In 1953, bow hunting whitetail deer was legalized in North Dakota through the efforts of archery enthusiasts such as Ralph Wheeler and other charter members of the Nishu Bowmen. Bowhunting in North Dakota has grown over the years to include big game hunting for whitetail and mule deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and antelope.

Deer bowhunting seasons begin in early September and run through early January in North Dakota. Bowhunters in North Dakota, can hunt for deer throughout the state without the restriction of zones. This allows bowhunters additional hunting opportunities not available to other shooting sports.

Many landowners like bowhunting because of its limited shooting range. Landowners often open lands to bowhunting that remain closed to other hunters. Hunters should get permission before hunting on private land.

Nearly 10,000 acres of open public lands are available to bowhunters within a short distance of the Bismarck/Mandan area. Open areas include:

• Oahe Wildlife Management Area
• Kimball Bottoms
• Little Heart Bottoms
• Morton County Wildlife Management Area
• Graners Bottoms (Sugarloaf)