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NDGF gives deer season reminders
With the North Dakota deer opener set for Friday, Nov. 6, the Game and Fish Department offers a few reminders for a safe, legal and fun season.
- Conditions remain unseasonably warm and dry. Check NDResponse.gov for county fire dangers and associated restrictions.
- Hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of solid fluorescent orange above the waist, including a head covering.
- If successful, you must validate and attach the tag to the deer immediately after harvest and before moving or field-dressing.
- If you see something illegal, say something. The Report All Poachers number is 701-328-9921.
- Be respectful to landowners, other hunters and the land.
- Take the time to complete your harvest survey afterwards. This data is crucial to managing North Dakota's big game populations.
- Before heading afield, review the entire 2026 deer regulations on the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
Preparations for boating access challenges
Ongoing low water conditions across Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe and the Missouri River are projected to cause significant boating access challenges throughout the 2027 season. With further water level reductions anticipated, state and federal agencies are proactively preparing for less-than-optimal conditions at many popular recreation sites.
North Dakota Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local partners are actively collaborating to address boating access needs immediately following ice-out in early 2027. However, officials caution boaters and anglers that, despite this work, many boat ramps and parking lots will be less than ideal.
To manage the anticipated congestion at viable ramp locations, the Game and Fish Department is implementing adjustments to the 2027 Missouri River System fishing tournament schedule. No additional open water fishing tournaments will be permitted beyond those already approved during the 2026 scheduling cycle.
Water recreationists are encouraged to plan ahead and monitor official updates as the 2027 boating season approaches.