Quick Tips
- Check out the drainages along the Souris River = great cover and nearby feeding grounds
- Kenmare has a small sporting goods store if you're in the area
- Minot has a large variety of gun shops and sporting goods stores
- A lot of great feeding areas for deer in this unit
- State Trust Lands may be closed to hunting if livestock are present
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-150" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Although much of this unit is private property, there are opportunities for a successful deer hunt. Public areas are scattered throughout the unit and are generally easy to access. Whitetail tend to be more common but some great mule deer opportunities can also be found.
Good populations of deer can be found in this unit. Whitetail tend to be more common but some great mule deer opportunities can be found.
Terrain
This unit is in North Dakota’s Northern Coteau region and features many coulees and pothole ponds that make it a popular nesting area for waterfowl. This unit is primarily used for agricultural purposes – both farming and cattle production. Property along the Souris river features many drainages with areas of dense aspen and birch trees. There are a handful of excellent drainages with dense trees that will hold whitetails. Early morning and midafternoon are great times to try catching deer heading from croplands to the river for the day, or heading out to the crop fields in the evening.
Roughly 1,722 square miles
4.5% public land
Elevations range from 1,500 – 1,850 ft
Vegetation
There are a few areas within this unit, mostly along the drainages and creeks, that feature a variety of dense deciduous trees, primarily aspen and birch. The abundant water supply and excellent soil has also made this a prime area for farming and cattle production.
Access
Unit 3A2 features primarily private land east of Highway 52 and west of Highway 88. The northernmost portion of Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge is in the northwest corner of this unit. The Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is on both sides of the Souris River throughout the center of this unit. The Souris flows from Canada to the south before it fills Lake Darling. Be sure and check with the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge headquarters prior to hunting, as regulations can change from year to year. There are plenty of public roads getting you close to the Trust Lands and other public hunting grounds. A few State Trust Lands near the Souris River may see whitetails traveling through on their way to and from feeding grounds as well. Keep in mind that State Trust Land is generally open to public access, however operators leasing the land may close access if livestock are present. There are other State Trust Lands, and are generally a few CRP fields and PLOTS areas to hunt, but the prime hunting is found on private land where drainages and creek bottoms funnel the deer from cover and out to their feeding grounds.
If you’re willing to ask permission on private lands, we’d recommend looking for creek bottoms and drainages coming off the Souris river.
Camping and Lodging
Minot and Kenmare have established campgrounds and RV parks. If you’re hunting near the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, check with park headquarters regarding camping. There’s also a rustic hunting lodge near Mohall. Motels are available in Minot, at the far southern edge of this unit, and in Kenmare, in the northwest portion of the unit.
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