North Dakota 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
North Dakota's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 6-22, 2026.
Archery - Nonresident Deer, Mule and White-tailed opens Sep 4, 2026 and closes Jan 3, 2027.
Regular - Resident Canada Geese opens Sep 26, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to North Dakota Game & Fish.
- firearm deer
- Nov 6-22, 2026
- archery deer
- Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
- waterfowl
- opens Sep 26, 2026
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Key seasons by species
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with North Dakota Game & Fish before hunting.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in North Dakota
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 15 stations in North Dakota. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
- ND · NWR
Arrowwood NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Audubon NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Des Lacs NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Florence Lake NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: NEW STATIONBIG GAME: NEW STATION - ND · NWR
J. Clark Salyer NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Lake Alice NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Lake Nettie NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Long Lake NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Lostwood NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Mclean NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: NEW STATIONBIG GAME: NEW STATION - ND · NWR
Slade NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Stewart Lake NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: NEW STATIONBIG GAME: NEW STATION - ND · NWR
Tewaukon NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
Upper Souris NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - ND · NWR
White Lake NWR
North DakotaUPLAND GAME: NEW STATIONBIG GAME: NEW STATION
Deer
Deer, Mule and White-tailed
Archery - Nonresident
Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized.
Zone: Statewide (see restrictions)
Deer, Mule and White-tailed
Bow (Resident)
Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
Deer, Mule and White-tailed
Archery - Resident Youth
Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
Deer, Mule and White-tailed
Archery - Resident
Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
Deer, Mule and White-tailed
Bow (Resident Youth)
Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
Deer, Mule and White-tailed
Bow (Nonresident)
Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized.
Zone: Statewide (see restrictions)
Deer, Mule and White-tailed
Regular (Firearm)
Nov 6-22, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 06/03/2026.
Zone: All Units
Deer, Mule and White-tailed
Regular
Nov 6-22, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 06/03/2026.
Zone: All Units
Deer, Mule and White-tailed (Youth Season)
Youth Season
Sep 18-27, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 06/03/2026.
Zone: Statewide
Deer, White-tailed only
Muzzleloader
Nov 27-Dec 13, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 06/03/2026.
Zone: Statewide
Turkey
Turkey
Fall - Regular
opens Oct 10, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: All open units
Turkey (Spring Season)
Spring Regular
Apr 11-May 17, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 02/11/2026.
Zone: All open units
Turkey (Youth Spring Season)
Spring - Youth
Apr 11-May 17, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 02/11/2026.
Zone: All open units
Elk
Elk
Antlerless
Aug 7-Sep 27, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7
Elk
Antlerless
Aug 7-30, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E3, E4
Elk
Regular
Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E3, E4
Elk
Regular
Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E5
Elk
Bow
Sep 4-27, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7
Elk
Archery
Sep 4-27, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7
Elk
Regular
Oct 2, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E2, E1W
Elk
Regular
Oct 2-Nov 5, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E6
Elk
Regular
Oct 2, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E7
Elk
Regular
Nov 23, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
Finalized. Split season. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E6
Elk
Antlerless
Jan 9-17, 2027
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E1W, E2, E3, E4, E6, E7
Moose
Moose
Bow
Sep 4-27, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11
Moose
Archery
Sep 4-27, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11
Moose
Regular
Oct 9-Nov 1, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11
Waterfowl
22 listed rowsCanada Geese
Regular - Resident
opens Sep 26, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Missouri River Zone
Canada Geese
Regular - Resident
opens Sep 26, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Eastern Zone
Canada Geese
Regular - Resident
opens Sep 26, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Western Zone
Canada Geese
Regular - Nonresident
opens Oct 5, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Missouri River Zone
Canada Geese
Regular - Nonresident
opens Oct 5, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Western Zone
Canada Geese
Regular - Nonresident
opens Oct 5, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Eastern Zone
Canada Geese (Early Season)
August Management Take/Early September Season
opens Aug 15, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Eastern Zone
Canada Geese (Early Season)
August Management Take/Early September Season
opens Aug 15, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Missouri River Zone
Canada Geese (Early Season)
August Management Take/Early September Season
opens Aug 15, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Western Zone
Ducks (Special Veteran and Active Military Personnel Season)
Veteran/Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Season
opens Sep 19, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks (Youth Waterfowl Season)
Youth Waterfowl
opens Sep 19, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular - Resident
opens Sep 26, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: High Plains Unit
Show 10 more waterfowl rows
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Bonus Blue-winged Teal
opens Sep 26, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: All Units
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular - Resident
opens Sep 26, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Low Plains Unit
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular - Nonresident
opens Oct 5, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Low Plains Unit
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular - Nonresident
opens Oct 5, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: High Plains Unit
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular - Resident/Nonresident
opens Dec 12, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: High Plains Unit
Light Geese
Regular - Resident
opens Sep 26, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Light Geese
Regular - Nonresident
opens Oct 5, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Light Geese (Spring Conservation Order)
Spring Conservation Order
Feb 21-May 10, 2026
Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
White-fronted Geese
Regular - Resident
opens Sep 26, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
White-fronted Geese
Regular - Nonresident
opens Oct 5, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Dove
Doves
Regular
opens Sep 1, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasants
Regular (Male Pheasants Only)
opens Oct 10, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Ring-necked Pheasants (Youth Season)
Youth
opens Oct 3, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Greater Prairie Chicken
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Species listed in dropdown but no dates displayed in extracted page text.
Hungarian Partridge
Regular
opens Sep 12, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Ruffed Grouse
Regular
opens Sep 12, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Restricted
Sage Grouse
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Species listed in dropdown but no dates displayed in extracted page text.
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Regular
opens Sep 12, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide (see exceptions)
Squirrel
Tree Squirrel
Regular
opens Sep 12, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
25 listed rowsBadger
Regular - Day hunting, Traps (year-round)
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Year-round. Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
Badger
Regular - Day hunting / Traps (year-round)
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Finalized. Open year-round.
Zone: Statewide
Badger
Regular - Cable Devices
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Beaver
Regular - Firearms, traps, underwater cable devices, archery equipment
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Finalized. Open year-round.
Zone: Statewide
Beaver
Regular - Cable devices on land within 50 feet of water
opens Nov 16, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Beaver
Regular - Cable devices on land
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Bobcat
Regular - Firearms, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, archery equipment (including crossbows), traps
opens Nov 7, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Zone 1
Bobcat
Regular - Firearms, pre-charged pneumatic air guns, archery equipment (including crossbows), traps, cable devices (snares), pursuing with dogs
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Zone 2
Bobcat
Regular - Cable devices or dogs
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Zone 1
Fisher
Regular - Traps, cable devices
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Open Area Only
Fox (Red and Gray)
Regular - Day hunting, Traps
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Year-round. Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
Fox (Red and Gray)
Regular - Cable devices
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Show 13 more furbearer rows
Fox (Red and Gray)
Regular - Night hunting
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Mink
Regular - Traps
opens Oct 24, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Mink
Regular - Cable Devices, Firearms, Archery Equipment
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Mink
Cable Devices, Firearms, Archery Equipment
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Muskrat
Regular - Traps
opens Oct 24, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Muskrat
Regular - Cable Devices, Firearms, Archery Equipment
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Regular - Firearms, traps, underwater cable devices, archery equipment, pursue with dogs
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Finalized. Open year-round.
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Regular - Cable devices on land
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Regular - Cable devices on land within 50 ft. of water
opens Mar 15, 2027
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
River Otter
Regular - Traps, cable devices
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Weasel
Regular - Traps
opens Oct 24, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Weasel
Firearms, Cable Devices, Archery Equipment
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Weasel
Regular - Firearms, Cable Devices, Archery Equipment
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Small Game
Hungarian Partridge
Regular
opens Sep 12, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Sandhill Crane
Regular
opens Sep 19, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Unit 1
Sandhill Crane
Regular
opens Sep 19, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Unit 2
Tundra Swan
Regular
opens Oct 3, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed. Lottery app deadline Wed, 08/19/2026 (Tentative).
Zone: Statewide
Wilson's Snipe
Regular
opens Sep 12, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular
opens Sep 19, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Pronghorn
Pronghorn
Bow
opens Sep 4, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Units 1A, 1D, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4C, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 9C, 10A, 11A, 13A, 17A
Pronghorn
Archery
opens Sep 4, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Units 1A, 1D, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4C, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 9C, 10A, 11A, 13A, 17A
Pronghorn
Gun or Bow
opens Oct 2, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed. Lottery app deadline Wed, 08/05/2026 (Tentative).
Zone: Units 1A, 1D, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4C, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 9C, 10A, 11A, 13A, 17A
Mountain Lion
Mountain Lion
Regular Season
opens Aug 28, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Zone 2
Mountain Lion
Early Season
opens Aug 28, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Zone 1
Mountain Lion
Late Season
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Zone 1
Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn Sheep
Regular
Oct 30-Nov 13, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5
Bighorn Sheep
Regular
Nov 14-Dec 31, 2026
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5
Coyote
Coyote
Regular - Day hunting, Traps
Apr 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Year-round. Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Regular - Cable devices
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Regular - Night hunting
opens Nov 23, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crow
Spring - Regular
Mar 14-Apr 26, 2026
Finalized.
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Fall - Regular
opens Aug 15, 2026
Tentative. No end date listed.
Zone: Statewide
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North Dakota Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in North Dakota?
September 4, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for North Dakota; it is archery - nonresident deer, mule and white-tailed Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027.
When is North Dakota's firearm deer season?
Nov 6-22, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for North Dakota. Check zone and permit details with North Dakota Game & Fish before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in North Dakota?
A current spring turkey opener is not listed for North Dakota yet. Check North Dakota Game & Fish for the latest turkey dates.
Do I need a license to hunt in North Dakota?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate North Dakota hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with North Dakota Game & Fish.