North Dakota
The Duck Factory. Billions of ducks in the Prairie Pothole region, Badlands mule deer, and open access PLOTS lands.
Weapons & Regulations in North Dakota
Official Regulatory Authority
North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF)
Centerfire Rifle
Centerfire rifles of .22 caliber (5.56mm) or larger firing expanding bullets are legal for deer, pronghorn, and elk. .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, and .300 Win Mag are standard for long-range shots across prairie coulees and Badlands breaks. Suppressors legal with federal tax stamp. FMJ prohibited.
Muzzleloader
Minimum .45 caliber single-barrel muzzleloaders. Modern in-line muzzleloaders with 209 ignitions, sabots, and magnifying scopes are fully legal during the dedicated December Muzzleloader season. Black powder or commercial synthetic powders only.
Archery (Vertical Bow)
Compound, recurve, and longbows with minimum 35 lb draw weight. Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting width. Fixed and mechanical broadheads legal. The archery season runs from the Friday before Labor Day through early January.
Crossbows
Fully legal for ALL licensed hunters during both the archery deer season and modern firearms seasons without requiring a medical disability permit. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 75 lbs, a functioning safety, and shoot bolts with hunting broadheads measuring at least 7/8 inch wide.
Handguns
Centerfire handguns .24 caliber or larger with a minimum barrel length of 4 inches firing expanding bullets are legal for deer and pronghorn. Single-shot handguns (T/C Encore in rifle calibers) and magnum revolvers are legal.
Waterfowl Shotgun
10, 12, 16, 20 gauge shotguns firing non-toxic shot required for all waterfowl hunting across the world-famous Prairie Pothole duck and goose breeding grounds. 3-shell capacity plug mandatory.