North Dakota Legislation Lowers Age for Deer Hunters

May 4, 2009

Legislation Lowers Age for Deer Hunters

North Dakota’s 2009 legislative body had young deer hunters in mind when it passed two bills that change the minimum age to hunt deer in North Dakota.

Individuals ages 12 and 13 are now able to receive an antlerless whitetail license valid statewide, but only during the nine-and-a-half day youth deer season. However, this is not considered a youth season license because of the age of the hunters and the license is specific to whitetail does.

The youth deer season remains the same as past years except that 13-year-olds who turn 14 by the opening day of the November deer gun season can now participate. Youth deer season licenses are specific to hunters who are 14 (by opening day of the regular deer gun season) or 15. There will be separate license applications for 12- and 13-year-olds and 14- and 15-year-olds.

A complete list of hunting and fishing related bills that passed the house and senate and were signed into law is available on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.