Navigating North Dakota's Waterfowl Landscape: Pat Kalmerton's Essential Tips for Devils Lake Hunters
I've just returned from another incredible waterfowl hunt near Devils Lake, North Dakota. I've been chasing ducks and geese out here since I was a kid, and while the hunting remains spectacular, the rules of the game—specifically, how we gain access to the land—have changed dramatically.
Forget the old days of phone books, courthouse records, and a trunk full of Johnsonville brats to win over a landowner. The future of hunting access is digital, and understanding the new North Dakota regulations is non-negotiable.
Here are the key insights and essential technology every hunter needs before hitting the field.
The Technological Revolution of Land Access
The single biggest game-changer for hunting in North Dakota is the adoption of electronic land posting and GPS mapping. This technology has replaced the old-school paper plot books and lengthy research required to find a landowner's contact information.
Your #1 Tool: The onX Hunt App
If you are not using ONX Hunt, you are wasting valuable time and, more importantly, risking a trespassing violation.
onX Hunt has become the definitive tool for legal hunting access in areas like Devils Lake. With an Elite membership, you can turn on specific layers that are critical for your hunt:
Property Boundaries: Instantly see where private land ends and public land begins.
Electronic Posting: Crucially, onX shows properties that are "electronically posted," meaning they are legally closed to non-resident hunting without explicit permission, even if no physical sign is present.
Landowner Information: In many cases, the app provides the property owner’s name and contact information, streamlining the process of asking for permission—a courtesy I still highly encourage.
Pat’s Tip: The law states that if a property is not physically posted and not electronically posted on a verified platform like the one used by North Dakota Game and Fish (which onX reflects), it is fair game for non-resident hunting. Use onX to confirm its status before you set foot on it!
Non-Resident Zone Restrictions: Know Your Limits
The days of a single, statewide non-resident waterfowl license are over. North Dakota has implemented a new system of hunting zones to better manage pressure and activity across the state. This is an essential regulation to understand to avoid license revocation.
North Dakota’s Six Non-Resident Waterfowl Zones
Non-resident waterfowl hunters are now required to choose a specific zone when purchasing their license. Here’s what you need to know:
Seven-Day Periods: You can only hunt in a designated zone for a seven-day period.
Two-Zone Maximum: You can select a total of two different zones to hunt for two separate seven-day periods throughout the season. You cannot hunt the same zone twice.
Strategic Licensing: If you plan to hunt for a full week, you can purchase a license that covers two adjacent zones for that same seven-day period.
Example Strategy: I often stay at a central location, like the Dakota Sunset Resort area, because its proximity to different zone borders allows me to license for both the Northeast and North Central zones for the same seven-day stretch. This flexibility allows me to chase the hottest action and avoid crowded areas in either zone.
Dakota Sunset Resort: Family-style cabins available all year.
The Old Way Still Matters: Hunter Ethics
While technology speeds up access, let’s not lose the ethical foundation of our sport. I still make my kids get out of the truck to meet and thank the landowners when we do secure permission.
The respect you show the land and the people who work it is what creates future opportunities.
Ask Permission: Always ask to hunt posted land.
Show Appreciation: Bring a token of thanks (maybe some Sheboygan Hard Rolls or local cheese if you're a fellow Wisconsinite!).
Leave No Trace: Pick up all your shells and trash. No exceptions.
The North Dakota landscape is constantly shifting, both geographically (due to high water years) and legally (due to changing regulations). Stay informed, lean on tools like ONX Hunt, and always prioritize safety and respect.
Good luck and be safe out there.
Got a Question?
Do you have any questions about the new non-resident zone boundaries or how to set up the ONX Hunt app for your next trip to Devils Lake?
