Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
ND
Deer Hunting in North Dakota: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in North Dakota starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $35 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $350 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Aug 29 – Jan 4 Archery
Draw Required? Yes Lottery application required
DEER QUICK ANSWER
North Dakota Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for North Dakota deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Application timing matters. Check state wildlife agency for application deadlines
Archery; also check Gun.
For North Dakota deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Resident deer license is separate; nonresident whitetail bow is the main NR deer path, and certificate and General Game & Habitat are additional. Because this page lists draw-required access, confirm the application window before planning travel. CWD has been detected in North Dakota, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in North Dakota
North Dakota deer access is more restricted and more expensive than a simple deer-tag row suggests. Residents use a separate deer license for gun, muzzleloader, or bow opportunities, with the required certificate and General Game & Habitat license added before checkout. Nonresident gun deer access is limited, while nonresident whitetail bow is the main statewide planning path and costs more than the old data showed before prerequisite items. CWD-related baiting and carcass rules apply in listed units, especially in the west, so hunters should check the current unit map and license type before applying or traveling with a harvested deer.
Species present: White-tailed DeerMule Deer
SEASONS
North Dakota Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
North Dakota offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
North Dakota Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$35
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$350
Draw required — apply in advance
Resident deer license is separate; nonresident whitetail bow is the main NR deer path, and certificate and General Game & Habitat are additional
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right North Dakota deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full North Dakota license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in North Dakota
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Widespread in western units (3A1 through 4F). Detected in 15 wild deer in 2024.
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: Widespread in western units (3A1 through 4F). Detected in 15 wild deer in 2024.
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 per tag
1 antlered per license type; additional antlerless by lottery
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, muzzleloader
Access Planning
Access: Draw / lottery required
Deadline: Check state wildlife agency for application deadlines
Points system: Yes
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in North Dakota — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in North Dakota?
Testing is voluntary but highly targeted via the Hunter-Harvested Surveillance program, focusing heavily on western/northwestern units.
What are the antler restrictions in North Dakota?
A buck is defined simply as any deer with at least one visible antler. There are no minimum point rules; harvest legality is governed strictly by the specific type of lottery license you draw.
Can I use bait in North Dakota?
It depends on the unit. North Dakota lists CWD-related baiting restrictions by hunting unit and also restricts baiting on WMA lands, so hunters should check the current Game and Fish map before placing bait or minerals.
What deer species can I hunt in North Dakota?
North Dakota is home to White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in North Dakota?
Yes, but nonresident deer access is limited by license type. The main nonresident whitetail bow planning cost is $350 before the required certificate and General Game & Habitat items; nonresident gun deer access is not a simple open OTC tag.