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Unit 4B

Last Updated: Nov 7, 2023
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Quick Tips

  • Watch for dense thickets of buckbrush = whitetail love bedding here during the day
  • North Dakota's primary mule deer range follows the Little Missouri River and extends southwest along Beaver Creek
  • Between the National Grassland, BLM land and State Trust Lands, there's plenty of public hunting property to accommodate lots of hunters
  • Be prepared with water, food and fuel = once you're away from civilization there aren't many places to pick up supplies
speciesgeneral Sizetrophy potential
Mule Deer120"-150"170"+
Whitetail Deer110"-150"160"+

On The Ground

Unit 4B is a deer hunter’s dream come true – Lots of public access, lots of whitetail draws, and lots of badlands and creek bottoms creating excellent mule deer habitat.

If you’re able to find a good spot near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and wait patiently, you could be rewarded with a B&C trophy.

Terrain

Unit 4B is extremely rough terrain throughout the majority of the unit. Lots of coulees and buckbrush covered whitetail draws in the northern portion. Steep rough draws and creek bottoms in the center and southeast portion. The bottoms of draws throughout this unit support thick groves of deciduous trees. Overall, there are a bunch of places for muleys and whitetails to hide. The Little Missouri River forms the eastern border, while the Montana state line is the western border.

  • Roughly 1,603 square miles

  • 42% public land

  • Elevations range from 1,900 – 2,900 ft

The Little Missouri River flows along the east border of this unit, creating a heavily forested valley of deciduous trees, primarily aspen and oak, as well as some small, dense stands of ponderosa pine. Most creek bottoms and draws are forested with aspen and oak as well as some ash, elm, birch and juniper. Buckbrush thickets are common in the northern portion of this unit, but can be found throughout. Primary grasses in this unit include blue grama grass and wheatgrass.

For as rough as Unit 4B is, access is actually pretty good. In the really rough areas, roads wind through the bottom of draws. Some are maintained roads, while some are trail roads. There are enough roads through the tough terrain that you’ll be able to find a spot to hunt without having to hike too far. Study maps to familiarize yourself with the unit and pick a few spots to check out, then scout those areas prior to the season if possible. The oil industry is active in parts of Unit 4B. Wherever there’s an active oilfield, the gravel roads will be well maintained to accommodate the increased truck traffic. If you do venture far from your vehicle, be aware of your vehicle’s location in relation to where you’re hunting. Don’t shoot a deer if you’re unable to get it back to your vehicle. As you head south, the unit narrows to about 19 miles wide with the Little Missouri River creating the eastern boundary. Beaver Creek branches off the Little Missouri and winds through the badlands to the southwest. Beaver Creek has carved out a flat, lush creek bottom that’s full of deciduous trees. North Dakota’s primary mule deer range follows the Little Missouri River and Beaver Creek. This truly is prime mule deer country with food, water, and steep ridges. You’ll find some great State Trust Lands and PLOTS areas to hunt along Beaver Creek. North of Beaver Creek are some fantastic draws that hold both mule deer and whitetail deer. There’s also enough BLM property and State Trust Lands around here to support hunters. The northeast corner of this unit is primarily private property with a few 650-acre State Trust Lands. The northwest portion is nearly all Little Missouri National Grassland. Further south along the Little Missouri River, the Little Missouri National Grassland picks up again, providing another 30,000 acres of public hunting property.

At the four corners of this unit, Watford City, Medora, Beach, and Fairview, MT each have motel accommodations available. There are a few campgrounds along the Little Missouri River and near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Watford City has a couple sporting goods stores as well in case you need ammunition or other gear. Sidney, MT also has sporting goods stores and accommodations if that’s closer to where you’d like to hunt. Really, once you’re away from the four corners of this unit, you’re away from any towns. Don’t get stuck out there low on fuel or without food and water.

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