Quick Tips
- While there aren't any huge swaths of public land, there are a lot of smaller areas. You could check out several of them in one day if you plan correctly
- Get an updated public access map prior to hunting
- Unit 2E is primarily known as a waterfowl hotspot with a large number of state Waterfowl Production Areas that house exceptional habitat for ducks and geese so don't leave the shotgun at home
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-160" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
While there are many small public access areas, the vast majority of this unit is private. Hunters looking to have a good chance at a mature buck would do well to put in some time prior to the season to learn which private lands allow hunting.
The abundance of public access areas and a combination of creeks, wetlands, and croplands in this unit create good opportunities for deer.
Terrain
This unit is primarily in North Dakota’s Northern Coteau region and features many coulees and pothole ponds, especially in the northeastern portion of the unit. This makes it a popular nesting area for waterfowl. While the land is not exceptionally rugged, it is also not flat terrain. There are plenty of ups and downs that provide deer places to hide. This is good for the hunter that is willing to put in a little extra effort to scout out all of the nooks and crannies.
Roughly 4,187 square miles
2.8% public land
Elevations range from 1,500 – 2,000 ft
Vegetation
Much of this unit is either agricultural property, both livestock pasture and cropland, or wetlands with native grasses. The ridges and some coulees and draws feature primarily cottonwood, with some scattered aspen and birch trees. Native tree patches in Unit 2E are scarce for the most part.
Access
There is great access via highway and county roads that will get you close to most areas. There are a few areas in the region that don’t have marked roads, but in general, the public land portions are small, and accessing them on foot is not too difficult. Much of this unit is wetlands with extremely soft soil, so be aware if you venture off the roads. This is a good unit for hunters that don’t want a physically challenging hunt.
Camping and Lodging
There are several towns bordering this unit that provide lodging. Rugby and Devils Lake City both provide lots of options for lodging and supplies. Primitive camping is offered in most WMAs in North Dakota, but you should be sure to check WMA-specific regulations before pitching a tent.
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