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North Dakota Deer Forecast: Reduced Number of Available Licenses May Create Competition Among Hunters

The west-central portion of the state offers the best chances at a big buck.

North Dakota Deer Forecast: Reduced Number of Available Licenses May Create Competition Among Hunters
North Dakota's 2023 whitetail deer season was a resounding success across all hunting categories. (Shutterstock)
  • This whitetail hunting forecast for the state of North Dakota is part of Game & Fish’s “Great States" project identifying the best deer-hunting states in the country. Read more: America's Top Whitetail States

North Dakota Hunters Should Be Happy This Season

This year, hunters will notice some significant shifts in license availability, particularly a decrease of 3,300 deer gun licenses compared to last year. This reduction reflects ongoing concerns about the state's deer population, which remains stable but is generally below state objectives. Harsh conditions last winter limited aerial surveys, but mild weather and a favorable spring have set the stage for increased offspring and subsequent overwinter survival. However, loss of quality habitat and CWD concerns, particularly in the eastern units, remain pressing issues. With hunter success rates falling short of the state's goal of 70 percent last year, the outlook for this season hinges on factors like habitat management and disease surveillance. Hunters should be prepared for a competitive season but remain optimistic that they'll leave the woods with their tags filled.

Hunters across the state kicked off deer season this year with bow season. Opening on Aug. 30 and running through Jan. 5, 2025, archery enthusiasts have plenty of time to hit the woods. The highly anticipated regular gun season begins Nov. 8 and closes Nov. 24, while the youth season offers early action for the youngest of hunters from Sept. 13 to 22. Muzzleloader season runs from Nov. 29 through Dec. 15, offering late-season opportunities for hunters who remain mindful of the whitetail-only restriction and let mule deer pass on by.

DID YOU KNOW?

PRIVATE LAND ACCESS

North Dakota hunters can hunt any land that is not posted or otherwise restricted by law, but it is still a good practice to contact the landowner first.

North Dakota's 2023 whitetail deer season was a resounding success across all hunting categories. The firearms season led the way with a remarkable 25,146 deer harvested, showcasing the enduring popularity of rifle hunting in the state. Bowhunters also made their mark, bringing in 5,411 deer during the archery season, a testament to their precision and patience. Although the muzzleloader season is more niche, it still contributed 280 deer, demonstrating the dedication of those hunters who prefer this challenging method. Perhaps most inspiring, the youth season saw 1,400 deer harvested, giving the next generation of hunters a rewarding experience and fostering the future of the sport.

When preparing for your hunt, it's crucial to account for North Dakota’s changing weather from August to January. August features warm days around 80°F and cooler nights near 59°F. By September, highs drop to 71°F and lows to 50°F. October brings colder temperatures, with highs around 56°F and early snowstorms. In November, highs average 38°F, and snow begins to accumulate. Finally, January is the coldest with highs of 19°F and lows as frigid as 3°F, making adaptation essential for a successful hunt.

For hunters seeking prime whitetail deer in North Dakota, the best opportunities lie north and east of the Missouri River. The Sheyenne River region offers excellent public land access with rich habitats, including sandhills, aspen and farmland filled with alfalfa, sunflower and corn. For those chasing trophy bucks, counties like McHenry, McLean and Mountrail in the west-central part of the state are known for their impressive deer. North Dakota’s PLOTS program also opens private lands to hunters, expanding access to prime hunting areas.

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In the fall, whitetails rely heavily on acorns for energy and also consume fruits like apples, along with browsing shrubs like green ash, willow and dogwood. (Shutterstock)


North Dakota offers hunters a range of public hunting options, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) managed by the state’s Game and Fish Department. These areas, located throughout the state, are generally open for hunting, fishing and trapping, though regulations vary. Other public lands managed by agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management also provide hunting opportunities, each with its own rules. Hunters can visit the Game and Fish Department's website for detailed information and access to public hunting areas.

As fall transitions into winter in North Dakota, whitetail deer shift their diet based on available food sources. In the fall, they rely heavily on acorns for energy and also consume fruits like apples, along with browsing shrubs like green ash, willow and dogwood. If available, they’ll forage on crops like corn and alfalfa. In winter, their diet shifts to woody vegetation, such as buds, twigs and leaves from aspen, apple and snowberry shrubs, helping them survive the harsh conditions. Understanding these habits is key for late-season hunters.

North Dakota's 2023 chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance revealed 11 positive cases, all from areas with prior detections such as units 3A1, 3A2, 3E1, 3E2 and 3F2. Encouragingly, no new cases were found in the southeastern region, a critical area for monitoring. Additionally, the state expanded testing in units 2B, 2G, and 2G1, successfully meeting sampling goals. This ongoing surveillance shows that North Dakota remains proactive in managing CWD risks. While CWD remains a concern, containing cases of previously affected units is a promising sign for the state's deer population .

THAT'S A FACT

TROPHY CHANCES

While not considered a Booner state for whitetails, North Dakota hunters have logged 40 Boone and Crockett bucks over the last decade.

As deer season unfolds, hunters are reminded that success hinges on skill and adapting to changing conditions—both in the landscape and the herd’s health. With reduced license availability and ongoing efforts to manage chronic wasting disease, the state’s commitment to preserving a healthy deer population remains strong. Whether you find yourself trekking through the public lands or exploring the PLOTS program, the 2024 season holds plenty of opportunity for those prepared to embrace the challenges and rewards of whitetail hunting in North Dakota.






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