Hunting

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 59,000 acres of diverse habitat, including marshes, hardwood river bottoms, and sandhill prairie. These areas support a strong population of white‑tailed deer and provide hunters with ample space and opportunity. The Refuge also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of other big game, small game and game birds. This range of habitats and species makes the Refuge a valued destination for hunters in north‑central North Dakota.

Refuge Hunting Regulations

Hunting is allowed in accordance with Federal regulations, State regulations, and the Refuge-specific regulations.

Areas Open to Hunting 

Hunting Area 1 – There are nine areas included in Hunting Area 1. These areas are open to antelope, deer, elk, moose, grouse, partridge, pheasant, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, fox, coyote, skunk, raccoon, and waterfowl (coot, duck, and goose) hunting in accordance with State regulations and seasons, and Refuge-specific regulations.

Hunting Area 2 – This area is open to antelope, deer, elk, grouse, moose, partridge, pheasant, and turkey hunting in accordance with State regulations and seasons, and Refuge-specific regulations. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, fox, coyote, skunk, and raccoon on the day following the close of the State firearm deer season through the end of the regular season for each species or March 31, whichever comes first.

Hunting Area 3 – This area is open to antelope, deer, elk, and moose hunting during the State hunting seasons. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, fox, coyote, skunk, raccoon, grouse, partridge, and pheasant on the day following the close of the State firearm deer season through the end of the regular season for each species or March 31, whichever comes first. Area 3 is closed to waterfowl hunting.

Area Closed to Hunting

The area surrounding Headquarters is closed to hunting. The area is posted with No Hunting Zone signs.

Access and Vehicle Use 

Vehicle and bicycle travel is restricted to public roads. When parked, vehicles should not block gates. Access to Refuge land is walk-in only.

Equipment

All hunting equipment must be removed from the Refuge at the end of each day.

Prohibited Activities

• By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
• Use of ATVs, UTVs, ORVs, OHVs, snowmobiles, amphibious vehicles, and other off-road vehicles.
• Entering areas posted No Hunting Zone.
• Hunting any species not specifically listed.
• Pre-season scouting.
• Target shooting and/or target practice.
• Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices.
• Marking or flagging any tree, brush, or other refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance.
• Baiting or use of scent wicks/lures.
• Drones (UAVs) taking off, landing and/or flying on or over refuge lands.
• Use or possession of toxic (lead) shot while hunting birds except turkey.
• Permanent tree stands, nails, screw-in steps, or other items that penetrate the outer bark of a tree.
• Leaving tree stands, ladders, blinds, and other personal equipment overnight.
• Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, skulls, plants, and/or historic and archaeological features protected by Federal law. 
• Use or possession of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.
• Off-road travel with motorized vehicles, and bicycles.
• Use of horses, or other pack animals.
• Camping and fires.
• Littering.

Firearms

Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32.)

Additional Information

For additional updates, details, or clarifications, contact the Refuge Headquarters: (701) 768-2548.
Please review the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge hunting brochure for more information and a map.