North Dakota's Deer Season runs from September 17, 2022 - December 31,2022. Whether you are a seasoned hunter, or this is your first time, it’s always smart to make sure you have a plan and understand the hunting regulations for the year. This blog will provide you with several resources so that you have all the information you need!

North Dakota Deer Seasons

Archery (Whitetail and Mule Deer): Noon (Central time) September 2nd, 2022- January 1st, 2023

Firearm (Whitetail and Mule Deer): Noon (Central time) November 4th, 2022- November 20th, 2022

Muzzleloader (Whitetail and Mule Deer): Noon (Central time) November 25th, 2022- December 11th, 2022

Youth Season (Whitetail and Mule Deer): Noon (Central time) September 16th, 2022- September 25th, 2022

Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset except opening day.

Regulations

Archery Equipment:

"A bow must be pulled, held and released by hand. Any release aid may be used providing it is hand operated, the shooter supports the draw weight of the bow, and the release is not attached to any part of the bow other than at the bowstring. 

A compound bow used for hunting deer must have at least 35 pounds of draw at 28 inches or less draw length. Recurve and long bows used for hunting deer must have at least 35 pounds of draw at 28 inches. 

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 3/4 inch (i.e., not able to pass through a 3/4-inch ring). It is illegal to hunt big game with barbed arrows (barbed refers to an arrowhead with any fixed portion of the rear or trailing edge of the arrowhead forming an angle less than 90 degrees with the shaft). Broadheads with mechanical or retractable blades are legal. 

Telescopic sights, range finding devices, battery-powered or electronically lighted sights or other electronic devices attached to the bow, or the arrow, are not permitted (exception: lighted nocks and recording devices which do not aid in range finding, sighting or shooting the bow are permitted). Handheld range finding devices are legal. Arrows capable of causing damage or injury in excess of that inflicted by the cutting edges of the broadhead are prohibited (e.g., explosive arrow points, arrows tipped with drugs or chemicals, and pneumatic or hydraulic shafts are illegal). 

No firearms, except handguns, may be in the hunter’s possession while hunting with a deer bow license. However, handguns may not be used in any manner to assist in the harvest of a deer with an archery license. 

Crossbows are not legal, except with a permit from the Game and Fish director. When permitted, crossbows must: a) have a minimum draw weight of 75 pounds; b) be equipped with a working safety to prevent accidental firing; c) use bolts or arrows at least 14 inches in length. Crossbows equipped with pistol grips and designed to be fired with one hand are illegal. Telescopic, battery powered, or electronically lighted reticle attached to a crossbow with a maximum power of eight are legal."

North Dakota requires a hunting license. Here are the required licenses for White-tailed Deer & Mule Deer in North Dakota.

Residents must possess the following licenses:

• Fishing, Hunting and Furbearer Certificate
• General Game and Habitat License or
• Combination License, (includes Small Game, General Game and Habitat, Furbearer, and Fishing licenses)
• Deer License

Nonresidents must possess the following licenses:

• Nonresident Fishing, Hunting and Furbearer Certificate
• General Game and Habitat License
• Deer License

Learn more about required licenses for North Dakota hunting with the North Dakota Fish and Game licensing quick reference

Hunter Education Requirement: Persons born after 1961 must complete a certified state or provincial hunter education course and present the certification card earned to the license vendor to purchase a North Dakota hunting license. Exemptions: Persons who hunt only on land they own or operate; persons under 12 years of age (those under 12 may hunt if they have appropriate license and are accompanied by parent or guardian).

Bright orange is required during regular deer gun season. During the muzzleloader season, however, bowhunters do not need to wear orange.

Tagging Requirements

"IMMEDIATELY after an animal has been killed, the hunter must indicate the date of kill by cutting out the appropriate month and day from the tag provided with the license, and attach it to the base of the antler on antlered deer, or in a slit in the ear on antlerless deer. In no case is it legal to possess or transport an animal unless it is properly tagged. The meat tag must remain with the edible flesh during any transportation and until it is cut up and packaged as food. No person may reuse or attempt to reuse any tag issued. Tags are not transferable.

When any part of an animal is mounted, if the tag is removed from the antlers or ear, the tag must be securely fastened to the back or bottom of the mount and remain there."- White-Tailed and Mule Deer Hunting Guide | North Dakota Game and Fish