North Dakota Just Dropped Its Full 2026 Hunting Season Dates

North Dakota Game and Fish officials have released full details for the 2026 hunting seasons, including waterfowl dates, early Canada goose opportunities, swan license applications and several updates to furbearer regulations.

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Waterfowl hunting for residents is set to open Sept. 26, while nonresidents can begin Oct. 5. Officials also announced that beginning Nov. 29, daily shooting hours for geese will start one-half hour before sunrise and run through sunset for the remainder of the season.

The early Canada goose season will open statewide Aug. 15, with closing dates varying by zone: Sept. 7 in the Missouri River zone, Sept. 15 in the western zone and Sept. 22 in the eastern zone. Daily bag limits remain at 15 geese, with a possession limit of 45. Game and Fish officials say the early season is intended to help reduce local goose populations and provide additional hunting opportunities.

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Hunters can also apply for tundra swan licenses, with 2,200 tags available through a lottery system. The application deadline is Aug. 19, and both residents and nonresidents are eligible. Resident licenses cost $10, while nonresident licenses are $50. Successful applicants will be allowed to harvest one swan during the statewide season, which opens Oct. 3.

Several changes have also been made to furbearer regulations. American marten will be open to harvest for the first time in 2026, with a season aligned with fisher trapping. In addition, fisher trapping will now be allowed statewide, removing previous restrictions in the Turtle Mountains. The river otter season has been shortened to three weeks, running from Nov. 23 through Dec. 13, replacing the previous longer season that closed after a harvest quota was reached.

Proper licensing is required, including general game and habitat licenses, waterfowl stamps and other permits depending on species and residency status. Full regulations are available on the North Dakota Game and Fish website, with printed guides expected at vendors later this month.

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For more information on hunting, check out North Dakota Game and Fish Department's website.