Hunt Zone 3D1, North Dakota

Rolling hills and mixed-grass prairie at 2,000–2,800 ft elevation. Sandstone buttes, coulees, and ridgelines define the landscape, with brushy draws and cottonwood-lined creek bottoms cutting through the uplands. A prominent ridge runs across the center of the unit. Creeks, ponds, and stock sloughs are distributed throughout. Agricultural fields (wheat, alfalfa) border much of the eastern and southern portions. The western side of the unit edges toward more rugged, badlands-adjacent topography that favors mule deer. I-94 forms the southern boundary; Highway 200 the northern boundary; Highway 22 bisects the unit north–south between Dickinson and Killdeer.

Public land access is extremely limited at approximately 2.2% of the unit. The primary public hunting opportunity is the Killdeer Mountains Wildlife Management Area (~7,000 acres, Dunn County), located 10 miles west and 5 miles north of Killdeer — the largest contiguous public block in the unit and home to deer, sharptail grouse, turkey, and pheasant. Additional smaller WMAs include Stark County's Adam and Teresa Raab WMA (1,116 acres, 6 miles south/2 miles west of Gladstone), and Golden Valley WMA (160 acres, Mercer County). The NDGF PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) program enrolls private parcels as walk-in hunting access; PLOTS maps are available through the NDGF Hunting Atlas and in the annual printed guide. CWD restrictions prohibit transporting carcasses or carcass parts out of the unit of origin without processing. A baiting ban is in effect in Zone 3D1 as a CWD prevention measure. Nearest NDGF district office: 225 30th Ave SW, Dickinson (701-328-6300).

Mixed-grass prairie dominated by wheatgrass, grama grass, and native forbs across uplands. Sagebrush patches on drier western slopes. Deciduous trees (cottonwood, ash, willow) fill draws and creek bottoms. Wheat and alfalfa fields provide high-quality forage near agricultural areas. Brushy drainages and shelterbelts serve as primary whitetail bedding cover.

Whitetail concentrate in creek bottom cottonwood and brush corridors and stage on grain and alfalfa fields at dawn and dusk. Mule deer favor the open sandstone ridge systems and badlands-adjacent terrain on the western side of the unit. Both species use draws and coulees as movement corridors between feeding and bedding areas. Deer activity is highest in the pre-rut (late October) and rut (early-to-mid November), coinciding directly with the gun season opener.

CWD has been confirmed in mule deer bucks in Zone 3D1 (along with neighboring units 3E2 and 3C); hunters are strongly encouraged to have harvested animals tested at drop-off sites in Dickinson or Killdeer. Baiting for big game is unlawful in this unit. Overall statewide mule deer gun success ran 82% in the 2025 season, with the Slope region (including 3D1) accounting for a disproportionate share of the mule deer harvest. White-tailed deer gun success statewide was 53% (antlered) and 45% (antlerless). Gun license quotas were reduced in 2025 (down ~7,800 statewide) reflecting a state deer population that was trending stable-to-declining. The creek bottoms of 3D1 are noted by hunters as among the best trophy whitetail habitat in North Dakota. Hunting pressure is moderate overall given the limited public land, but private-land access is achievable via PLOTS and direct landowner contact — many landowners welcome hunters to assist with population management.