ND Outdoors: Deer hunting enforcement

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - In the next couple of weeks, thousands of deer hunters will hit the field looking to fill their deer tags. There are some rules and regulations hunters need to follow during the season.

“So you need 400 square inches of solid fluorescent orange above your waist, and you also need an orange hat or head covering,” said Gage Muench, North Dakota Game and Fish district game warden.

One thing to remember is to always have your deer tag with you while you’re hunting.

“It’s very important piece of the whole hunt that you need to make sure you have with you and it’s ready to go when you need it,” said Muench.

And if you’re lucky enough to harvest a deer, there are some things you need to do immediately.

“The first thing they need to do when they come up on that animal is get out their tag, validate it, and get that tag affixed to it before doing anything else with the deer,” said Muench.

You can transport someone else’s deer with the proper permit.

“So if you’re in a situation where you have to transport somebody else’s deer or have somebody else transport your deer for you, get in touch with a warden or some local law enforcement, have transportation permits, and both of the hunter and the individual transporting that deer needs to be present,” said Muench.

Always make sure you have the right to be on the land where you’re hunting.

“As far as posting goes, there’s two main ways of posting in the state of North Dakota. It’s either physical posted, the more the traditional route, or it can also be post electronically,” said Muench.

If you harvest a deer on land where you have the legal right to hunt and it runs onto posted property, you are allowed to retrieve the animal.

“You have to do it unarmed, so any weapon you have with you, a bow or a rifle has to be left at the fence. Retrieve that animal and, as fast as possible, bring it the most direct route back to the property you have the legal right to be hunting on,” said Muench.

Even though you can retrieve the animal, it’s always a good idea to let the landowner know.

“The most important thing is that we want people out in the field following the rules, recreating safely and having fun with everyone. At the end of the day, we want everyone to get home safe,” said Muench.

If you witness a game and fish violation, call the Report All Poachers number at 701-328-9921. For all deer hunting regulations in 2025, visit gf.nd.gov.