Whether you’re an experienced hunter or a bright-eyed novice, North Dakota’s hunting season has something to offer you. In order to enjoy everything North Dakota has to offer, hunters must obey the rules and regulations established by the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish. 

One of the most important laws is the obtaining of a license for all hunters born after December 31, 1961, which includes completing a hunter education course. Even if you only intend to hunt on your privately owned land, you must have the proper licenses. However, if you are over the age of twelve and have not completed the education course, you can obtain an apprentice hunter validation to hunt small game and deer for a single calendar year. 

For certain species, you must enter a lottery hoping to win a special license. These species include bighorn sheep, elk, moose, pronghorn, white-tailed deer and mule deer, turkey, and tundra swan. There are only a few licenses available annually. If you do not win a license, leftover licenses are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, because of the limited availability, it is advised that you are proactive about purchasing a leftover license.