Quick Tips
- A plat map and current PLOTS map are essential in this unit
- Stop by the sporting goods store in Bowman for any last-minute supplies
- Plan ahead and get landowner permission if the area you want to hunt is private property
- PLOTS areas are walk-in only and State Trust Lands may have access restricted if livestock are present
- Be on the lookout for watering holes and crop fields, the pronghorn will be nearby
- Watch for antelope coming off private cropland and onto public access to water
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 80"+ |
On The Ground
With some of North Dakota’s most diverse terrain, Unit 5-A features the state’s highest point and a great habitat for pronghorn. North Dakota’s secondary pronghorn range covers this entire unit.
There are plenty of PLOTS properties and State Trust Lands where you’ll be able to catch antelope coming off wheat, alfalfa, and other fields.
Terrain
The northwestern corner of the unit has an impressive ridge with a drastic 400 foot elevation increase. East of the ridge are the Chalky Buttes badlands and Duff Gulch. A little farther east, and about 7 miles south of the town Amidon is White Butte, the state’s highest point at 3,506 feet. Although you’ll find other impressive badland buttes and ridges, this corner of 5-A is definitely the roughest part of the unit. 5-A is considered part of North Dakota’s Slope Region that features mixed-grass prairies and very few trees outside of the creek bottoms. There are numerous pothole ponds and creeks running throughout this unit, providing a variety of spots for antelope to water. There are very few natural wetlands, but small creeks and streams can be found throughout the unit.
Roughly 1,106 square miles
2.1% public land
Elevations range from 2,500 – 3,500 ft
Vegetation
Wheatgrass fields, grama grass prairies, and sagebrush cover much of Unit 5-A’s landscape. The semiarid soils also support alfalfa wheat and barley production. Creek bottoms throughout this unit are forested with aspen, oak and some ash, elm, birch and juniper.
Access
Highways 85 and 12 intersect at Bowman, 85 forms the unit’s western boundary while 12 forms the southern border. Highways 67 and 22 run north and south through the unit. All these roads will get you to virtually any spot in 5-A. With exception to the areas near a few of the ridges and buttes, paved or maintained dirt roads form a consistent grid across this entire unit. There are plenty of hunting opportunities for a nice antelope on a walk-in PLOTS area and on State Trust Land. However, few spots offer more than a section of consecutive public access.
Camping and Lodging
Along the western edge of this unit is the town of Bowman where you’ll find a number of motel accommodations, a variety of restaurants, and a sporting goods store. Although Bowman isn’t centrally located, it is a great spot to stay as two major highways in the area come together here. Bowman, Amidon, and New England each have campgrounds and RV parks. Primitive camping may be allowed on Indian Creek WMA and Cedar Lake WMA for a centralized base camp.
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