With North Dakota’s deer gun season opening on Friday, the state’s countryside is seeing an influx of hunters traveling rural backroads to fill their tags.

The Game and Fish Department encourages hunters to assess travel routes during the season as recent precipitation has created some soggy road and soft ground conditions across the state.

Driving on soft, muddy roads and trails is strongly discouraged. In addition, hunters are advised to seek permission before attempting any off-road travel on private lands.