakota:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Managed by North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF), open to public hunting with seasonal access.

• National Grasslands & Federal Lands: Little Missouri and Sheyenne National Grasslands are prime hunting spots for big and small game.

• Private Land Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS): Privately owned land enrolled in a voluntary access program, clearly marked with yellow signs.

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Lands: These include waterfowl production areas and national wildlife refuges that are open to hunting in accordance with federal rules.

Seasons & Access Info

North Dakota uses a mix of over-the-counter and lottery permit systems, depending on species and season. Most PLOTS lands are walk-in only and cannot be reserved or leased.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Season Dates & Rules

• Licenses, Applications & PLOTS Guide

• Deer Lottery, Waterfowl Zones, & Maps

Pro Tip: North Dakota’s nonresident waterfowl zones fill quickly — plan your trip early and focus on PLOTS land for remote access.

Explore Hunting Land in North Dakota

Use these tools to plan your next North Dakota hunt:

• Interactive Hunting Map & PLOTS Viewer

• PLOTS Map Book PDF (Updated Annually)

• Federal & State Public Land Info

Whether you’re flushing roosters on CRP or glassing coulees for deer, North Dakota’s wide-open spaces and access-friendly programs make it a top destination for public land hunters.