North Dakota Sportsman

North Dakota Sportsman This page is for all North Dakota Sportsman
Check here for hunting and fishing reports state wide

09/04/2026

Archery Deer opens today at Noon! Are you going to be snapping pictures tonight? Let’s go! Hunting season is here!

Devils lake once again has an archery range!
08/27/2026

Devils lake once again has an archery range!

From North Dakota Game and Fish DepartmentNorth Dakota’s deer bow season opens Sept. 4 at noon and continues through Jan...
08/20/2026

From North Dakota Game and Fish Department

North Dakota’s deer bow season opens Sept. 4 at noon and continues through Jan. 3, 2027.

Nonresident hunters should note that they may only hunt on private land, excluding Private Land Open To Sportsmen, during the first 9 ½ days of the deer bow season. They may begin hunting public land and PLOTS on Sept. 14.

Bowhunters can buy a license online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or at vendors linked to the department’s online licensing system.

Hunters should plan accordingly and allow for time to receive their tag in the mail, as the tag will arrive by postal mail and not over the counter while the customer waits. This applies while purchasing a bow license at a license vendor, or at the Game and Fish Department. The bow tag will be mailed the next business day after the license is purchased.

All archery hunters must have a bow tag in possession before hunting.

Hunters can find season information and regulations on the Game and Fish website.

Another year and drought seems to be holding on and even expanding across the state. What is your go to tactic when the ...
08/13/2026

Another year and drought seems to be holding on and even expanding across the state. What is your go to tactic when the water is low? Many people think drought years are the best hunting years because the ducks are so congregated. What do you think?

Always nice to see these ones!
08/12/2026

Always nice to see these ones!

Just wanted to highlight a good habitat program that’s available to landowners in the state. I know there are always peo...
07/22/2026

Just wanted to highlight a good habitat program that’s available to landowners in the state. I know there are always people looking to have trees planted and create more habitat. Check the comments below for a link.

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐞!The North Dakota Game and Fish Department stocked nearly 12 million walleye fingerlings statewide ...
07/18/2026

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐞!

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department stocked nearly 12 million walleye fingerlings statewide earlier this summer, about 11 million of which were raised at Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery and 1.1 million at Valley City National Fish Hatchery.

The record combined walleye production from both federal hatcheries was more than 12 million in 2017.

“Traditionally, on large production years, significant numbers of walleye fingerlings would go to big systems”, according to Jerry Weigel, North Dakota Game and Fish Department fish production and development section supervisor, “but this year, 2.3 million walleye went into Lake Sakakawea and just under 500,000 into Stump, Darling and Ashtabula, with the remaining fish stocked into over 150 other lakes”.

Each spring, walleye eggs are collected by fisheries personnel and taken to Garrison Dam and Valley City national fish hatcheries where they are hatched. Shortly after, the walleye fry are stocked into production ponds and after a month of growth, 1-inch or larger fingerlings are collected and stocked across the state.

Distribution trucks traveled more than 12,000 miles over a two-week period in June to stock fingerlings.

“Stocking conditions in 2026 were optimal given the unusually cool temperatures over the weeks in June when fish were being stocked,” Weigel said.

The receiving waters were rich in invertebrates, critical food for the survival of the newly stocked walleye. Conditions are favorable for good survival and growth of young walleyes.

Additionally, 1.1 million northern pike fingerlings where stocked into 37 waters statewide. These pike stockings are generally limited to waters that do not support walleye but provide unique fishing opportunities and enjoyment from the fast-growing pike.

Department partnerships with national hatcheries, department stocking efforts and favorable conditions continue to bolster excellent fishing opportunities across the state for years to come.

06/30/2026

Check out this storm!

06/30/2026

lightning from tonight’s storm system! Pretty cool to watch!

06/30/2026

More rain on the prairie tonight!

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Devils Lake, ND

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