North Dakota – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department successfully tracked 20 outdoors-related bills during the 2025 legislative session, with 14 bills passing both chambers and being signed into law. These new laws, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, bring changes to various aspects of wildlife management, hunting, fishing, and conservation in the state.

The following are some of the key bills that will be implemented:

  • HB 1017: This bill appropriates $114,864,690 to the Game and Fish Department for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027, supporting continued conservation and wildlife management efforts.

  • HB 1082: Farmed elk are now officially defined as mammals of the North American elk genus (cervus canadensis) that are confined in manmade enclosures designed to prevent escape.

  • HB 1094: Nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for special allocation big game hunting licenses for fundraising must be exempt from federal income taxation and contribute at least 20% of net proceeds from raffles to a conservation-related project.

  • HB 1147: A resident disabled veteran with at least a 50% service-connected disability qualifies for the $3 combined general game, habitat, small game, and furbearer license.

  • HB 1174: The Department is now authorized to establish educational and community outreach programs that promote public understanding of fisheries and wildlife management and encourage careers in related fields, including job shadowing opportunities.

  • HB 1260: Fifteen percent of total mule deer gun licenses will be made available as nonresident any-deer bow licenses in the current year.

  • HB 1412: Each application for a deer lottery license will include the option for unsuccessful applicants to donate the license fee to the Private Land Open To Sportsmen program.

  • HB 1470: This bill increases fees for certain hunting and fishing licenses and changes the requirements for hunting guides and outfitters.

  • HB 1598: Individuals hunting big or small game (excluding waterfowl and cranes) may not use a motor-driven vehicle on any land other than established roads or trails without the written permission of the landowner, unless the individual has reduced a big game animal to possession.

  • SB 2137: The Department is prohibited from adopting any rule or policy that would prohibit or restrict the use of supplemental feed on private property for hunting big game animals. This policy has a sunset clause of July 31, 2029.

  • SB 2155: The number of pronghorn gratis licenses issued may not exceed one-half of the available pronghorn licenses. Unsuccessful applicants in the landowner lottery may now have their applications included in the remaining licenses lottery.

  • SB 2216: A new waterfowl habitat restoration electronic stamp is required for every resident and nonresident hunting waterfowl, with a $5 fee. The bill also creates a waterfowl habitat improvement fund for the restoration of waterfowl habitat and youth hunting programs.

  • SB 2245: This law allows the hunting of waterfowl from a floating craft without a motor propelled exclusively by paddle, oars, or pole. Additionally, hunting from a motorized craft is allowed if the craft is at rest and the motor has been turned off.

  • SB 2309: The statewide antlerless white-tailed youth deer license can now be issued as an antlerless license through the governor’s proclamation.

A complete list of the bills passed can be found on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. These new laws aim to enhance the state’s wildlife conservation efforts, improve the hunting and fishing experience, and provide more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.