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News Releases

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

News Releases

Deer Season Set, Apply Online

North Dakota’s 2026 deer season is set, with 39,100 licenses available to hunters, down 3,200 from last year, the lowest total in over a half century. Muzzleloader licenses were also reduced, and antlerless deer gun licenses are not available in several units.

A total of 240 nonresident any deer archery licenses are available, a decrease of 60 from last year. Additionally, nonresidents may only hunt on private land, excluding Private Land Open To Sportsmen, during the first 9 ½ days of the deer bow season.

The statewide deer herd continues to recover from the lingering effects of the 2022-23 winter and epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreaks across a landscape with increasingly limited habitat. Additional measures to help encourage population growth were discussed at spring advisory board meetings. The Department will continue to engage stakeholders on these measures including limiting adult archery tags to antlered only in the upcoming year.

Conservative license allocations are intended to maintain hunting opportunities while encouraging population growth in the state, said Bill Haase, North Dakota Game and Fish Department wildlife division chief.

High quality deer habitat is not as abundant as in the past, particularly quality cover for fawn rearing and recruitment, limiting the potential for population recovery. This has been particularly evident in the eastern third of the state, where most gun license allocation reductions occurred for the upcoming season. In some parts of the state, deer gun harvest is down 90% from what was harvested in 2005, during the peak CRP years. 

The department continues to emphasize habitat through existing voluntary landowner programs, new partnerships and innovative solutions, such as the Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program, to bolster deer populations.

The spring mule deer survey showed western North Dakota’s population is 31% higher than last year, which is attributed to high over-winter survival. Conservative license allocations remain to support continued population rebound.

North Dakota’s 2026 deer gun season opens Nov. 6 and continues through Nov. 22.

Applicants for regular deer gun, gratis, youth and muzzleloader can apply online through the Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov. The deadline for applying is midnight June 3.

State law allows residents age 11, 12 and 13 to obtain any antlerless licenses, except in units 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F where mule deer doe licenses are issued through lottery.

In addition, regular deer gun hunters who turn 14 or 15 and who have never received a youth season deer gun license (a license at age 11, 12 or 13 does not apply) are eligible to receive a youth any deer license, except in units 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F where mule deer licenses are issued through lottery.

Total deer licenses are determined by harvest rates, aerial surveys, depredation reports, hunter observations, input at advisory board meetings, and comments from the public, landowners and department field staff.

Governor’s Legacy Program Adds Habitat and Access

The North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts has completed the first enrollment cycle for the Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program. The program was launched through a $6.5 million Outdoor Heritage Fund grant awarded in December 2025, with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department serving as a co-applicant. The program was developed with input from agricultural and conservation partners and is designed to support grassland restoration, soil health, and wildlife habitat across the state.

The program provides five-year agreements that include annual rental payments, cost-share for grass establishment, and a first-of-its-kind $10 per acre crop insurance credit for unproductive cropland converted to grassland habitat. Producers who enroll acres into the department’s Private Land Open To Sportsmen program receive additional incentives.

Demand for the program was strong, with 458 applications submitted and nearly 20,000 acres offered for consideration, totaling approximately $10.5 million in requests, well above the available grant funding. Interest in PLOTS was also high, with nearly 6,000 acres offered for walk-in public access. Following review and ranking, the highest scoring applications were selected, fully obligating all grant funds through more than 9,000 acres of habitat and access projects for 2026.

The response demonstrates significant producer interest in grassland restoration and soil health practices, as well as strong support for a state-led program. The Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program was developed following recommendations from the Game and Fish Department’s 2024 Habitat and Access Summit, which identified the need for a state program to help offset ongoing losses in the federal Conservation Reserve Program.

The North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the department are working with partners to explore long-term funding options to continue and expand the program.

Paddlefish Snagging Season to Close to Additional Harvest

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced today that the state's 2026 paddlefish snagging season will close Friday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Central time to any additional harvest to provide long-term protection of the paddlefish population.

An additional snag-and-release extended season will begin May 9 and run through May 15. Paddlefish snaggers with unused tags can continue snagging during the additional snag-and-release season but must release all fish immediately. If a snagger has already used their tag on a harvested paddlefish, they are not allowed to participate in the additional snag-and-release period.

Snag-and-release will be open in that area of the Missouri River starting on the north shore from the Confluence boat ramp, then east (downstream) to the pipeline crossing (river mile 1577), and on the south shore from the confluence with the Yellowstone River, then east (downstream) to the pipeline crossing (river mile 1577).

Paddlefish snagging during the extended season is allowed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT. The use or possession of a gaff on snag-and-release days is illegal.

State Agencies Recognize ANS Awareness Week

May 3–9 is Aquatic Nuisance Species Awareness Week. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, and North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, encourage all recreationists to take an active role in preventing the spread of ANS to the state’s waters through awareness and responsible recreation.

ANS are nonnative organisms that can disrupt natural habitats, impact recreational opportunities, damage equipment and infrastructure, and create long-term environmental and economic consequences.

Ben Holen, Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator, said “ANS have the potential to impact the daily lives of every single North Dakotan. This Awareness Week is a collaborative effort by the state and members of the North Dakota Aquatic Invasive Species Committee to highlight small actions that go a long way to prevent the introduction of ANS in North Dakota’s waters.”

North Dakota currently has low numbers of aquatic nuisance species. Other than zebra mussels, just a few invasive plants and animals – curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and grass, bighead, silver and common carp – are found in some state waters. But, preventing their spread is critical to maintaining healthy lakes, rivers and water systems across North Dakota.

“Protecting North Dakota’s water resources is a shared responsibility,” said Department of Water Resources director Reice Haase. “By taking a few simple precautions, individuals can play an important role in preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species and preserving our waters for current and future generations.”

The public should to follow these best practices every time they are on the water:

  • Clean – Remove all plants, animals, and debris from watercraft and equipment.
  • Drain – Drain all water from boats, motors, and equipment before leaving an access point.
  • Dry – Allow all equipment to dry completely before using it again.

For more information on aquatic nuisance species, visit the department’s website at gf.nd.gov.

Fish Challenge Now Open

Anglers are invited to participate in the fifth annual North Dakota Fish Challenge. The challenges encourage exploration of North Dakota's many fisheries, and this year promote the joy of just catching a fish, no matter the size or species, with the newly added 100 Fish Challenge. To complete the challenge, just catch 100 fish of any kind.

In addition, anglers can complete the Total Catch Challenge by coaching a new angler, cleaning up a local waterbody, cooking a catch, and casting a story; the Rough Fish Challenge by catching a bullhead, carp and sucker; the Sportfish Challenge, by catching a bluegill, walleye, bass and trout; or the inaugural Classic Challenge, requiring a northern pike, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and channel catfish.

Either way, the process is simple – snap a photo of each and submit your entry on the North Dakota Game and Fish website now through Aug. 15.

Anglers who complete a challenge will receive a decal and certificate.

Summer Workshops for Educators

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is sponsoring professional development for educator workshops this summer in Bismarck and Dickinson.

Using the Visual Arts to Teach Life Science – June 9-10, Game and Fish office, Bismarck. 

This fun and fast-paced workshop will emphasize North Dakota resources, environment and wildlife through hands-on lessons educators can implement in their classrooms. It will include discussions on classroom and curriculum integration, identification of local resources and field trips to demonstrate the use of natural areas as classrooms. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to experiment with different media including clay, water, pastel and colored pencil. No previous art experience is required. The workshop is suitable for educators teaching K-12. All materials are included.

Pollinators in the Classroom – June 17-18, Dickinson State University, Dickinson. 

This workshop will explore pollinators, what they are, where they live, life cycles, importance, and how you can make a difference. The workshop will include hands-on activities educators can use in their classrooms and demonstrations of classroom curriculum integration. Students will receive a copy of the Urban Pollinator Program Curriculum, and should come prepared for walking field trips in the area. The workshop is suitable for educators teaching K-12. All materials are included.

For more information contact curriculum specialist Sherry Niesar at 701-527-3714. Register by clicking on the link.

Update on the BNSF Bridge Project Navigation

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the North Dakota Department of Water Resources announce a temporary navigation change through the BNSF railroad bridge project on the Missouri River near Bismarck-Mandan.   

The navigation channel through the construction zone will be reduced and partially restricted April 21 and 23 and April 28 and 30 due to movement and installation of 100-foot steel beams.

This restriction is anticipated to occur from 7:30 a.m. to noon each of those days. The project manager for the bridge construction will have two boats on site to assist boaters through the area when navigation though the marked channel is not cleared to be used.

Agency Volunteers Recognized

Volunteer instructors for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department were recently recognized at the annual banquet in Bismarck.

Bruce Baer, Belfield, was recognized as Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, while the Hunter Education Team of the Year honor went to Johnathan Bahm, Michael Bahm, Kevin Lech and Leah Vantilborg, all Mandan, and Mike Hinrichs, Brock Larson and Earl Torgerson, all Bismarck. Robert Ell Jr., Wilton, was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award.

Longtime volunteers were also recognized for their service:

30 Years – Lynn Baier, Fordville; Glen Fuhrman, Bismarck; Larry Leier, Hague; Larry Nagel, Shields; Darris Olson, Bowbells; Don Underwood, Grand Forks; Larry Viall, Epping; and Mark Volk, Bismarck.

25 Years – Bruce Baer, Belfield; Darren Benneweis, Lisbon; Larry Brooks, Valley City; Corinne Engen, Anamoose; Sean-Padric Hagan, Walhalla; Jeremy Haugen, Max; Rodney Howatt, Langdon; Grant Johnson, Almont; Darrell Kersting, Kindred; Daniel Narum, LaMoure; Chris Pulver, Stanley; Jerry Schroeder, Horace; and Wayne Stanley, Minot.

20 Years – Jerod Basol, Portland; Daniel Duchscherer, Towner; Justin Hughes, Minot; Perry Johnson, Northwood; Ruth Johnson, Belfield; Suzanne Kersting, Kindred; Roger Norton, Kindred; David Sardelli, Hebron; John Schwalk, Milnor; Rick Tischaefer, Butte; and Charles Wilkinson, Garrison.

15 Years – Travis Anderson, Grand Forks; Damon Bosche, Medina; Mark Crosby, Bowbells; Kendon Faul, McClusky; Stephen Hunt, Reynolds; Richard Lehmann, Towner; Kellen Leier, Bismarck; Roger Longnecker, New Rockford; Melanie Nelson, Harvey; Antoine Smith, New Town; Matt Webster, Jamestown.

10 Years – Robert Curl, Beach; Don Frost, West Fargo; Lisa Goldade, Wishek; Henry Juntunen, Bismarck; Brian Miller, Heaton; Jared Nygaard, Bismarck; Earl Torgerson, Bismarck; Bradley Veith, Bismarck; and Lonnie Wertz, Hoarce.

5 Years – Brayden Barnhart, Dickinson; Casey Bernard, Mandan; Baron Blanchard, Bismarck; Dan Brown, Williston; Penny Brown, Williston; Travis Dalby, Surrey; Kody Faul, McClusky; Tim Fiebiger, Valley City; Phillip Hatcher, Valley City; Jesse Herman, Gwinner; Ashley Lee, Portland; Trevor Levenseller, Reynolds; Matthew Liebel, Williston; Barbara Martin, Anamoose; Andrea Martinez, New Town; Brian Mattson, Hillsboro; Rob Owens, Hillsboro; Derek Plautz, Thompson; Alicia Randall, Minot; John Reimche, Bottineau; Jay Roemmich, Spiritwood; Michael Schirado, Linton; Rachel Spear, Drake; and Barbara Tessier, Belfield.

Earth Day Patch Contest Winners Announced

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announces the 2026 winners of the Earth Day Patch Contest. Over 1,600 students from 61 schools entered this year’s contest.

Winners in four age categories are Ainsley Wolsky, Carrington (K-3); Carson Moon, Stanley (4-6); Jace Heinrich, Velva (7-9); and Eve Eaton, Hazelton (10-12). Heinrich’s design was chosen as the overall winner and will be made into the 2026 Earth Day Patch.

Youth and adults who participate in public land clean up and improvement will receive the 2026 Earth Day patch to celebrate Earth Day and their service. Projects that qualify for the Earth Day patch include cleaning up a local, state, or federal property or planting trees, shrubs, or native plants on public property.

Contact Sherry Niesar, contest coordinator, to receive patches for your group’s service projects. Niesar can be reached at 701-527-3714 or sniesar@nd.gov.

Paddlefish Snagging Season Opens May 1

North Dakota’s paddlefish season opens May 1 and is scheduled to continue through May 21. However, depending on the overall harvest, an early in-season closure may occur with a 24-hour notice issued by the state Game and Fish Department.

Paddlefish tags are available for purchase online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, and during business hours at Game and Fish Department offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Jamestown, Devils Lake and Williston. Snaggers buying tags online should plan accordingly and allow a few days for delivery.

All paddlefish snaggers must possess a paddlefish tag, in addition to a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Lost or destroyed tags will not be replaced.

The Game and Fish Department will allow camping during the open paddlefish season at Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area Pumphouse and at Neu’s Point WMA. However, no roads or gates will be open at Neu’s Point, therefore camping is allowed in the small Neu’s Point parking lot, and the rest of the WMA for walk-in access. All other WMA regulations apply.

Snaggers are urged to be aware of the current fire index. Information, including restrictions, on current fire danger indexes is available at NDResponse.gov.

For complete paddlefish snagging regulations, snaggers should refer to the Game and Fish website.

Spring Wildfire Potential Remains High

Despite recent snowfalls across the state, outdoor enthusiasts should remain aware of ground conditions and wildfire risks.

Spring is a high-risk period for wildfires due to increased human activity outdoors, dead ground vegetation, and high wind potential. North Dakota experiences a distinct spring fire season each year, making it important to monitor conditions closely.

Hunters and anglers are urged to keep up with the daily rural fire danger index, issued by the National Weather Service, to alert the public to conditions that may be conducive to the accidental starting or spread of fires.

County governments may also enact local burning restrictions and penalties, which remain in effect regardless of the daily fire danger index until officially lifted by the county commission.

Current fire danger indexes and information on local restrictions are available at NDResponse.gov.

2025 Deer Season Summarized

A total of 36,353 North Dakota deer hunters took approximately 20,877 deer during the 2025 deer gun hunting season, according to a post-season survey conducted by the state Game and Fish Department.

Game and Fish made available 42,300 deer gun licenses last year. Overall hunter success was 57%, with each hunter spending an average of 4.9 days in the field.

Hunter success for white-tailed deer was 53% for antlered and 45% for antlerless whitetails.

Mule deer license holder success was 82% for antlered and 82% for antlerless mule deer.

Hunters with any antlered or any antlerless licenses generally harvest white-tailed deer, as these licenses are predominantly in units with mostly whitetails. Though, mule deer made up a greater proportion of the harvest in the Slope and Missouri River hunting units. Any antlered hunters had a success rate of 65%, while any antlerless hunters had a success rate of 56%.

Game and Fish issued 11,598 gratis licenses in 2025, and 9,453 hunters harvested 4,452 deer for a success rate of 47%.

A total of 797 muzzleloader licenses were issued, and 665 hunters harvested 215 white-tailed deer (102 antlered, 113 antlerless). Hunter success was 32%.

A total of 27,341 archery licenses (24,553 resident, 2,494 nonresident white-tailed deer, 294 nonresident any deer) were issued in 2025. In total, 22,944 bowhunters harvested 6,610 deer (5,590 whitetails, 1,020 mule deer) for a success rate of 29%.

The department is in the process of determining recommendations for licenses in 2026. In addition to harvest rates and winter aerial surveys, Game and Fish staff monitor other population indices to determine license numbers, including depredation reports, hunter observations, input at advisory board meetings, and comments from the public, landowners and department field staff.