North Dakota

Sub-species: Eastern, Merriam’s

Tags: Lottery** plus leftover license sales

Application Period: Approx Feb 12 deadline

Electronic or Print at Home Fulfillment: YES with some exceptions

Hunter Education Required: Yes if born after 1961 UNLESS only hunting on land you own or operate

Bag Limit: Varies by area**

2026 Spring Season Dates: April 11 – May 17, may vary by area.  Only residents can hunt the spring season with the exception of Tribal lands.

2026 Fall Season Dates: Oct 10 – Jan 3

Special Youth Hunt: April 11 – May 17

Special Disabled Hunt: No

Decoys Allowed: Yes

Tagging Instructions: Immediately after a turkey is taken, the hunter must indicate the date of kill by cutting out the appropriate month and day from the tag provided with the license, and attach it around the leg of the turkey in an exact manner as illustrated on the license to prevent its removal. It is not legal to possess or transport a turkey unless it is properly tagged. The tag shall remain with the carcass until it is packaged as food. No person may reuse or attempt to reuse any tag issued. The meat tag must remain with the edible flesh during any transportation and until it is processed and packaged as food.

Noteworthy Restrictions: Shotguns, including muzzleloading shotguns, no larger than 10 gauge and capable of holding not more than three shells in the magazine and chamber are legal. Minimum barrel length is 18 inches. Any person may enter upon legally posted land (without a firearm or bow) to recover game shot or killed on land where he/she had a lawful right to hunt. Failure to close gates upon exit or entry is a criminal violation punishable by forfeiture of hunting licenses.  Hunting hours end at sunset.  It is illegal to hunt upon the premises of another within 440 yards of any occupied building without the consent of the person occupying such building. Exception: Hunting is not prohibited on land owned by neighbors (private or public) even if the land is located less than 440 yards from the occupied building.  Failure to close gates upon exit or entry is a criminal violation punishable by forfeiture of hunting licenses.

** Non residents can ONLY hunt spring turkeys on tribal / reservation lands.  If an individual hunts exclusively on Native American land within a reservation, a tribal license is required and a state hunting license is not required. Hunting on non-tribal lands within a reservation requires a state hunting license. Game taken legally with a tribal license within a reservation may be possessed and transported anywhere in North Dakota.

North Dakota Game and Fish

701-328-6300

Purchase License Online

Licenses Needed to Hunt Turkeys