Located in the heart of "prairie pothole" country, hunters can experience world-class waterfowl hunting on the 96 Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) that make up Crosby WMD. These WPAs provide 18,730 acres of public hunting opportunities in three counties in the northwestern corner of North Dakota, along the Canadian border. All WPAs have large wetlands, creating ideal conditions for duck hunting. This area is well-known to traveling duck hunters, and each year many non-resident hunters return for their annual waterfowl hunt. With so many WPAs to choose from, hunters can nearly always find a wetland that harbors good numbers of puddle and diving ducks. As with other WPAs, other hunting is legal as well, and the cover around the wetlands can harbor good numbers of pheasant and white-tailed deer.
Visit the webpage for Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge to learn more about hunting regulations specific to the refuge.
Regulations
Unless otherwise noted, hunting is allowed in accordance with North Dakota state regulations.
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). Firearms may only be fired on the WPA in conjunction with a legal hunt for which the hunter is licensed.
Ammunition
Small game hunters using shotguns are required to use and possess only non-toxic shot.
Big Game Hunting Equipment and Removal
Portable tree stands, portable ground blinds, and game cameras may be used for big game hunting from August 20 to January 31. Equipment not removed by January 31 will be considered abandoned property and subject to removal and confiscation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Equipment left unattended must have an identification tag that includes the owner’s name, address, and telephone number; or a unique identification number issued by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The identification tag must be readable from the ground. The use of nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a stand or steps to a tree is prohibited. With the exception of the big game hunting equipment listed previously, all personal property must be removed at the end of each day.
Dogs
The use of dogs is encouraged for hunting upland game birds and waterfowl.
Baiting
The distribution of bait and hunting over bait is prohibited.