Hunting in North Dakota: 12 Animals to Hunt in the Spring

Spring's not a big season for hunting in North Dakota, but there is still outdoor adventure to be had for those looking to bag a bird or a pelt. Remember, however, that it is important to get the proper permits and stamps from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

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Here is a look at some of the animals that can be hunted in North Dakota in the springtime:

1. Turkeys
The spring hunting season for wild turkeys generally lasts from early April to early May. Turkey hunting licenses are available by lottery and cost $10 each. They're available to nonresidents only if there are any left after the residents' lottery.

As of 2015, hunters age 16 and older also need a small-game license in addition to the basic hunting, fishing and furbearer license, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.

2. Light Geese
There's a spring conservation hunt from late February into mid-May, North Dakota Game and Fish Department website. The federal waterfowl duck stamp is not required during the spring goose hunt, according to the state Game and Fish license information page, but all hunters must obtain a new harvest information program registration number for the spring hunt for each year in each state in which they hunt waterfowl.

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3. Badgers, Beavers, Coyotes, Foxes, and Raccoons
There are no spring seasons for furbearing critters, but certain animals, such as badgers, beavers, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons, can be hunted year round with bows and arrows or guns, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website. Hunters must also complete a safety course, unless they are hunting on their own land.

The furbearer hunt is largely for North Dakota residents only. For example, non-residents are permitted to hunt only fox and coyote, and must get a furbearer hunting license, notes the state's Game and Fish Department licensing information page, which lists similar restrictions on trapping.

4. Others Animals
It's a year-round season with no bag limit for ground squirrels, porcupines, prairie dogs, rabbits and skunks, according to the Game and Fish Department. Residents need no licenses to bag these beasties, but there are specific regulations for each species, and they're linked from the Game and Fish Department website.

Nonresidents must have the nonresident fishing, hunting, or furbearer certificate. State law also has restrictions on the type and caliber of firearms to be used.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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