Quick Tips
- Check on hunting access for the WMAs near Lake Oahe
- State Trust Land may be closed to hunting if livestock are present
- Private property access opens up a lot of opportunity = get a current plat map if you're asking permission on private property
- Park the truck and walk = Putting in a hike is essential to success in this unit
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-140" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-150" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Unit 3C is a good little unit for whitetail. There are good opportunities for mule deer as well, but the majority of mule deer country is on private property. There’s not a lot of public access, however, so be sure and contact landowners well before the season starts to get permission on these properties. You’ll see whitetails throughout Unit 3C, but they tend to be found in the draws that are near oat and barley fields.
Good hunting opportunities exist here but some of the public land pieces can be difficult to reach and private lands dominate most of the area.
Terrain
Unit 3C’s terrain is a whitetail haven. The deep ravines branching off Lake Oahe provide prime whitetail habitat. These deep draws and ridges also accommodate the needs of mule deer. Moving away from the river to the north transitions to rolling hills and cropland, although there are still plenty of heavily forested draws. On the east side of the river, the southern portion of Unit 3C starts out rough with steep ridges and buttes. As you head further east, however, it transitions to flatter farmland with many small lakes and ponds. There’s usually some decent-sized PLOTS properties that provide opportunity for a whitetail.
Roughly 1,522 square miles
11.4% public land
Elevations range from 1,650 – 2,200 ft
Vegetation
Thick stands of cottonwood, ash, and willow trees cover most of the creek bottoms near the Missouri River. You’ll also find an occasional patch of evergreens, but cottonwoods are the most common trees you’ll encounter in Unit 3C. You’ll find some oats being farmed in the unit, as well as wheatgrass hay fields. Grama grass prairies and buckbrush filled canyons are also somewhat common.
Access
Access to much of this unit is limited. The draws that branch off the Missouri River are just too deep and rugged to accommodate much of a road. That said, most of the State Trust Lands have adequate roads nearby. If you have an ATV or UTV in an area where motorized vehicles are allowed, or if you’re willing to put in a hike, your opportunities for success will improve. Take note – Bismarck is your only opportunity to cross the river in this unit. There are generally some exceptional PLOTS properties in this unit, and many of the State Trust Lands are located on prime deer habitat as well. The south side of the river features some rough ridges and impassable draws in a vehicle. There aren’t a lot of primary roads along here. The north side of the river is a little smoother with more rolling hills and farmland, however there are still plenty of rough spots. The WMAs along both sides of Lake Oahe provide thousands of acres of public access. Check with North Dakota’s Game and Fish to ensure that hunting access will not be restricted.
Camping and Lodging
You’ll easily find a campground or RV park along the river and surrounding areas. Motel accommodations are available in Bismarck and Linton. Bismarck also has a variety of sporting goods stores if you’re in need of last-minute supplies.
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