One of the long-standing goals of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is to keep hunting and fishing regulations as simple and straightforward as possible, all while ensuring the protection of the resource for future generations. That balance isn’t always easy. But before taking a ...

As much as we look forward to it each year, early ice season always brings a mix of excitement and concern. The excitement is understandable. For many North Dakotans, there’s something about that first layer of ice stretching across a favorite slough or lake that gets the blood pumping. ...

BISMARCK – North Dakota’s river otter trapping season is closed. The statewide season’s predetermined harvest limit of 30 has been reached, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Only North Dakota residents were eligible to participate, with a season limit of one otter ...

What makes darkhouse spearfishing stand out from other types of fishing — especially in the winter? Is it more challenging? Absolutely. Does it bring a unique kind of success and satisfaction? No doubt about it. Fishing in winter already comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike ...

HuntLink is a new, voluntary program designed to help North Dakota landowners easily connect with hunters and trappers. The program offers a simple way to allow managed access for antlerless deer, coyotes, turkeys and other species. For landowners experiencing wildlife depredation or looking ...

Nonprofit organizations eligible to receive big game hunting licenses in 2026 must have the application submitted to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department no later than Jan. 1. North Dakota state law provides direction for the Game and Fish director to allocate big game hunting licenses ...