Bow Hunting Laws in North Dakota: Seasons, Equipment, and License Rules

North Dakota offers some of the most productive bow hunting in the Great Plains, with vast prairie landscapes, river-bottom whitetails, and mule deer country in the badlands. But before you draw back a string, you need to understand the state’s archery regulations inside and out.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about bow hunting laws in North Dakota — from season dates and legal equipment to license requirements, crossbow rules, and where you can and cannot hunt. Always verify dates and regulations directly with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) before each season, as rules can change year to year.

Bow Hunting Season Dates in North Dakota

North Dakota’s archery seasons vary by species, and some dates are set annually by the NDGF Director, so checking official proclamations each year is essential. Here is a summary of the key archery seasons based on the most recent available proclamation data.

Deer (Archery): The archery period for deer runs statewide from August 29, 2025 through January 4, 2026. This makes North Dakota’s deer bow season one of the longest in the region, giving archers access to the rut and post-rut periods.

Pronghorn (Archery): Pronghorn bow season in hunting units M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11 runs September 5–28, 2025. Pronghorn licenses are issued through a lottery, so plan your application well in advance.

Elk (Archery): Elk bow season in hunting units E1E, E1W, E2, E6, and E7 runs September 5–28, 2025. Like pronghorn, elk licenses are distributed through a lottery system.

Small Game and Furbearers: Archery equipment is also legal for certain small game and furbearer species. Red fox, gray fox, coyote, and badger may be taken with archery equipment statewide and year-round during day hunting hours. Beginning January 5, 2026, hunters can also use archery equipment (including crossbows) for night hunting of red fox, gray fox, and coyotes.

Pro Tip: Deer bow season overlaps with gun season in North Dakota, meaning you can continue hunting with your bow after the firearms season opens — a major advantage for archers who prefer a quieter, closer-range experience during the rut.

Hunting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset for most big game seasons. All season openers are on Central Time. For the most current 2026–2027 season dates, check the NDGF deer proclamation page directly, as the 2026 proclamation is already published. You can also review our deer hunting season in North Dakota guide for additional context on the full deer season structure.

Legal Bow Types and Equipment Requirements in North Dakota

North Dakota sets specific equipment standards for archery hunting, particularly for big game. Compound bows, recurve bows, and longbows are all legal, but your setup must meet minimum requirements.

Draw Weight: Bows used for deer hunting must have a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds for both recurve and compound bows. This minimum applies to big game hunting generally.

Arrow Requirements for Big Game: Arrows must be at least 24 inches long, tipped with a metal broadhead with at least two sharp cutting edges, and have a cutting diameter of at least ¾ inch (meaning the arrow cannot pass through a ¾-inch ring). It is illegal to hunt big game with barbed arrows, where a barbed arrowhead has any fixed portion of the rear or trailing edge forming an angle less than 90 degrees with the shaft; however, broadheads with mechanical or retractable blades are legal.

Arrow Requirements for Birds in Flight: When shooting at birds in flight, arrows must be at least 24 inches long and have at least two untrimmed feathers or no fewer than five trimmed feathers.

Sights and Electronic Devices: Telescopic sights, range-finding devices, or other electronic devices attached to the bow or arrow are not permitted; however, battery-powered or electronically lighted sights that do not project light, a lighted nock, and recording devices that do not aid in range finding, sighting, or shooting are permitted. Handheld range-finding devices are legal.

Equipment Item	Requirement / Status
Minimum draw weight (big game)	40 lbs (recurve and compound)
Minimum arrow length (big game)	24 inches
Broadhead cutting diameter	At least ¾ inch
Broadhead type	Metal, 2+ cutting edges; mechanical/retractable legal; barbed illegal
Telescopic sights on bow	Illegal
Lighted nocks	Legal
Handheld rangefinders	Legal
Recording devices on bow	Legal (if not used for aiming/ranging)

For small game, arrows capable of causing damage or injury to the animal in excess of that inflicted by the cutting edges of the broadhead are prohibited while hunting small game with a bow — this includes explosive arrow points, arrows tipped with drugs or chemicals, and pneumatic or hydraulic shafts.

Crossbow Rules in North Dakota

Crossbow rules in North Dakota differ significantly depending on which season you are hunting. The state uses a tiered approach that limits general crossbow access during the dedicated archery season while opening it up more broadly during firearms seasons.

During Deer Bow Season: Crossbows are not permitted during bow season except with a permit from the Game and Fish Director, typically reserved for disabled hunters. If you hold a standard deer bow license, you must use a vertical bow.

During Deer Gun Season: Crossbows are legal during the Deer Gun season for an individual with a Deer Gun license or an individual age 14 or 15 with a Youth Deer license. Crossbows must: (a) have a minimum draw weight of 75 pounds, (b) be equipped with a working safety to prevent accidental firing, and (c) use arrows or bolts at least 14 inches in length.

Crossbows equipped with pistol grips and designed to be fired with one hand are illegal. A telescopic, battery-powered, or electronically lighted reticle with a maximum power of eight can be attached to the crossbow.

For Small Game and Furbearers: Crossbows are treated more permissively outside of big game archery seasons. Paraplegics and those who have lost the use of one or both arms, having a permit from the Director to hunt with a crossbow, may use such equipment during the small game season. For predator hunting, archery equipment including crossbows is legal for red fox, gray fox, coyote, and badger statewide and year-round.

Important Note: If you plan to use a crossbow during the archery deer season in North Dakota, you must obtain a special permit from the NDGF Director. This is generally reserved for hunters with qualifying physical disabilities. Standard bow license holders cannot substitute a crossbow during the dedicated archery period without that permit.

You can compare how neighboring states handle crossbow access in our duck hunting laws in South Dakota overview, or see how archery rules differ in our bow hunting laws in North Carolina article.

Species You Can Hunt with a Bow in North Dakota

North Dakota offers dedicated archery seasons for several big game species, and archery equipment is also legal for a wide range of small game and predators. Here is a breakdown of what you can pursue with a bow.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus): The most pursued archery target in the state. The archery season traditionally runs as the first opportunity for deer hunters, opening in early September and extending through the firearm seasons, allowing bowhunters to pursue both white-tailed and mule deer during this extended timeframe.

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus): Mule deer share the archery season with whitetails. For residents, a deer bow license covers any deer; for non-residents, it covers any white-tailed deer statewide without unit restrictions. Nonresident any-deer bow licenses that include mule deer are issued by lottery.

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana): A dedicated pronghorn bow season opens in early September in select hunting units. Licenses are lottery-based, and competition can be stiff.

Elk (Cervus canadensis): A limited archery elk season runs concurrently with pronghorn bow season in designated units. Elk licenses are also awarded through the lottery system.

Turkey: Archery equipment is legal during turkey seasons. When crossbows are permitted for turkey, they must have a minimum draw weight of at least 75 pounds, be equipped with a working safety, use arrows or bolts at least 14 inches in length, and be designed to be fired from the shoulder. For more details on turkey archery opportunities, see our turkey hunting season in North Dakota guide.

Predators and Furbearers: Day hunting season allows for the hunting of red fox, gray fox, coyote, and badger using archery equipment. Beaver and raccoon can be hunted at any time of the year using archery equipment and may be hunted during any hour using artificial lights. Mountain lion hunting with archery equipment is also permitted for residents in designated areas.

• White-tailed deer — statewide archery season, August–January
• Mule deer — statewide archery season, August–January
• Pronghorn — archery season, early September, select units, lottery
• Elk — archery season, early September, designated units, lottery
• Wild turkey — spring and fall seasons, archery legal
• Coyote, red fox, gray fox — year-round with archery, day and night seasons
• Badger — year-round with archery during day hunting season
• Beaver, raccoon — year-round with archery at any hour
• Bobcat — designated season with archery equipment legal
• Mountain lion — resident only, designated season

For a broader look at what you can pursue in the state, our hunting laws in North Dakota overview covers all species and seasons in one place.

License and Tag Requirements for Bow Hunters in North Dakota

Purchasing the right license before you hunt is non-negotiable. North Dakota’s licensing system differs for residents and nonresidents, and some species require lottery applications well before the season opens.

Deer Bow License: Resident deer bow licenses may be purchased through the NDGF’s Bismarck office, online through the department website, or at authorized license vendors. A person may only purchase one regular season archery license per year. Nonresident deer bow licenses for white-tailed deer may also be purchased through the department’s Bismarck office, online, or at authorized vendors. A limited number of nonresident any-deer licenses that include mule deer are issued by lottery only through the department website.

Eligibility: Any resident or nonresident is eligible for the Deer Bow, Deer Gun, and Muzzleloader seasons. It is illegal to purchase more than one regular deer bow license. Licenses are not transferable, and no person may give, barter, or sell an issued license to another person.

Tagging: After a successful hunt, filling out the deer tag with the date is required immediately. Tags must be attached to the animal before it is moved.

Apprentice Licenses: Individuals who are 12 years of age and older who have not yet taken the hunter education course may receive an apprentice hunter validation that enables them to hunt small game (including waterfowl) and deer for one license year. This is a one-time pathway to get new hunters into the field while they complete their education requirement.

License Format: Licenses are valid in either paper or electronic format. Note that deer bow tags must be printed and mailed from the main NDGF office, so allow adequate mailing time when purchasing.

Pro Tip: If you are applying for pronghorn or elk bow licenses, check the NDGF lottery application deadlines early in the calendar year. Missing the application window means waiting another full year for a chance at these tags.

For context on other license requirements in the state, see our articles on pheasant hunting season in North Dakota and dove hunting season in North Dakota.

Bowhunter Education Requirements in North Dakota

North Dakota’s education requirements for bow hunters are straightforward, but there is an important distinction between general hunter education and bowhunter-specific education.

Hunter Education (Required): By law, persons born after 1961 must take a certified hunter education course prior to obtaining a firearm or bow hunting license. Proof of hunter education certification must be presented when buying or applying for a hunting license. Official courses offered by other states and Canadian provinces meet these requirements.

Bowhunter Education (Not Required in North Dakota): Bowhunter education is not required to archery hunt in the state of North Dakota. By law, persons born after 1961 must take a certified hunter education course prior to obtaining a bow hunting license — but archery and trapping classes do not fulfill this requirement. In other words, you must have standard hunter education, but a separate bowhunter course is optional.

Why Take Bowhunter Education Anyway: North Dakota residents can take the bowhunter education course to increase their knowledge of bowhunting or if they plan on bowhunting in states that require certification. Several states require bowhunter education for all archery hunters, including Connecticut, Alaska, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. If you hunt out of state, having the IBEP certificate covers you wherever it is required.

The North Dakota Bowhunter Ed Course fee is $30.00 and is available online through bowhunter-ed.com, which is a delegated provider for the NDGF. All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory bowhunter education requirements accept the North Dakota Bowhunter Education Certificate, and North Dakota likewise accepts bowhunter education certifications issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements.

Age Requirements: The minimum age to begin the bowhunter education course is the calendar year in which the student turns 11. Youth under the age of 12 may hunt only under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or adult authorized by their parent or guardian.

For more on North Dakota’s general hunting education framework, visit the NDGF hunter education page.

Land and Safety Restrictions for Bow Hunting in North Dakota

Understanding where you can hunt and how you must behave in the field is just as important as knowing the equipment rules. North Dakota has several firm restrictions that apply to all hunters, including archers.

Trespassing and Posting: You must respect private property signage. North Dakota is largely private land, and hunting on posted or fenced land without permission is illegal. The state’s PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) program provides public walk-in access to some private acres — but no person may use motor-driven vehicles on NDGF PLOTS property, as these areas are entrusted to the public for walking access through written agreements by private landowners.

Motor Vehicles: It is illegal to shoot with a bow and arrow while in or on a motor-driven vehicle. Motor-driven vehicles may not be used to pursue game, and they may not be used to retrieve a big game animal until the animal has been taken into possession and legally tagged.

Aircraft and Drones: It is illegal to use all types of aircraft, manned or unmanned, for spotting game within 72 hours prior to and during the hunting season, and a licensee cannot hunt the same day they are airborne over their hunting unit, with the exception of a scheduled passenger airline flight.

Intoxication: It is illegal to go afield with a bow and arrow while intoxicated. This applies regardless of whether you are on public or private land.

Baiting: Baiting regulations vary by zone — some areas of North Dakota prohibit hunting over bait, while others allow it. Contact the NDGF to verify baiting regulations for your specific hunting area, as this is a frequently changing regulation tied to chronic wasting disease management.

Wanton Waste: It is against the law to discard usable meat from any large game animal. After a successful bow kill, you are responsible for recovering all edible flesh.

Hunting Hours: Standard archery hunting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Night hunting with archery equipment is only permitted for specific predator species during designated seasons.

Closed Areas: Hunting is prohibited in wildlife parks, refuges, sanctuaries, and similar closed areas. Always check the specific status of any public land parcel before hunting.

For related regulations in the state, our guides on coyote hunting laws and duck hunting laws in North Dakota cover additional species-specific rules worth reviewing. You can also check our roadkill laws in North Dakota article for what is and is not permissible regarding game found on public roads.

Key Takeaways for North Dakota Bow Hunters

North Dakota gives dedicated archers a long deer season, big game lottery opportunities for pronghorn and elk, and year-round predator hunting with a bow. The equipment rules are clear and consistent: 40-pound minimum draw weight for big game, 24-inch arrows with metal broadheads of at least ¾-inch cutting diameter, and no telescopic sights attached to the bow.

Crossbow hunters should pay close attention to the season-specific rules. General crossbow use is limited to firearms seasons and special disability permits during the archery period — a key distinction that catches some hunters off guard. And while bowhunter education is not required in North Dakota, completing the course is a smart move if you ever plan to hunt archery seasons in other states.

Always confirm the current season dates and proclamation details directly with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before each season opens. Regulations can and do change, and hunting with outdated information is never worth the risk.