Hunting

Hunting near Minot, North Dakota can be excellent, but finding quality opportunities on public land is often challenging. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge provides nearly 32,000 acres of accessible habitat, offering strong hunting prospects—especially for white‑tailed deer. The Refuge’s mix of upland grasslands, wooded coulees, and bottomland hardwoods creates some of the best deer habitat in the region. Along with deer hunting, upland bird hunters can find pheasant, sharp‑tailed grouse, and gray partridge, often with minimal hunting pressure.

The Refuge is open to foot access only, and although it appears narrow, hunters should be prepared for long walks and the effort required to pack harvested game out.

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 except for turkey hunting.
• Use of hunting dogs outside of upland game bird season.
• Commercial guiding and outfitting.
• Target and recreational shooting.
• 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 watercraft 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.

Big Game: Deer, Elk, Moose, Pronghorn

• Except for the area closed to hunting (see brochure map), hunting is allowed on the entire Refuge. 
• Hunting is in accordance with State bow, gun, muzzleloader, and youth seasons. 
• Deer hunters may not enter the Refuge before 12:00 pm (noon) on the first day of the respective season.
• A moose permit (Unit M10) from North Dakota Game and Fish is required to hunt moose on the Refuge.
• 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

• The Refuge has three hunting units for upland game birds. Please see the hunting brochure for specific unit regulations.
• 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.

Turkey

• Except for the area closed to hunting (see brochure map), hunting is allowed on the entire Refuge.
• Hunting is in accordance with the State spring and fall seasons.
• Turkey hunters must have a Unit 51 tag issued by ND Game & Fish.

Coyote, Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Rabbit, Squirrel

• Except for the area closed to hunting (see brochure map), hunting is allowed on the entire Refuge. 
• Hunting season begins the day following the close of the regular deer gun season through the end of the State season for each species or March 31, whichever is earlier. 
• 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) 468‑5467.
Please review the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge hunting brochure for more information and a map.