North Dakota limits crossbows to hunters holding a special crossbow permit issued by the Game and Fish Department Director, generally for hunters who are blind, paraplegic or have lost the use of one or both arms. Crossbows are also legal for hunters with a valid deer gun license during the deer gun season and for youth deer license holders. Legal crossbows need a minimum peak draw weight of 75 pounds, a working safety, a stock of at least 14 inches and bolts at least 14 inches long.
Terrain & Hunting Landscape
North Dakota is defined by vast, open-horizon prairies and the rolling 'Pothole Region' in the east, transitioning to the rugged, colorful buttes and canyons of the Badlands in the west. It is a landscape dominated by wind, grass, and sky.
Famous for its 'Prairie Pothole' waterfowl hunting, the state also hosts healthy populations of ring-necked pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge. Big game includes white-tailed deer, mule deer (in the west), pronghorn, and elk.
Public Hunting Areas
The Little Missouri National Grassland offers over a million acres of public land in the Badlands. The Sheyenne National Grassland and numerous PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) walk-in areas provide critical access for upland bird and deer hunters.
Crossbow & Bowhunting Culture
Hunting is a foundational rite of passage in North Dakota, with an incredibly high participation rate among residents. The culture revolves around 'the opener'—whether for waterfowl in the sloughs or pheasants in the CRP grass—and a strong spirit of neighborly land access.
Season Overview
Crossbows require a Director-issued special permit for bow seasons and are otherwise legal during deer gun and youth deer seasons. Minimum 75-pound peak draw weight, 14-inch stock and bolts, and 8x maximum scope power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a crossbow during North Dakota's archery deer season?
Not without a special permit. Crossbows are not legal archery equipment for the deer bow season unless the Game and Fish Director issues you a special crossbow permit.
Who qualifies for a North Dakota special crossbow permit?
The permit is intended for hunters who are blind, paraplegic or have lost the use of one or both arms. Applicants must also hold a valid license for the species they intend to hunt.
What are North Dakota's crossbow equipment requirements?
A legal crossbow must have a minimum peak draw weight of 75 pounds, a working safety, a stock at least 14 inches long, bolts at least 14 inches long, and must be fired from the shoulder.
Are crossbows allowed in archery-only areas of North Dakota?
Bow seasons are archery-only and crossbows are excluded except for special permit holders; crossbows are also allowed during the deer gun and youth deer seasons.
What license do I need to hunt with a crossbow in North Dakota?
You need a valid North Dakota license for the species and season, such as a deer bow license with a special crossbow permit or a deer gun license during the gun season.
What sights can I use on a crossbow in North Dakota?
Special permit holders may use telescopic, battery-powered or electronically lighted reticles, but magnification may not exceed eight power, and pistol-grip crossbows designed to be fired one-handed are illegal.
What is the PLOTS program in North Dakota?
The Private Land Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) program provides public walk-in access to private land for hunting, identified by distinct yellow signs and detailed in the annual NDGF Hunting Atlas.
Can I hunt mule deer anywhere in North Dakota?
While white-tailed deer are found statewide, mule deer are primarily concentrated in the rugged Badlands and western counties, and tags for them are typically more restricted.