Crossbow Hunting Regulations in North Dakota

Posted below is a brief summary of the latest crossbow regulations in North Dakota as we know them. This data was gathered in January of 2015 and we believe that it is the most accurate available at this time. We are unable to guarantee this beyond the shadow of a doubt as amendments occur frequently and randomly. Please regard this information as a guide or reference only. You must contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to verify these facts. If you are unsure how to proceed with this task, simply contact us for guidance.

Make sure to check out our list of top 5 recommended crossbows for hunting in the USA if you’re looking to get started.

Crossbow Regulations in North Dakota

It is lawful for permit carrying hunters to use crossbows in North Dakota during rifle season only. Hunters who were born after December 31rst of 1961 are required to successfully complete a provincial or state hunter education course in order to obtain a hunting permit in North Dakota. The only possible exemption for this regulation may be if persons are hunting on land which they legally own.

All hunters attempting to harvest big game, which includes crossbow hunters, are required to display hunter orange. This display must be of solid, daylight, fluorescent orange and should total at least 400 inches.

  • Crossbows must have at least a 75 pound draw weight without exceeding 200 pounds.
  • The stock of all crossbows must be no less than 14 inches long.
  • Bolts must be no less than 14 inches long.
  • Mechanical broadheads are legal in North Dakota and the minimum size is 7/8 of an inch when in the open position. This can be used for harvesting deer; bear; wild turkey; or wild boar. Blunt type arrowheads are legal for harvesting small game and birds. This includes squirrels; rabbits; grouse; quail; and/or pheasants.
  • Chemically treated or explosive equipped broadheads are never legal.
  • All crossbows must be equipped with a functional, mechanical safety.
  • It is illegal to use a magnifying scope of any kind during the muzzleloader season.

Help Us Increase Our Accuracy

As mentioned previously, we go to great lengths to ensure the data we provide is current. It is possible that we may have missed a recent amendment. Please tell us, if we need to update our information or correct it in any way. We would greatly appreciate it, if you would send us an email to inform us of our error so we may correct it as soon as possible.

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  1. I have been Diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder. Am I able to use a Crossbow instead of a regular bow to hunt whitetail deer during the NorthDakota Archery Season. I am also a Non Resident.

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