Hunting in North Dakota: 4 Things to Know About Hunting on Private Lands

The next best thing to hunting on your own land can be an arrangement with a friendly landowner. But even free of the regulations that go with hunting on public-managed land, there are things to know before hunting on private lands in North Dakota.

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1. Get Permission
It seems obvious to point out that you can't hunt on land posted "no hunting" unless you have permission from the landowner or leaseholder. But there also are rules for posting your land – check the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's website for details, as well as penalties for violating hunting rules – and, even then, a hunter can enter posted land to retrieve game shot while hunting on permitted land. Leave your weapon behind, however, and make sure you close the gate after you when you enter or leave.

The practice of leasing land on which to hunt is a sore point among resident hunters, according to one hunting forum. Bowsite.com members complain leaseholders – usually out-of-state – lock local hunters out of hunting.

On the other hand, more than one forum member says you can have surprising success simply by asking the owner of posted land for permission.

2. Leave the Crops Alone
Hunters cannot hunt or pursue game on land containing unharvested cereal or oilseed crops without permission of the owner, according to state law.

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3. Avoid Occupied Structures
State law also prohibits hunting or pursuing game within 440 yards of an occupied building unless the people inside give permission.

4. Check the PLOTS
North Dakota's Private Lands Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS) program allows private landowners to sign up with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to make their lands available to hunting. Public lands – such as wildlife management and waterfowl protection areas – are listed as well.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department suggests checking the PLOTS website to keep track of which lands have most recently been added or removed, but such lands are supposed to be marked with a special yellow triangular sign.

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

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