Hunting Stats
Increase in Non-Resident Hunters
See the numbers for yourself. This page provides comparative data on out-of-state hunters in North Dakota versus those in nearby states and provinces. We also detail our strategy for regulating these numbers to ensure fair and sustainable hunting practices. Join our effort to protect hunting traditions and wildlife in our region!
1970
- Resident waterfowl hunters 40k+
- Non-resident waterfowl hunters 5k+
2023
- Resident waterfowl hunters 17k
- Non-resident waterfowl hunters 26,336
%
Increase in Non-Resident Hunters
Neighboring States & Provinces
Despite North Dakota’s smaller geographic size, it has more than 6x the number of non-resident hunters compared to nearby locations.
Manitoba
250,116 square miles
3,600 nonresident waterfowl hunters
Too many so, implementing a cap at 2,600
Saskatchewan
227,100 square miles
12,000 nonresident pre-covid
Watching Manitoba closely
Alberta
255,541 square miles
2,500 foreign nonresidents
Interested in what Manitoba is doing
South Dakota
77,116 square miles
Cap nonresidents at 2100 3-day licenses and 3950 10-day licenses
Kansas
82,278 square miles
Cap at 6,000 nonresidents
2,000 are 3 day licenses
Despite this Kansas residents are still getting out competed
So added boat restrictions, limit restrictions, and days nonresidents can hunt public land
Could Restrictions Hurt Small Towns?
2018 NDSU Study
Resident and Nonresident Hunter and Angler Characteristics and Economic Effects (NDSU study done in 2018). Click here to view the official study.
Resident hunters have a drastically higher average spending in rural communities