Hunting License Requirements in North Dakota: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
June 16, 2026
North Dakota is one of the most sought-after hunting destinations in the country, drawing thousands of resident and out-of-state hunters each year for its world-class pheasant, waterfowl, and deer hunting. Before you step into the field, though, you need to make sure your licensing is squared away — and in North Dakota, that means more than just buying a single license.
The state uses a layered licensing system with base credentials, species-specific tags, and add-on stamps or permits depending on what you plan to hunt. This guide walks you through every requirement you need to know, from who must have a license to how and where to buy one.
Who Needs a Hunting License in North Dakota
In North Dakota, nearly anyone who hunts is required to be licensed. Hunters and trappers are required to purchase licenses. That applies to both residents and non-residents pursuing any protected game species in the state.
There is no minimum age requirement for pursuing most game. There is no minimum age for hunting small game, waterfowl, or furbearers, but anyone under age 15 afield with firearms must be licensed and under direct supervision — meaning unaided verbal contact must be possible — of a parent, guardian, or adult authorized by their parent or guardian.
Before heading out, make sure your license documents are protected and accessible. A hunting license holder keeps your paper license dry and visible, which is especially useful during waterfowl or early-season pheasant hunts in wet conditions.
Important Note: All licenses in North Dakota are nontransferable. No person may give away, barter, or sell an issued license — licenses are nontransferable.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota law carves out several specific exemptions from the standard licensing requirement. Knowing which exemptions apply to your situation can save you money and paperwork.
- Landowners and operators: Any resident, or member of his or her family permanently residing with them, may hunt small game, trap, or use cable devices during the open season without a license upon land owned or leased by them — but they are otherwise governed by seasons, limits, and all other regulations.
- Active-duty military on leave: Upon presentation of valid leave papers and a valid North Dakota operator’s license, a resident who is on leave and on active duty as a member of the United States armed forces or the United States merchant marine may hunt small game, fish, or trap during the open season without a license.
- Unprotected species: Residents do not need a license to take unprotected species of wildlife such as prairie dogs, rabbits, skunks, and ground squirrels. Nonresidents hunting only unprotected species need only a nongame license.
- Youth under 12 with a parent or guardian: Persons under age 12 who hunt only with their parent or legal guardian are exempt from the hunter education requirement.
- Apprentice license holders: Individuals who are 12 years of age and older who have not 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.
Pro Tip: Even when you qualify for a landowner exemption, all seasons, bag limits, and other regulations still apply in full. The exemption only waives the license fee — not the rules.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in North Dakota
Whether you qualify as a resident has a significant impact on both your costs and your hunting opportunities. A resident is a person who has lived in North Dakota for at least six months. Non-resident full-time students attending a state or tribal college in North Dakota and active-duty military members are considered residents.
Most hunting opportunities are open to both North Dakota residents and nonresidents; however, some lotteries and furbearer seasons are resident only. This is an important distinction if you are planning a trip from out of state targeting big game.
Non-residents face some additional access restrictions as well. Nonresidents may not hunt on lands owned or leased by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, including state wildlife management areas and Private Lands Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS), for the first week of pheasant season — and this restriction applies to all types of hunting, not just pheasants.
There is also a special provision for non-resident youth. A nonresident under age 16 need only purchase a North Dakota resident fishing, hunting, and furbearer certificate and a North Dakota resident general game and habitat license to hunt small game and waterfowl, except swans and wild turkeys. To be eligible, a nonresident youth may not have turned sixteen before September 1 of the year for which the license is issued, must possess a certificate of completion for a certified hunter education course, and may only hunt under the supervision of an adult family member or legal guardian.
Active-duty military members stationed in North Dakota also benefit from resident pricing. Active duty military stationed in North Dakota hunt at resident rates.
Types of Hunting Licenses in North Dakota
North Dakota uses a stacked licensing structure. Rather than one all-inclusive license, you build your license package from required base credentials plus the species-specific tags you need.
Base credentials required for most hunters:
- Fishing, Hunting, and Furbearer Certificate: Required to hunt or fish in North Dakota — you only need to purchase one per year per licensee.
- General Game and Habitat License: Required for all hunting licenses except furbearer — and you need only purchase one per year per licensee.
Species-specific licenses and tags include:
- Small game license: Covers pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse, Hungarian partridge, doves, snipe, woodcock, tree squirrels, and sandhill cranes, among others. Species covered include crow, doves, Hungarian partridge, sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse, sandhill cranes, snipe, woodcock, pheasants, tree squirrels, and waterfowl.
- Waterfowl license: Required separately for non-residents targeting ducks and geese.
- Deer license: All deer tags in North Dakota are awarded by lottery draw — there are no over-the-counter deer tags for any weapon type. This applies to both gun and archery seasons.
- Elk license: Elk hunting in North Dakota is available through a once-in-a-lifetime resident-only draw. Non-residents are generally not eligible for North Dakota elk licenses.
- Moose license: Moose licenses in North Dakota are resident-only, once-in-a-lifetime draws.
- Bighorn sheep license: Bighorn sheep is an extremely limited once-in-a-lifetime draw available to both residents and non-residents.
- Wild turkey license: Turkey licenses are issued by lottery, along with deer gun, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, and tundra swan. If you plan to pursue turkeys, check out the turkey hunting season in North Dakota for season dates and unit information.
Key Insight: North Dakota’s lottery system for deer uses a cubed bonus point system. North Dakota’s bonus point system cubes your points after four years — for example, five points equals 125 chances (5x5x5), which means patience is rewarded.
For non-residents planning a pheasant or upland bird trip, the good news is that no draw is required. Pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse are covered by the non-resident small game license, which is available over the counter with no draw required. Learn more about planning your trip on our pheasant hunting season in North Dakota page.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in North Dakota
North Dakota updated its license fee structure with the passage of House Bill 1470. House Bill 1470, effective August 1, 2025, raised most North Dakota hunting fees significantly — resident deer tags increased from $30 to $35, non-resident deer from $250 to $350, non-resident small game from $100 to $150 for a 14-day period, and non-resident waterfowl from $100 to $120. These were the first substantial fee increases in over a decade.
The fees below reflect the license year as reported by sources current through early 2026. Always confirm final totals at gf.nd.gov before purchasing, as add-ons vary by activity.
| License / Credential | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing, Hunting & Furbearer Certificate | $1 | $2 |
| General Game & Habitat License | $20 | $20 |
| Small Game License (14-day for NR) | $20 | $150 |
| Waterfowl License (NR) | Included in small game | $120 |
| Deer Tag (lottery) | $35 | $350 |
| Elk Tag (resident-only draw) | $30 | Not available |
| Moose Tag (resident-only draw) | $250 | Very limited |
| Bighorn Sheep Tag (lottery) | $250 | $3,000 |
| Youth Deer Tag | $10 | — |
| Lottery Application Fee | $5 per species | $20 per species |
Non-residents planning a waterfowl hunt need a $150 NR Waterfowl License plus the $20 General Game & Habitat, $2 Certificate, and Federal Duck Stamp ($25).
Youth under 16 receive reduced fees, including $10 youth deer tags. Residents 65 and older also receive reduced fees. Disabled veterans with 100% disability receive free licenses and tags.
Once you have your license sorted, a good pair of hunting binoculars will help you make the most of North Dakota’s open terrain, whether you are glassing for whitetails in the river breaks or spotting ducks over the prairie potholes.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in North Dakota
Beyond your base license and species tag, several additional permits and stamps may be required depending on what and where you hunt.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration
All hunters regardless of age must obtain a new Harvest Information Program registration number each year for each state in which they hunt ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, cranes, snipe, doves, and woodcock. Registration is free. This is a federal migratory bird survey program, and you must record your HIP number on your license.
Federal Duck Stamp
The Federal Waterfowl Stamp (Duck Stamp) is required of all hunters ages 16 and older to hunt ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, and coot — with an exception for the spring light goose conservation season. Stamps cost $25 plus $4 for mailing.
Waterfowl Habitat Restoration Electronic Stamp
A Waterfowl Habitat Restoration Electronic Stamp is required of all hunters to hunt waterfowl. This is a state-level stamp separate from the federal duck stamp.
Lottery Applications for Big Game
Resident deer tags cost $35 and non-resident deer tags cost $350. Applications are submitted through gf.nd.gov with a $5 per-species application fee ($20 for non-residents). Unsuccessful applicants earn a preference point toward future draws.
Common Mistake: Many hunters forget that the HIP registration must be renewed every year and in every state where they pursue migratory birds. Failing to register before your hunt — even if you have all your other licenses — is a violation.
If you plan to pursue dove in the state, be sure to review the dove hunting season in North Dakota for specific season windows and HIP requirements. For hunters also fishing during their trip, you can compare licensing structures with our guides on fishing license requirements in Montana and fishing license requirements in Colorado.
Hunter Education Requirements in North Dakota
Hunter education is mandatory for a large portion of the hunting population in North Dakota. 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. However, not all online-only courses qualify. Classes taken through 4-H, FFA, or NRA do not meet North Dakota requirements. In addition, while some other states recognize complete website-based classes, these classes do not meet North Dakota’s requirements.
Course formats available:
Students may choose to take either the traditional in-person course, taught entirely in the classroom, or a hybrid online/in-person course which splits the student’s time between online study and two in-person classroom sessions.
- Traditional classroom course: Traditional classroom courses require at least 14 hours of in-person class time, and most classes are held from January through May.
- Hybrid course: The hybrid classroom/online course requires two in-person classroom sessions — one prior to beginning the online portion of the class and one to complete testing after the online portion has been completed. Students must attend a minimum of four hours of classroom time in addition to passing 14 online quizzes. The final written and practical exams must take place with the instructor during the final class session.
Classes are free. In a few instances, there is a small facility or room rental fee that students pay when attending the first class. Students generally receive their hunter education card in the mail seven to ten days after successfully completing a class.
Exemptions from hunter education include:
Persons born after 1961 must complete a certified hunter education course and show proof of certification when buying or applying for hunting licenses. Exceptions apply for persons under age 12 who hunt only with their parent or legal guardian, persons who hunt exclusively on land of which they are the record title owner or operator, and those who obtain an Apprentice Hunting License.
By law, persons born after 1961 must take a certified hunter education course prior to obtaining a firearm or bow hunting license. Archery and trapping classes do not fulfill this requirement.
To find and register for a class in 2026, individuals interested in taking a hunter education class must click on the education link at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov and click “enroll” next to the specific class to follow the registration instructions.
How to Buy a Hunting License in North Dakota
Purchasing your North Dakota hunting license is straightforward, and you have several options to choose from. The most convenient method for most hunters is the online portal.
- Online at gf.nd.gov: Visit the official North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, create or sign in to your account, purchase your General Game & Habitat License and Certificate, then apply for any lottery species or add species-specific tags. Pay with a credit or debit card and print your license.
- By phone: Call 1-800-406-6409 to purchase over the phone.
- In person: Visit an approved license retailer located throughout the state.
Licenses are valid in either paper or electronic format. North Dakota allows electronic license proof, and downloading it helps in areas without cellular service. If you go the paper route, a waterproof license card holder is a smart investment to keep your documents legible and intact through rain, mud, and field conditions.
Pro Tip: If you are applying for a deer bow tag, note that deer bow tags must be printed and mailed from the main Department office — allow for mailing time when purchasing. Do not wait until the last minute before your season opener.
When gearing up for your North Dakota hunt, a quality hunting backpack helps you carry your gear, licenses, and field essentials comfortably across the state’s expansive grasslands and river bottoms. And if you are hunting pheasant, grouse, or any upland species, a blaze-orange hunting safety vest is both a safety essential and a common-sense requirement when hunting with a group.
Non-residents can also purchase their licenses online. Non-residents can purchase North Dakota hunting licenses online through the official state wildlife agency website. To purchase a non-resident North Dakota hunting license, you will typically need a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport), proof of hunter education certification from any U.S. state or Canadian province, and payment information.
If you hunt in other states as well, our guides on fishing license requirements in Wisconsin and fishing license requirements in Michigan can help you stay compliant across the region.
License Validity and Renewal in North Dakota
Understanding the license year in North Dakota is important because it differs depending on what you are hunting.
For small game, fishing, and furbearer activities, the license year starts April 1, 2026 and runs through March 31, 2027. Most deer and big game season-specific licenses follow a different calendar tied to the hunting season itself.
Hunting licenses are good from April 1 to March 31 of the next year. This means your small game license purchased at the start of the license year covers you through the entirety of fall and winter seasons, including pheasant, grouse, and waterfowl.
Licenses must be renewed each year — there are no multi-year hunting licenses in North Dakota. The Fishing, Hunting, and Furbearer Certificate is required to hunt or fish in North Dakota and must be purchased once per year per licensee. The same annual renewal applies to the General Game and Habitat License.
One important exception to annual renewal is your hunter education certification. The hunter safety certificate does not expire and is valid for life. Once you earn it, you never need to retake the course.
For lottery species such as deer, moose, elk, and turkey, you must submit a new application each year during the designated application window. Unsuccessful applicants earn a preference point toward future draws, so applying every year — even if you do not draw — builds your odds over time.
Key Insight: North Dakota accepts digital licenses through the My NDGF system. North Dakota accepts digital licenses through the My NDGF system, so you can store and display your credentials directly on your phone when a game warden checks your license in the field.
For hunters who also enjoy fishing during their trips, explore our guides on fishing license requirements in Utah, fishing license requirements in Nevada, and fishing license requirements in Tennessee to stay prepared wherever your season takes you.