When Is North Dakota Rifle Deer Season?

With low hunter densities and a track record of solid seasons with high success rates, including trophy bucks, North Dakota is a must-visit for any serious deer hunter. 

This guide is your one-stop guide to the North Dakota rifle deer season. We cover everything from season dates and regulations to limitations and critical information, so you're fully prepared for the upcoming season. 

When Is North Dakota Rifle Season?

The deer season details are administered by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, with the season typically running from November, which is a later season than neighboring states.

While this presents unique challenges, it's a rewarding hunt that will reward those lucky enough to draw a tag and participate in the season. 

The Rifle Season dates are as follows:
 

• Regular Season (Mule and Whitetail): The regular deer season dates are the same for all deer units: November 8 to November 24. 
• Youth Season (Mule and Whitetail): The statewide youth season runs from September 13 to September 22. 
• Muzzleloader Season (White-tailed Only): The muzzleloader season runs from November 29 to December 15. 

Remember that there are additional seasons to tag out this year, such as the generous statewide archery season that runs from August 30 to January 5. Using multiple take methods can provide additional hunting opportunities to hunters proficient with a bow.

Additionally, hunts like the youth season open for resident deer gun hunters who turn 14 or 15 and have never received a gun license are an excellent opportunity to spend time in the field and introduce a young one to the sport of deer hunting. 

License and Tagging Requirements

North Dakota residents and nonresidents require a valid hunting license to hunt deer. Licenses are administered via a lottery system due to the demand for permits exceeding the supply.

You can accrue bonus points each time you apply and are not drawn, giving you a greater chance of drawing a license the following year. The state law allocates nonresidents one percent of deer gun and muzzleloader licenses across any unit. 

Please note that if you were born after 1961, you must complete a hunter education course to receive a license. Additionally, tags must be carried at all times in the field and attached as soon as an animal has been harvested and connected to the base of the antler on an antlered deer or slit in the ear of an antlerless deer. 

What Types of Deer Can You Hunt in North Dakota?

With the North Dakota deer season dates in mind, what can you hunt? You could bring home white-tailed deer or mule deer when hunting in the state, but you'll need to understand how they move and behave to improve your chances of tagging out.

White-tailed Deer

The first deer subspecies found in North Dakota are whitetails, known for their elusive nature and agile movement patterns. They're highly prized deer in various environments, including forests, brushland, and agricultural fields.

Due to their uncanny ability to slip in and out of sight, ambush hunting will likely yield the most robust results. Start by exploring mixed environments, such as forests meeting agricultural fields, on the HuntWise app.

Then, use the LiDAR (Hillshade) map layer to look for potential movement routes to and from bedding areas to these feeding zones to locate your optimal blind location.

Mule Deer

Mule deer can be differentiated from whitetails by their large ears and distinctive black-tipped tails. They're bigger than whitetails, and their large antlers make them a good-eating and impressive trophy deer.

These deer can be found deep in shrublands and forests, preferring mixed environments, occasionally popping into open spaces. Due to this, spot and stalk hunting may be your best bet as long as you've got a decent pair of optics. 

Know the Hunting Zones and Units

North Dakota is divided into deer hunting units with varying quota limits for deer tags. Always check the latest regulations regarding your intended hunting zones. 

Be Mindful of Weapon Regulations and Safety

In North Dakota, regarding firearms, all centerfire rifles of .22 to .49 caliber and muzzleloading rifles of .45 caliber or larger are legal for deer. The magazine capacity is unlimited, and shotguns must have a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. 

Muzzleloading long guns of .45 caliber or larger and handguns of .50 caliber or more, with all components loaded through the muzzle with flint or percussion ignition, firing black powder or black powder substitutes are legal. 

Remember: all big game hunters must wear hunter orange, meeting the legal requirements of a head covering and outer garment above the waistline totaling at least 400 inches. 

Where to Hunt: Public vs. Private Land Hunting 

There are various public land hunting opportunities in North Dakota, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Forests, and more. The key is not to be overwhelmed by the more than 200 WMA's on offer, focusing on popular locations that offer rich mixed environments in which you're likely to encounter white-tailed and mule deer.

Using HuntWise, you can explore all WMAs' unique topography and boundary lines to help narrow your search and start scouting high-potential hunting zones. 

However, more than 93% of the land is privately held in North Dakota, including prime deer-hungry zones. The North Dakota Game and Fish Commission and participating private landowners run the Private Land Open To Sportsmen Lands (PLOTS). This allows private landowners to open their property for public walk-in access for hunting.

Additionally, there's always the option to request permission directly from landowners using the HuntWise private landowner contact details feature. 

Plan for the Weather and Terrain

Expect cold temperatures, snow, and some challenging terrain. By mid-November, you may encounter the first frost or snowfall, so pack thermoregulating layers, waterproof gear, thick coats, and waterproof boots.

If you're driving, ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter roads, and don't forget to pack a first aid kit.

Get Prepared for the North Dakota Rifle Deer Season with HuntWise

Whether you've drawn a license in the lottery or are reading to improve your knowledge for upcoming seasons, research and learning more about the location and deer seasons are always good ideas.

To go deep on mapping, seasons, weather patterning, gear, animal movement, and a lot more, grab the HuntWise hunting app to start your e-scouting and pre-season study. You never know when the lottery will swing in your favor, so it's never too early to start preparing for your big North Dakota rifle deer season hunt!

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