Quick Tips
- Friendly landowners often host hunters
- Minot has a large variety of gun shops and sporting goods stores
- Oats, wheat, sunflowers and corn = what more could a whitetail want
- State Trust Lands may be closed to hunting if livestock are present
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-160" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
Part of North Dakota’s Northern Coteau region known for its rolling, grassy hills and rocky soils. This unit is part of one of North America’s prime waterfowl nesting areas. Good deer populations are found within this unit and hunters will have great options for pursuing them if public land can be found or privtae access granted.
Landowners have been known to gladly host hunters with antlerless tags in this unit. Certain areas have an overpopulation of deer that have caused damage to crops. You may even get lucky if you possess a buck tag.
Terrain
A combination of farmland, pothole ponds, lakes, creek bottoms and areas of dense deciduous forest offer a huge variety of opportunity. The unit is relatively flat with rolling hills and a bunch of private farmland.
Roughly 2,675 square miles
5.3% public land
Elevations range from 1,400 – 1,700 ft
Vegetation
There are a few areas within this unit, mostly around the drainages and creeks, that feature a variety of dense deciduous trees, primarily aspen and birch. The abundant water supply has also made this a prime area for farming.
Access
There are plenty of public roads getting you close to the PLOTS, WMAs and other public hunting grounds. Be sure have a good understanding of bridge locations if you’re hunting near rivers. The J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge is located on both sides of the Souris River, which runs south to north through this unit. The south end of this wildlife refuge features thick deciduous trees that have potential to hold whitetail. Contact refuge headquarters for hunting restrictions as they can vary. There are generally PLOTS areas scattered throughout this unit. North of Highway 2 between the towns of Rugby and Towner you’ll find some huntable WMAs and State Trust Lands. State Trust Land is generally open to public access, however operators leasing the land may close access if livestock is present. If you’re willing to ask permission on private lands, we’d recommend looking for creek bottoms and drainages coming off the Souris river. Between the easy water access, cover provided by trees and premier croplands, these areas may prove to be your best option if you’re wanting to stay away from public grounds. Although much of this unit is private property, there are plenty of opportunities for a successful whitetail hunt. Numerous public access areas scatter this unit, and all areas are relatively easy to access.
Camping and Lodging
There are a number of campgrounds, RV parks and motels near this unit. If you’re hunting the State Trust Lands near Towner, or near the southern end of the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Rugby may be your best option for a motel room. If you’re wanting to stay closer to the northern end of this unit, your best bet for a motel is in Bottineau. The Upham City Park along Highway 14 allows camping and is near the J. Clark Salyer Refuge. Primitive camping on most WMAs is allowed, but check restrictions in the specific WMA. Plus the cities of Minot, Velva and Towner are located along the southern portion of this unit, providing plenty of opportunities for a place to eat, sleep and get supplies whenever necessary.
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