Quick Tips
- Watch for dense thickets of buckbrush = whitetail love bedding here during the day
- Watch for whitetails heading into the eastern edge of badlands in the morning, and coming out of them to feed on ag fields in the evening
- North Dakota's primary mule deer range covers the majority of this unit = along the Little Missouri River is especially good muley habitat
- Be prepared with water, food, and fuel = once you're away from civilization there aren't many places to pick up supplies
- Scout and study maps before opening day
- Deer are protected on Theodore Roosevelt National Park = if you find a good vantage point just outside the park, you'll have a good opportunity to catch a nice buck coming off the park
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 120"-150" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-150" | 160"+ |
On The Ground
Unit 4C is one of North Dakota’s better units to draw either a mule deer or whitetail deer tag. You’ll find lots of public access, lots of whitetail draws, and lots of badlands and creek bottoms creating excellent mule deer habitat. The eastern edge of this unit along Highway 85 is primarily private property. The unit’s northern and western borders are created by the Little Missouri River. The majority of this unit is Little Missouri National Grassland, providing thousands of acres of public access. 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.
Excellent deer numbers are present throughout this unit and hard hunting can leading to some great bucks.
Terrain
Unit 4C is extremely rough terrain throughout the majority of the unit. Lots of deep canyons and buckbrush covered whitetail draws as you move farther east from the Little Missouri River. Steep, rough, forested muley draws and creek bottoms closer to the river. 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. Drainages, deep badland draws and creek bottoms are generally covered with aspen and oak trees, while dense thickets of buckbrush provide a great place for whitetails to hunker down and hide.
Roughly 797 square miles
61.2% public land
Elevations range from 2,000 – 2,800 ft
Vegetation
The Little Missouri River flows along the north and west border of this unit, creating a heavily forested valley of deciduous trees, primarily aspen and oak. There are also some thick stands of ponderosa pine along the river valley. 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 Unit 4C as well. Primary grasses in this unit include blue grama grass and wheatgrass.
Access
Most of this unit is extremely rough, with a few roads winding through the bottoms of draws. 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. It may not be the spot you’re wanting to hunt, but there are options. The farther you’re willing to hike in the badlands, the more opportunity you’ll have on the Little Missouri National Grassland. The oil industry is active in many of the roughest parts of Unit 4C. Wherever there’s an active oilfield, the roads will be well maintained to accommodate the increased truck traffic. Government Creek Road branches off of I-94 and forms the southeastern border of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You’ll find some great State Trust Lands and PLOTS areas with draws that hold both muley and whitetail throughout this unit as well.
Camping and Lodging
Not many options for accommodations in Unit 4C. If you’re hunting the northern portion of this unit, your best bet is to stay in Watford City. It is a bit over 15 miles north of the northeastern corner of the unit along Highway 85. Watford City has a couple sporting goods stores as well in case you need ammunition or other gear. Belfield is a good town to stay in if you’re hunting the southern part of 4C. Belfield has a sporting goods store as well. There are at least three or four RV parks along Highway 85 between Belfield and Watford City if you have a camper trailer. A couple campgrounds allow tent camping along the Little Missouri River, but you’ll want to verify that they’re accessible before you hunt. This unit is desolate, don’t get stuck out there low on fuel or without food and water.
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