Quick Tips
- If you're hunting public land, just south of Lake Sakakawea on the National Grasslands is your best option
- North of the Missouri River provides some excellent opportunities = you'll have to get lucky on public access, though = permission on private property is recommended
- If you're up for a good hike, take Road 8 south of Stanley and try the State Trust Lands near the Little Knife River
- State Trust Lands may be closed to hunting if livestock are present
On The Ground
If you’re lucky enough to draw in unit M11, there’s some exceptional opportunities in a lot of areas of this large unit. There is a good amount of public access areas, providing hunters with excellent options to hunt throughout the unit. North Dakota’s moose range extends across all of this unit north of the Missouri River, and some large portions of the unit south of the river. If you’re hunting public access south of the Missouri River, stick to the Little Missouri National Grasslands near where the Missouri River flows into Lake Sakakawea for your best opportunities.
Recent Game and Fish Department surveys indicate that North Dakota’s highest moose population exists in the upper Missouri River area near Williston.
Terrain
The majority of this unit north of the river is part of North Dakota’s Northern Coteau region and features many coulees and pothole ponds that make it a popular nesting area for waterfowl. This area is primarily used for agricultural purposes, primarily crop production. You’ll find a number of wetlands, creeks, and coulees. Soft spongy soil up here due to the abundance of water. Beware if you venture off the roads. South of the Missouri River is rough terrain. Deep, narrow and steep canyons and creek bottoms are densely forested in the bottom. Badlands and creeks can be found throughout this area. North of the river features badlands, deep draws, and rugged terrain and along the river. As you move a few miles away from the river, however, this transitions to isolated badlands and ridges and primarily rolling hills. There are a lot of crop fields up here that moose love. As you head east, pothole ponds, lakes and river valleys start to appear on a regular basis. The Little Knife River and Shell Creek each form nice river valleys with lush native grasses. Farther east towards the Souris River, the terrain becomes even softer and wetter. Wetlands are common here and venturing off roads is not recommended.
Roughly 7,130 square miles
25.3% public land
Elevations range from 1,700 – 2,900 ft
Vegetation
North of the river is either cropland or wetlands with native grasses. Primary trees found up here are cottonwood, although you’ll find a variety of deciduous trees. Creek bottoms and drainages also feature patches of aspen and birch trees. South of the Missouri River includes heavily forested valleys 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. Primary grasses in this area include blue grama grass and wheatgrass.
Access
The northern portion of this unit provides easy access via highway or gravel road to the majority of this unit. Some areas can be more difficult to access due to the soft soil and sloughs so be sure to keep your vehicle on the roads. For the most part, there’s a road every mile, forming a consistent grid pattern. Highway 2 and Road 1804 will get you to any secondary roads you’ll need for access. Highway 85 and Road 23 will get you to most hunting spots south of the river. In the rougher parts of the National Grasslands, a long hike is your best bet for success. Part of the primary moose range is on The Fort Berthold Reservation. The reservation issues a limited number of tribal moose 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.
Camping and Lodging
Minot, Williston, Stanley, and Watford City all have established campgrounds and RV parks, providing camping options that cover the majority of this unit. Motels are also available in these four towns. If you’re hunting the grasslands south of where the Missouri River flows into Lake Sakakawea, Watford City is your best option for a motel. There are a number of campgrounds and RV parks along the river and Lake Sakakawea as well.
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