The North Dakota archery season offers hunters breathtaking river valleys and great plains. It’s also got some of the best hunting in the country with big and small game. North Dakota hunters benefit from a great game selection, like bighorn sheep, moose, elk, deer, and pronghorns.
North Dakota (ND) Archery Season, 2022-2023
The “Flickertail State” offers public and private lands open to hunting. Several government agencies manage public lands with different rules in different zones. The North Dakota Hunting Atlas offers hunters information on private and public lands, including WMAs, PLOTS, and more.
When does Archery Season Start in ND?
North Dakota Bighorn Sheep Seasons
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General Season October 28-December 31
Bighorn sheep season is available by permit lottery only.
North Dakota Elk Seasons
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Archery/Bow September 2-25
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General Season September 2-January 1*
*Season dates vary by region. Elk hunting is available by permit lottery only, with dates ranging by area.
North Dakota Moose Seasons
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Archery/Bow September 2-25
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General Season October 7-October 30
Moose hunting is available by permit lottery only. Hunting is limited to specific areas.
North Dakota Pronghorn Seasons
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Archery/Bow September 2-25
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General Season October 7-23
Pronghorn hunting is available by permit lottery only and limited by area.
North Dakota White-Tailed and Mule Deer Seasons
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Archery/Bow September 2-January 1
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Youth Season September 16-25
Deer hunting is available by permit lottery only.
North Dakota Turkey Seasons
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Fall General Season October 9-January 1
Turkey hunting is available by permit lottery only.
North Dakota Small Game Seasons
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Tree Squirrel September 10-February 28
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Hungarian Partridge September 10-January 1
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Pheasant October 8-January 1
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Ruffed and Sharp-tailed Grouse September 10-January 1
Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in North Dakota?
Legal shooting hours start 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in ND
Before heading out on your hunt, visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for more details regarding hunting licenses, regulations, and permits.
North Dakota Residents
A North Dakota resident has lived in the state for at least six months. All residents aged 18 or older must have a hunting license. North Dakota residents must buy Fishing, Hunting, and Furbearer Certificates and General Habitat and Game Licenses or Combination Licenses.
Non-Residents
Non-residents aged 18 or older must buy a Fishing, Hunting, and Furbearer Certificate and the General Game and Habitat License or Combination License.
Youth Hunting Licenses
North Dakota residents under 16 may buy youth hunting licenses. Non-residents under 16 from qualifying states can buy resident Fishing, Hunting, and Furbearer Certificates and General Habitat and Game Licenses for hunting waterfowl and small game.
Senior Hunting Licenses
North Dakota residents born on or before December 31, 1937, can buy the reduced-fee Senior Hunting License or Senior Combination Angler and Hunter Licenses. North Dakota residents aged 66 or older born on or after January 1, 1938, are eligible for a reduced-fee hunting License.
Disability Licenses
North Dakota doesn’t offer specialty licenses for disabled individuals.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in North Dakota can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is North Dakota residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave. Disabled resident veterans may be eligible for the Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing License.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a North Dakota Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31 each year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
