North Dakota Hunting Overview
North Dakota ties for one of the cheapest resident hunting licenses in the country, but pairs that affordability with one of the most restrictive non-resident deer tag allocations of any state in this guide — even residents enter a unit-specific lottery. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department deliberately caps non-resident tags to prioritize resident hunting opportunity, a philosophy similar to Montana's. Understanding North Dakota's lottery system and limited non-resident access is essential before planning an out-of-state hunting trip.
ND Hunting License Fees at a Glance
Fees are approximate 2025–2026 rates. Verify at North Dakota Game & Fish.
ND Hunting Cost Calculator
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Complete North Dakota Hunting License Fee Schedule
| License / Tag | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | $20.00 | $150.00 | Base license |
| Deer Tag | Varies | Varies | $24 non-resident combo tag |
| Spring Turkey Tag | $10.00 | $10.00 | Per tag |
| Archery Endorsement | Included | Included | No separate purchase |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $27.00 | $27.00 | Required for waterfowl |
| Senior Resident | 65+ free | — | Verify at North Dakota Game & Fish |
| Youth | Under 16 free | — | Junior hunting license |
| Active Duty Military | Active duty free | — | With military ID |
North Dakota Hunting License Fees — What You're Actually Paying For
North Dakota's $20.00 resident license ties it among the cheapest in the country, right alongside Georgia and Michigan's base fees — a fact the state's own tourism and hunting marketing frequently highlights. Deer tags for residents are allocated through the state's own lottery-style unit system even for in-state hunters, a stricter approach than most Midwestern neighbors.
Non-residents face a very different picture: North Dakota is notoriously difficult for out-of-state hunters to draw a deer tag, with a limited non-resident allocation and a $150.00 non-resident base license on top. The state deliberately caps non-resident deer tags at a small percentage of the total to prioritize resident hunting opportunity — closer in spirit to Montana's resident-first philosophy than Kansas's more open non-resident system.
North Dakota's firearm deer season is short — just the month of November — while archery runs a longer September-through-November window. Turkey ($10) is affordable, and archery is included in the base license, keeping overall costs low for the hunters who do draw a North Dakota tag.
North Dakota's deer gun lottery applies even to residents, unlike many neighboring states where residents can buy an over-the-counter tag — the state manages deer density carefully through unit-specific quotas that affect both resident and non-resident hunters, though residents receive priority in the allocation.
North Dakota vs. Nearby States: Hunting License Cost Comparison
Here's how North Dakota's resident and non-resident hunting license fees stack up against nearby or commonly compared states.
| State | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota (this page) | $20.00 | $150.00 |
| South Dakota | $36.00 | $142.00 |
| Montana | $10.00 | $50.00 |
| Minnesota | $22.00 | $102.00 |
How to Buy a North Dakota Hunting License
North Dakota hunting licenses and deer tags are sold through the Game and Fish online licensing system, by phone, or at license vendors statewide. Non-resident deer tags are extremely limited and allocated through a competitive lottery with strict caps — apply as early as the application window opens, and understand that drawing a non-resident deer tag in North Dakota is far from guaranteed even with early application.
Buying a ND License, Step by Step
1. Go to the North Dakota Game & Fish online licensing portal (or call/visit an agent in person).
2. Select residency status and the license type — base license, plus any required deer, turkey, or archery add-ons.
3. Enter hunter education certification details if this is your first license, or your existing customer ID if you've bought one before.
4. Pay online for an instant digital license, or complete the purchase in person.
5. Print or save your license and any tags to your phone, and review current season dates for your specific zone or unit before heading out.
North Dakota Residency Rules & License Exemptions
North Dakota requires residents to have lived in the state for at least 6 months immediately before applying, with a North Dakota driver's license or state ID as proof, and extends resident rates to active-duty military stationed in North Dakota. Residents 65 and older and youth under 16 hunt completely free. Landowners hunting their own qualifying land are exempt from license requirements, a common benefit across North Dakota's extensive farm and ranch acreage.
Is a North Dakota Hunting License Worth It?
Is North Dakota worth pursuing as a non-resident? Given the very limited non-resident tag allocation and $150.00 base license, it's a tough state for out-of-state deer hunters to plan around reliably — hunters seeking more predictable non-resident access may find neighboring South Dakota's structure considerably easier to navigate.
Other State Hunting License Costs
North Dakota Hunting Season Dates
| Season | Typical Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer — Archery | September – November | Check zone/unit dates |
| Deer — General Firearm | November | Varies by zone/unit |
| Spring Wild Turkey | April – May | $10.00 tag required |
| Waterfowl / Duck | September – January | Duck Stamp + state validation |
Season dates vary by zone/unit. Verify your area's exact calendar at North Dakota Game & Fish.