ND Deer Season 2025-2026: All You Need To Know on North Dakota Deer Hunting Dates, Licenses & Regulations
Dreaming of pursuing mule deer and white-tailed deer across North Dakota’s stunning prairies and badlands? This comprehensive guide covers all the essential dates, wildlife management units, and regulations you’ll need for the 2025-2026 cycle. Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or new to the sport, we’ve got everything from archery periods to firearm dates, helping you plan your perfect wilderness experience across the Peace Garden State.
At a Glance: North Dakota’s 2025-2026 Key Deer Periods
| Season Type | Dates | Primary Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 29, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Bow |
| Youth | Sept 19, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Various |
| Firearm | Nov 7-23, 2025 | Rifle, Shotgun |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Muzzleloader |
A Detailed Look at All Deer Periods
North Dakota’s diverse landscape, from the rugged badlands to the rolling prairies, offers fantastic opportunities for both mule deer and white-tailed deer enthusiasts. The management of these animals is carefully regulated to ensure sustainable populations while providing quality outdoor experiences.
🏹 Archery Dates
Archery enthusiasts enjoy the longest time afield, with seasons stretching from late summer through early winter.
- Archery Season: Runs from August 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026 .
- Special Notes: This extended period allows archers to pursue both mule deer and white-tailed deer across the state, with specific unit restrictions applying to certain areas.
🔫 Firearm and Muzzleloader Dates
These seasons are carefully structured to manage harvest numbers while providing diverse opportunities.
- Firearm Season: Occurs from November 7-23, 2025, opening at noon on the first day .
- Muzzleloader Season: Takes place from November 28, 2025, through January 4, 2026 .
- Youth Season: A special period for young enthusiasts runs from September 19, 2025, through January 4, 2026 .
Other Deer-Related Game in North Dakota
While mule deer and white-tailed deer are the primary cervid species pursued in North Dakota, the state maintains healthy populations of other noteworthy species:
- Elk: 🐂 Available through limited draw opportunities in specific units (E1E, E1W, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7) with both archery and regular seasons .
- Moose: Available through limited draw opportunities in specific units (M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11) with both archery and regular seasons .
- Pronghorn: 🏃 Available through limited draw opportunities in specific units with both archery and regular seasons .
The Peace Garden State does not have established populations of non-native species such as axis, fallow, or sika deer for public harvest.
Snapshot of Late Periods (2025-2026)
| Season Type | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | Statewide |
| Archery | Through Jan 4, 2026 | Statewide |
Understanding the Rules of the Game
Following regulations ensures both legal compliance and ethical participation in conservation efforts.
- License Allocation: For 2025, 42,300 deer licenses were available, representing a decrease of 7,800 from the previous year. Muzzleloader licenses decreased by 150 .
- Tagging Requirements: 🎟️ Immediately tag your harvest with complete information. Keep the tag attached until processing.
- Harvest Reporting: Report your harvest through the state’s designated system.
- Legal Hours: Activities begin at noon Central Time on the opening day of firearm season .
- Unit Restrictions: Special restrictions apply in units 3B1, 3B2, and 4A-4F for antlerless mule deer .
License and Permit Costs
While exact fees are subject to change, typical requirements include:
- Resident Licenses: Vary by season and type
- Non-Resident Licenses: Vary by season and type
- Application Fees: Non-refundable application fees apply for lottery draws
Always check the official ND Game and Fish Department website for the most current fee structure.
What You Need to Participate
To legally pursue deer in North Dakota, you must have:
- A valid North Dakota Hunting License
- Appropriate deer license for the season (archery, firearm, muzzleloader)
- Proof of Hunter Education if required by age
- All required stamps and validations
- Properly filled out tags carried while afield
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw system work in North Dakota?
North Dakota uses a lottery system for deer licenses. The application deadline for the 2025 season was June 4, 2025 . Applicants who didn’t apply last year lose accrued preference points if they don’t apply or purchase a point this year.
What are the license allocations for 2025?
For 2025, 42,300 deer licenses were available, which is 7,800 fewer than the previous year. Muzzleloader licenses decreased by 150, while restricted youth antlered mule deer licenses remained unchanged .
Are there youth opportunities?
Yes! Residents aged 11-13 can obtain any antlerless licenses (except in units 3B1, 3B2, and 4A-4F where mule deer doe licenses are restricted). Residents aged 14-15 can obtain licenses for any deer with similar restrictions .
Why were licenses reduced for 2025?
The reduction reflects ongoing efforts to help the state’s deer population recover from the 2021 EHD outbreak and the severe winter of 2022-23. The population continues to recover despite reduced licenses in previous years .
Conclusion
North Dakota offers diverse opportunities for both mule deer and white-tailed deer enthusiasts across its varied landscapes, with extended archery periods and carefully managed firearm seasons. Success comes from understanding the lottery system, securing proper licenses, and always prioritizing safety. By planning ahead and respecting the rules, you can enjoy the rich outdoor traditions that make the Peace Garden State a fantastic destination for your next adventure.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Regulations are subject to change. Always confirm all dates, units, bag limits, and rules directly with the official North Dakota Game and Fish Department before your trip.
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