If you’re lucky enough to draw in unit E2, there’s some exceptional opportunities in a lot of areas. The majority of this unit is rough badlands. There is a good amount of public access areas, providing hunters with excellent options to hunt throughout the unit. The Little Missouri River flows right through the center of this unit, creating a heavily forested valley of deciduous trees.

It seems that there’s a herd north of the Killdeer mountains every single year. If you’re able to find a good spot near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, be patient, and glass constantly, you could be rewarded with a true trophy.

Unit E2 is extremely rough terrain throughout the majority of the unit. Deep, narrow and steep canyons and creek bottoms are densely forested in the bottom. This provides great habitat for elk. The Little Missouri River runs through the center of this unit and irrigates a healthy deciduous forest along its banks. The river also feeds a number of coulees. Drastic inclines and sharp changes in elevation are normal throughout this unit. It will be a tough hike, but a worthwhile hike.

The Little Missouri River flows right through the center of this unit, creating a heavily forested valley of deciduous trees, primarily aspen and oak. There’s also some dense 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 throughout this unit as well. Primary grasses in this unit include blue grama grass and wheatgrass. The Killdeer forest is the state’s largest deciduous forest excluding floodplains bordering major rivers. It consists of a dense aspen and oak forest with some ash, elm, birch, and juniper.

Winding roads weave through the badlands wherever they can. Be prepared to travel on some unmarked roads that may or may not be maintained very well. The oil industry is active in Unit E2. Wherever there’s an active oilfield, the gravel roads will be well maintained to accommodate the increased truck traffic. There are some trail roads that will get you deep into the badlands, but you’ll still have to put in a hike to get to a great hunting spot. Hike as far from your vehicle as you’re able. The unit’s largest public access area, the Little Missouri National Grassland, includes well over 100,000 acres of badlands to hunt on both sides of the river. There’s also a lot of BLM land along the Little Missouri River valley and State Trust Lands scattered throughout the unit. Additionally, the Killdeer Mountains WMA features nearly 7,000 acres of prime elk habitat. The Fort Berthold Reservation issues a limited number of tribal elk licenses to North Dakota residents and non-residents. Since hunting on the reservation is managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs rather than North Dakota’s Game and Fish agency, a tribal license is required and some regulations vary. You can find additional information online or by contacting the Fort Berthold Fish and Wildlife Division. There’s so much public access in Unit E2 that you shouldn’t have to worry about hunting private property unless you want to, or have connections that offer you their property to hunt. The good news is that many landowners welcome hunters. Unit E2 has developed a reputation of friendly, welcoming landowners. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a haven for elk. Hunting isn’t allowed on the park, but there are public access areas just off park property. You may have a great opportunity if you find a good spot and wait for elk to cross the park’s boundary.

Killdeer and Watford City are your best options for motel accommodations. Both towns also have a campground and RV park. You’ll find additional campgrounds along Highway 85 near the Little Missouri River. 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. Once you’re away from the primary highways around this unit, you’re away from any towns. Don’t get stuck out there low on fuel or without food and water.