While deer and upland game bird hunting can be quite good near Minot, one of North Dakota's largest cities, opportunities on public lands can be hard to find. Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge offers almost 32,000 acres for quality hunting, particularly for the area's abundant white-tailed deer. The upland grasslands, bottomland hardwood stands, and wooded coulees provide some of the best deer habitat in the area. The deer, moose, and turkey permits are a lottery hunt administered through the State. The Refuge can only be accessed by foot. Although the Refuge is relatively narrow, hunters should still be prepared for a long haul to get their harvested game out. While deer get most of the attention, upland bird hunters can find pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, and gray partridge with very little hunting pressure. Moose and turkey hunting opportunities are also available.
Please familiarize yourself with the following information to help ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience:
• Hunting on the Refuge is in accordance with all North Dakota Game and Fish Department regulations.
• Check with the Refuge Manager for updated regulations and seasons.
• Respect the privileges of other hunters who may be in close proximity to you.
• Visitors must take their trash (including shotgun shell casings) with them so the area will remain clean, natural, and enjoyable.
• Overnight camping and open fires are prohibited.
• Intoxicated and disorderly conduct is prohibited.
HUNTING REGULATIONS
• The areas surrounding the Refuge office/visitor center and residences are posted closed to hunting.
• State law prohibits hunting within one-quarter mile of an occupied building.
• The Refuge is open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Deer and Moose Hunting
• Archery and gun seasons on the Refuge coincide with State hunting season dates.
• A Refuge permit issued by the ND Game & Fish Department for Unit IIIA2 is required to hunt antlered deer on the Refuge during the 16½-day rifle season.
• A permit issued by the ND Game and Fish Department for Unit M10 is required to hunt moose on the Refuge.
• Hunters possessing a muzzleloader deer permit may hunt without a Refuge permit.
• Portable tree stands are allowed, but they must be removed from the Refuge daily. Only strap-on steps or removable climbing ladders are allowed.
• Hunters can carry, drag, or use a cart to remove their deer or moose.
• Muzzleloader and youth deer hunting is allowed.
Grouse, Partridge and Pheasant Hunting
• Approved ton-toxic shot is required when hunting upland game on the Refuge.
• Blaze orange vest and cap must be worn when hunting game birds during the deer gun season.
Spring Turkey Hunting
• Spring turkey hunting is allowed anywhere on the Refuge except the closed area surrounding the Refuge headquarters/visitor center and residences.
• Turkey hunters must possess a State issued Unit 51 tag from the ND Game and Fish Department to hunt on the Refuge.
• Approved non-toxic shot is required when hunting turkey on the Refuge.
Please consult the Refuge Manager for any further clarifications.
Please see the Upper Souris NWR hunting brochure for further information and a map.
To learn more about hunting in North Dakota, please visit the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website.
