Hunting

Across much of the Northern Great Plains, native prairie has been greatly reduced. At Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, however, roughly 70 percent of its 27,589 acres remain native prairie—rolling, grass‑covered hills dotted with prairie pothole wetlands. These diverse habitats support a variety of game species and offer hunters a unique prairie experience.

In addition to state hunting regulations, please review the following Refuge regulations to help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit:

Refuge Hunting Regulations

• By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
• Foot access only. Vehicles are restricted to public roads and recreation area parking lots. Use of bicycles, e-bikes, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and other off-road vehicles is prohibited.
• Areas around the Refuge office/visitor center and employee residences are closed to hunting.
• State law prohibits hunting within one‑quarter mile of any occupied building.
• The Refuge is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Hunting hours follow those set in the State hunting regulations unless otherwise noted (see hunting brochure).

Prohibited Activities

• Hunting waterfowl or any other species not listed in Refuge regulations.
• Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices.
• Using artificial light, night vision, thermal vision, or infrared light to locate or hunt game is prohibited. 
• Marking or flagging any tree, brush, or other Refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance.
• Baiting or use of scent wicks/lures.
• Permanent tree stands, nails, screw-in steps, screw-in camera mounts, or other items that penetrate the outer bark of a tree.
• Leaving hunting stands or blinds overnight.
• Drones (UAVs) taking off, landing and/or flying on or over refuge lands.
• Use or possession of lead shot for all shotgun hunting.
• Use of hunting dogs outside of upland game bird season.
• 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 while hunting. 
• Use of horses or other pack animals. 
• Camping and open fires. 
• Littering. Pack out all trash—including spent shell casings—to help keep the Refuge clean and natural.
• Fishing.

Big Game: Deer, Elk, Moose, Pronghorn

White‑tailed and mule deer use woody draws, wetland edges, and taller grasses throughout the Refuge. Moose numbers have steadily increased over the past decade, and they can be found feeding, resting, and raising young in the aspen and willow thickets surrounding many wetlands and lakes. 

• Hunting is in accordance with State seasons, including youth deer. 
• Deer hunters may not enter the Refuge before 12:00 pm (noon) on the first day of the respective season. 
• On opening day of the elk, pronghorn, and moose seasons, hunters may enter the Refuge ½-hour before sunrise.
• Portable tree stands are permitted but must be removed daily; only strap‑on steps or removable climbing ladders may be used.
• Hunters may carry, drag, or cart their harvested game out of the Refuge.

Upland Game Birds: Grouse, Partridge, Pheasant

Sharp‑tailed grouse are the most commonly pursued upland birds on the Refuge, and they’re typically found in open native prairie with a mix of grasses and scattered shrubs. Pheasants tend to use taller, denser cover such as grassier draws or patches of thicker vegetation near wetlands. Partridge are often found in more open, upland areas with shorter grasses and light shrub cover. Hunters should be prepared to cover long distances to locate birds, and using a dog can greatly improve chances of success.

• Hunting is in accordance with State seasons, including youth.
• Non-lead shot is required for all shotgun hunting.
• The use of dogs in accordance with State regulations is encouraged but they must be under the handler’s control at all times.

Coyote, Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Rabbit, Squirrel

• Hunt hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. 
• Non-lead shot is required for all shotgun hunting. 
• Use of dogs is prohibited. 
• Use of traps and cable devices is prohibited.

Additional Information

For additional updates, details, or clarifications, contact the Refuge Headquarters: (701) 848-2722.
Please review the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge hunting brochure for more information and a map.