North Dakota Non-Resident Hunting License 2026: Waterfowl, Pheasant & Deer Costs
North Dakota is one of the premier waterfowl and upland bird destinations in America — the PLOTS program opens millions of acres of private land to public hunters.
TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- NR small game license: $150. NR big game/bow license: $350. NR turkey: $100.
- Total NR waterfowl hunt: $150 (small game) + Federal Duck Stamp ($25) = $175.
- PLOTS program provides free public access to enrolled private land across the state.
- No draw required for small game, waterfowl, or turkey — OTC purchase.
- Deer and antelope require draw applications — non-resident deer is draw-only.
- North Dakota is consistently ranked in the top 3 states for waterfowl harvest.
- [DATA UNVERIFIED] — Confirm fees and draw dates at gf.nd.gov before applying.
In This Guide 7 sections
Why Non-Residents Hunt North Dakota
North Dakota punches above its weight as a hunting destination. The state offers:
- World-class waterfowl — Prairie pothole country holds millions of ducks and geese during migration; North Dakota ranks in the top 3 states for total waterfowl harvest most years
- Premier pheasant and grouse — Rolling grasslands and grain fields support exceptional wild pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse populations
- PLOTS program — North Dakota's Private Land Open To Sportsmen program is among the best public-private access programs in the country, providing hunters free access to millions of enrolled private acres
- Quality whitetail and mule deer — The Missouri River Breaks hold trophy mule deer; the eastern farmland edge holds mature whitetails
Non-Resident License Costs 2026
| License | NR Cost |
|---|---|
| NR Small Game License | $150.00 |
| NR Big Game / Bow License | $350.00 |
| NR Turkey Permit | $100.00 |
| NR Nongame Hunting | $25.00 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25.00 |
Total NR waterfowl hunt: $150 (small game) + $25 (duck stamp) = $175.00 Total NR pheasant/grouse only: $150 small game = $150.00 Total NR deer hunt: $150 (small game) + $350 (big game) = $500.00 (draw required) Total NR turkey hunt: $150 + $100 = $250.00
Purchase at gf.nd.gov/licensing.
Waterfowl: North Dakota's #1 Non-Resident Draw
The Prairie Pothole Region
North Dakota's Prairie Pothole Region in the north-central and northeastern part of the state is the continent's most important waterfowl breeding ground. Come September and October, millions of mallards, teal, divers, and Canada geese stage here during their southward migration.
Required licenses for duck hunting:
- NR Small Game License ($150)
- Federal Duck Stamp ($25)
- HIP registration (free at purchase)
Top waterfowl counties: Kidder, Stutsman, Barnes, McIntosh, Logan — the heart of pothole country.
Geese
Canada geese, snow geese, and speckle-bellied geese are all abundant. The spring Conservation Order (Light Goose season) is unplugged and electronic calls are legal — exceptional opportunity for non-residents during late February through April.
Pheasant and Sharp-Tailed Grouse
North Dakota's pheasant population is strongest in the south-central counties along the James River valley. The state consistently ranks in the top 5 nationally for pheasant harvest.
Sharp-tailed grouse are found in the western grasslands and Badlands — one of the few states where non-residents can hunt sharptails with no draw or special permit (covered by small game license).
Season dates:
- Pheasant: October 11 – January 4
- Sharp-tailed Grouse: September 13 – January 4
The PLOTS Program
Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) is North Dakota's landmark program that compensates private landowners for granting free public hunting access on their property.
- Over 1 million acres enrolled in recent years
- Free to access with a valid ND hunting license
- Annual PLOTS guide/map available at NDG&F offices and online
- Areas vary year to year — download current maps before your trip
PLOTS areas are scattered across the state and include prime pheasant, waterfowl, and deer habitat. This program dramatically improves the non-resident experience in a state with limited federal public land.
Deer Hunting for Non-Residents
Draw Required
Non-resident deer hunting requires a draw application through NDG&F. Both whitetail and mule deer (western units) are available.
- NR Big Game License: $350
- Also required: NR Small Game License ($150)
- Total NR deer: $500 (draw required)
Season Dates
- Archery: August 29 – January 4
- Firearms: November 7–23 (whitetail and mule deer)
- Antelope: October 3–19
Mule Deer in the Badlands
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park area and surrounding Badlands units consistently produce trophy-class mule deer. These are some of the most competitive draw units in the state.
Hunter Education
Required for all first-time license buyers. NDG&F accepts certificates from all other states. Complete online at hunter-ed.com/north-dakota.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a North Dakota non-resident hunting license cost?
NR small game costs $150, which covers pheasant, grouse, and waterfowl (plus Federal Duck Stamp at $25). NR big game/bow is $350. Turkey is $100 additional.
What is the PLOTS program in North Dakota?
Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) is North Dakota's program that compensates landowners for providing free public hunting access. Over 1 million acres are enrolled annually, providing excellent pheasant, waterfowl, and deer hunting access for non-residents.
Is North Dakota good for non-resident waterfowl hunting?
Excellent — North Dakota is the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region, the continent's most important waterfowl breeding ground. The state consistently ranks in the top 3 for total waterfowl harvest. Required licenses total $175 for non-residents.
Do non-residents need a draw for North Dakota deer?
Yes — non-resident deer requires a draw application. Small game is OTC ($150), but the big game license ($350) requires draw application for deer.
Can non-residents hunt pheasant in North Dakota without a draw?
Yes — pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse are covered by the NR small game license ($150), which is OTC with no draw required.
View Page Update History (1)
- 2026-04-01:Initial publication. Costs from NDG&F official fee schedule.