Research Permits and Licenses

North Dakota Game and Fish Department Scientific Collection License

The Department has statutory authority for all wildlife in the state. The North Dakota Century Code defines the state’s authorities, specifically:

• N.D.C.C. §20.1-01-02(58). Definition of “wildlife.” "Wildlife" means any member of the animal kingdom including any mammal, fish, bird (including any migratory, nonmigratory, or endangered bird for which protection is also afforded by treaty or other international agreement), amphibian, reptile, mollusk, crustacean, or other invertebrate, and includes any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof, or the dead body or parts thereof. Wildlife does not include domestic animals as defined by section 36-01-00.1 or birds or animals held in private ownership.
• N.D.C.C. §20.1-01-03. Ownership and control of wildlife is in the state.
• N.D.C.C. § 20.1-04-04. Nests and eggs of protected birds protected.

The Director may issue a Scientific Collection License to allow various entities or individuals to kill, take or possess wildlife for scientific purposes. Note: State licenses are not valid unless required Federal permits or approvals are obtained.

Other North Dakota Game and Fish Department Permits

Additional permits may be required if collecting animals, plants, or conducting research and surveys on WMAs. Contact the Department if you are uncertain if your project/activity requires a permit contact us.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Permits

The USFWS has statutory authority and responsibility for enforcing the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. 703-712), the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) (16 U.S.C. 668-668c), and the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544). Note: federal permits are not valid unless required State permits or approvals are obtained.

• Federal Permit Information