B5 is the smallest sheep unit in the state but has great access and has produced great rams over the years. The western and northern parts of the unit consist of the North Dakota badlands, which means rough and rugged terrain. There are plenty of buttes and draws, especially along the Little Missouri River, that hold bighorn sheep.

Rams in this unit have generally been taken from the northern portions of this unit. Some areas are more rugged and remote than others. Be sure to check out the harvest reports for a good starting point in search of a good mature ram.

Unit B5 is extremely rough terrain throughout the majority of the unit making this great bighorn sheep habitat. Deep, narrow and steep canyons and creek bottoms are densely forested in the bottom. This provides great habitat for both whitetail and mule deer. The Little Missouri River runs along the northern edge 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 along the northern part 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. Buckbrush thickets are common in this unit as well and provide a perfect place for whitetails to bed down during the day.

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 parts of Unit B5. Highway 85 runs through the western part of the unit, giving plenty of access points to prime country. 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 probably still have to do some hiking to get to a great hunting spot. Be aware of where your vehicle is in relation to where you’re hunting, it can be a long, steep hike back to the pickup, especially if you’re packing out a heavy ram. The Little Missouri River flows along the northern edge of this unit, creating a heavily forested valley of deciduous trees. The unit’s largest public access area, the Little Missouri National Grassland, includes around 35,000+ acres of badlands to hunt south and east 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 habitat.

Killdeer in the southeast and Watford City in the northwest corners of this unit 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.