Turkey Hunting Season in North Dakota: Dates, Zones, and Regulations
April 6, 2026
Turkey hunting season in North Dakota gives resident hunters a genuine opportunity to pursue wild birds across some of the most varied terrain in the Great Plains — from the wooded coulees of the Turtle Mountains to the rugged Missouri River Breaks. Whether you’re calling in a gobbler on a crisp April morning or tracking birds through the fall timber, knowing the rules before you head out is what separates a successful season from a costly mistake.
This guide covers everything you need to know about turkey hunting season in North Dakota, including spring and fall season dates, unit boundaries, bag limits, license requirements, legal equipment, youth hunting rules, and harvest reporting obligations. Always verify current regulations directly with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before your season begins.
Pro Tip: North Dakota turkey licenses are issued through a lottery system. Missing the application deadline means waiting another year, so mark your calendar well in advance.
Spring Turkey Season Dates and Zones in North Dakota
Spring turkey season is the most popular turkey hunting opportunity in North Dakota, and it draws significant competition for licenses. For the 2025 season, the spring season opens April 12th and closes May 18th. That window aligns with peak gobbling activity, giving hunters a solid chance to call in birds during the breeding period.
Hunting hours during the spring season run from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. You are not permitted to start hunting before that half-hour pre-sunrise window, regardless of how early you arrive at your setup.
North Dakota divides spring turkey hunting into specific geographic units. Unit 02 covers Barnes, Cass, Griggs, Steele, and Traill counties, while Unit 03 covers Benson County, Pierce County east of ND Highway 3 and south of ND Highway 17, and Ramsey County. Note that in addition to a Unit 03 spring wild turkey license, a special permit is required to hunt in Graham’s Island State Park, and special restrictions apply — contact the park office at (701) 766-4015 for those free permits.
Additional units include:
- Unit 04 — those portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties south of Interstate 94
- Unit 06 — Adams County and Bowman County
- Unit 13 — Dunn County
- Unit 17 — those portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties north of Interstate 94
Two of the most productive areas for spring turkeys are the Turtle Mountains in north-central North Dakota, a haven for wild turkeys where a mix of forest, fields, and farmland forms ideal habitat, with public hunting lands available for both spring and fall seasons. The Missouri River Breaks along the western boundary of the state also offer an eye-catching setting for wild turkey hunts, with jagged landscape, tree-covered hills, and river valleys providing top-notch habitat — and public hunting is permitted in set areas.
Important Note: Only North Dakota residents are eligible for spring turkey licenses. Nonresidents cannot apply for or obtain a spring wild turkey license in North Dakota.
Fall Turkey Season Dates and Zones in North Dakota
North Dakota also offers a fall turkey season, which operates under a separate license and draw from the spring season. Turkeys can be hunted in both spring and fall, with each season requiring different permits and featuring varying dates and limits. Fall turkey hunting is a distinct experience — birds are in different behavioral patterns, and hunters often need to adjust their tactics accordingly.
For the fall bow season, open hunting units include 1A, 1D, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4C, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 9C, 10A, 11A, 13A, and 17A, with the bow season running August 29 through September 21, 2025. The gun or bow season for those same units runs from October 3 through October 19, 2025.
The extended fall season running into early January provides excellent opportunities, especially after deer season ends and hunting pressure decreases — and many successful fall turkey hunters focus on food sources and winter roosting areas.
North Dakota uses a weighted bonus points system to allocate tags. Applicants who do not successfully draw their first-choice unit are awarded a spring turkey bonus point for the following year, and the spring and fall turkey applications have separate points for each draw. That means your fall points do not carry over to the spring draw and vice versa.
Key Insight: Fall turkey hunting hours mirror the spring season — shooting hours run from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Plan your scouting and access routes accordingly to avoid arriving before legal shooting time.
If you enjoy hunting other upland birds during the fall season, check out the guide to pheasant hunting season in North Dakota and dove hunting season in North Dakota to plan a multi-species trip.
Bag Limits and Sex Restrictions in North Dakota
North Dakota keeps its turkey bag limit straightforward but enforces strict sex restrictions that every hunter must understand before heading into the field.
Each license allows you to harvest one bearded or male wild turkey. That means a single turkey per license — there is no provision for taking additional birds under the same tag. Group hunting is not permitted.
Pursuant to North Dakota law and upon the recommendation of the North Dakota Game and Fish Director, the open season is declared for North Dakota residents for the taking of not to exceed 8,497 bearded wild turkeys. That total statewide cap reflects the state’s active management of turkey populations across all open units.
| Season | Legal Birds | Bag Limit Per License | Group Hunting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Bearded / Male only | 1 bird | Not permitted |
| Fall (Bow) | Bearded / Male only | 1 bird | Not permitted |
| Fall (Gun or Bow) | Bearded / Male only | 1 bird | Not permitted |
After harvesting a turkey, immediate tagging is required. After taking a turkey, the hunter must attach the date of kill from the license tag to the turkey’s leg. Do not wait until you return to camp or your vehicle — the tag must be attached at the point of harvest.
The licensed hunter must accompany the turkey during transport, unless a certified carrier is shipping it. You cannot hand your bird off to someone else for transport without being present. Additionally, it is against the law to discard the usable meat from any harvested game animal — wanton waste violations carry serious penalties in North Dakota.
Common Mistake: Some hunters forget that hunting over bait on certain public lands is not allowed. Confirm whether the land you plan to hunt is subject to baiting restrictions before setting up any feed or attractants.
License, Permit, and Tag Requirements in North Dakota
Turkey licenses in North Dakota are not available over the counter. The North Dakota Hunting Lottery is a system used to allocate hunting licenses for species such as deer, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, turkey, pronghorn, and swan — because only a limited number of licenses are available for these species, the lottery system ensures fair and orderly distribution among hunters.
Some lotteries are open only to North Dakota residents, including moose, elk, pronghorn, and turkey. Nonresidents can apply for certain species like deer, sheep, and swan — but not turkey. This is a critical distinction for out-of-state hunters to understand before making travel plans.
To apply and purchase licenses, follow these steps:
- Check eligibility: ensure you meet the hunter education and residency requirements.
- Choose your species: decide which season you want to hunt and review the specific lottery details for that species.
- Submit your application online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s lottery system and pay the required application fees.
- Lottery results are usually available two weeks to a month after the application deadline, and hunters are notified via email, text, or through the department’s website.
- If you are not selected, you can accumulate bonus points each time, increasing your chances of being selected in subsequent years.
There is no minimum age for turkey hunting; however, hunters younger than 15 must have direct supervision from a parent or guardian. All hunters must possess a general game and habitat license, and residents aged 16 and older must also have a small game or combination license.
If you were born after 1961, North Dakota requires you to pass a state-approved hunter education course before getting a hunting license — though this rule has a few exceptions for youth hunters and those who hunt exclusively on land they own.
Pro Tip: The North Dakota Spring Turkey Application deadline typically falls in mid-February — the deadline for the 2025 draw was February 12th. Set a reminder well before that window so you don’t miss your chance to apply.
For a comparison of how neighboring states handle turkey licensing, see the guides to turkey hunting season in Kansas and turkey hunting season in Iowa.
Legal Hunting Methods and Equipment in North Dakota
North Dakota specifies exactly what firearms, archery equipment, and accessories are legal for turkey hunting. Understanding these rules before you pack your gear is essential.
Shotguns
Only shotguns no larger than 10 gauge, capable of holding no more than three shells, are permitted, with a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. Fully automatic firearms are illegal. Only muzzleloading long guns are allowed; centerfire and rimfire rifles are prohibited.
Handguns
Handguns of .35 caliber or larger with a barrel of 4 inches or longer are legal for turkey hunting in North Dakota.
Archery Equipment
Bows must be pulled, held, and released by hand, with a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds. Arrows must be at least 24 inches long and tipped with a metal broadhead. It is illegal to hunt turkeys with barbed arrows, though broadheads with mechanical or retractable blades are legal.
Telescopic sights, range-finding devices, or other electronic devices attached to the bow or arrow are not permitted — except that battery-powered or electronically lighted sights that do not project light, a lighted nock, and recording devices that do not aid in range finding or sighting are allowed. Handheld range-finding devices are legal.
Crossbows
Crossbows are not legal for turkey hunting except with a permit from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department Director. When permitted, crossbows 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.
General Restrictions
- It is illegal to shoot with a bow and arrow or firearm while in or on a motor-driven vehicle.
- Aircraft may not be used to drive, concentrate, rally, raise, stir up, spot, or disturb game.
- Installing trail cameras on private property requires written permission from the landowner.
- It is illegal to hunt in unharvested crops without the owner’s consent — crops include alfalfa, clover, and other grasses grown for seed.
Important Note: Rifles, crossbows without a permit, and pursuing game while intoxicated are all illegal under North Dakota turkey hunting regulations. These are not gray areas — violations can result in license revocation and criminal charges.
If you’re curious how equipment rules compare across other states, the guides to turkey hunting in Kentucky and turkey hunting in Illinois offer useful context.
Youth and Apprentice Turkey Hunting in North Dakota
North Dakota actively encourages new and young hunters to participate in turkey season through a guaranteed license program and minimal age barriers.
Individuals who are fifteen years of age or younger on opening day and have never received a spring wild turkey license, and who so indicate this on the spring turkey application, will receive a spring turkey license valid for any open unit. This is a significant benefit — rather than competing in the lottery, qualifying youth hunters are guaranteed a license.
Youth first-time hunters may apply for this guaranteed license at any time before or during the season. That flexibility means a young hunter who decides mid-season they want to participate can still get a valid license without waiting for the next draw cycle.
North Dakota also offers youth-specific seasons for deer, pheasant, turkey, and waterfowl with unique dates and often more relaxed regulations to encourage participation. These youth seasons are designed to give new hunters a less crowded, more mentorship-focused introduction to the sport.
There is no minimum age for turkey hunting; however, hunters younger than 15 must have direct supervision from a parent or guardian. That supervision requirement means a licensed adult must be physically present — not just nearby — during the hunt.
| Age Group | License Type | Supervision Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 15 (first-time) | Guaranteed spring license (any open unit) | Yes — parent or guardian | Must indicate first-time status on application |
| Under 15 (returning) | Standard lottery | Yes — parent or guardian | No longer eligible for guaranteed license |
| 15 and older | Standard lottery | No | Hunter education required if born after 1961 |
Pro Tip: If you’re introducing a young hunter to turkey season for the first time, take advantage of the guaranteed license program. Apply early in the season window so you have the full season ahead of you to pick the right conditions and location.
For more ideas on building a multi-state hunting tradition with youth hunters, explore the guides to turkey hunting in Indiana and turkey hunting in Idaho.
Harvest Reporting Requirements in North Dakota
Harvest reporting is a legal obligation in North Dakota, not an optional step. The data collected through harvest reports helps the Game and Fish Department manage turkey populations and set future license quotas — including the number of licenses available in each unit.
The immediate reporting requirement starts the moment you harvest a bird. After taking a turkey, the hunter must attach the date of kill from the license tag to the turkey’s leg. This on-site tagging step is the first component of the reporting process and must happen before you move the bird.
Transportation rules are equally strict. The licensed hunter must accompany the turkey during transport, unless a certified carrier is shipping it. You cannot leave the bird with someone else for transport without being present, which means you need to plan your field-to-vehicle logistics carefully.
Applications and reporting can be submitted online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website. The department’s online portal allows hunters to complete their harvest reporting efficiently without having to visit a license vendor in person.
Important Note: Failing to report your harvest is a violation of North Dakota hunting law. No person shall hunt, kill, take, possess, transport, or attempt to hunt, kill, take, or possess any wild turkeys except as provided by the proclamation or otherwise by law. Non-compliance can affect your ability to obtain licenses in future seasons.
Beyond tagging and reporting, remember that the licensed hunter must accompany the turkey during its travel unless a certified carrier is shipping it — a rule that applies from the moment the bird is harvested until it reaches its final destination.
If you’re comparing harvest reporting systems across states, the guides to turkey hunting in Maine, turkey hunting in Georgia, and turkey hunting in Florida cover how different states handle post-harvest obligations.
Final Thoughts
Turkey hunting season in North Dakota rewards hunters who prepare early — especially when it comes to the lottery application process. Only North Dakota residents are eligible for spring turkey licenses, and licenses are issued by a weighted lottery drawing among eligible applicants as prescribed by the Director. That means your preparation starts months before opening day, not the week before.
Whether you’re setting up a blind in the Turtle Mountains or still-hunting the Missouri River Breaks in the fall, understanding your unit boundaries, legal equipment, and tagging obligations keeps your season clean and your record intact. Many 2025–2026 season dates are still tentative, so be sure to check the official North Dakota Game and Fish Department website for the latest updates on open seasons, species-specific regulations, and any changes that may affect your plans.
For more regional hunting guides, explore pheasant hunting in South Dakota, dove hunting in South Dakota, or browse the waterfowl guides for goose hunting in Minnesota and goose hunting in Michigan to round out your season calendar.