North Dakota Hunting Guide
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Great Plains
Big Game Hunting Near Bismarck, ND
Bismarck, North Dakota — Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Waterfowl seasons, public land, and local tips for 2026.
Big Game Hunting Near Bismarck
Big game hunting near Bismarck, ND focuses on whitetail deer across river bottoms and CRP edges, with mule deer opportunity in western counties and strong upland adjacency for pheasant after deer season. Public access via PLOTS and WMA tracts is the planning backbone—verify deer season structure and land status with North Dakota Game & Fish before you set stands.
View full North Dakota hunting guide →North Dakota Hunting Seasons
| Species | Archery | Firearm |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | Aug 30 - Jan 5 | Nov 8 - Nov 24 |
| Waterfowl | — | Sep 28 - Dec 29 |
| Pheasant | — | ~Oct 11, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027 (verify proclamation); NR PLOTS/WMA restricted first 7 days |
* Season dates are approximate and may vary by zone or unit. Always verify with North Dakota Game & Fish for current regulations before hunting.
Highlights
PLOTS walk-in access
Wild pheasant
Sharp-tailed grouse
Waterfowl paradise