Big Changes To North Dakota Hunting Regulations For 2026

Another Hunting Season is Here

The early Canada Goose season officially begins Saturday, August 15th in North Dakota. What happened to summer?  The next big openers in North Dakota include the dove season starting September 1st and the deer archery season on Friday, September 4th at 12 noon. Perhaps the most treasured season every year in North Dakota, the waterfowl opener begins on Saturday, September 26th for residents only. New regulations concerning that opener have ruffled a few out-of-state hunters. More on that in a moment.

(SEE ALSO: Minnesota Hunters are Unhappy with North Dakota's New Regs)

Last season, non-resident hunters weren't happy with the new six zones they must choose from (replacing the old three zones). Non-residents are still limited to a total of 14 hunting days, but can only stay in a specific zone for 7 days. According to the North Dakota Game & Fish, this was to spread out the pressure in the state. In my personal opinion, this new reg really did its job, as I noticed less pressure in the areas I hunt.

This new regulation also took care of another concern with North Dakota sportsmen; it made it less likely for wealthy out-of-state hunters to buy up hunting land in North Dakota when they can only hunt it a week out of the year.

New Regs for 2026-Waterfowl

Non-resident waterfowl hunters will likely not be happy with the following. The resident-only waterfowl season, which again begins on Saturday, September 26, while non-residents will have to wait until Monday, October 5th to hunt in North Dakota. Previously, they only had to wait 7 days after the residents' start of the season; now they have to wait an additional weekend for a total of 9 days. This new framework prioritizes early local access for North Dakota residents. I say, "Bravo" to Game & Fish for taking care of its own.

New Regs for 2026-Deer and Big Game

Lower license number (39,100-lowest in 50 years). The deer gun licenses are down a total of 3,200 from last year to recover from past winters and disease. I think loss of habitat is also a big reason for the decline in the deer population. The deer gun season this year will run from Friday, November 6th at noon through November 22nd.

Non-resident bow restrictions that are new include that they may hunt only on private land (excluding Private Land Open To Sportsman) during the first 9.5 days of the Deer Bow season before opening up to public lands on September 14th.

There are also changes with refuge permits, including that special refuge permits for gun deer hunting are no longer required for J. Clark Salyer, Upper Souris, and Tewaudon National Wildlife Refuges.

Bottom Line

Great to see the North Dakota Game & Fish putting North Dakota sportsmen first. It's time to gear up. It won't be long; another North Dakota hunting season is nearly here.