Peace Garden News

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has monitored 20 outdoors-related bills during the 2025 legislative session. Out of these, 14 have successfully passed both chambers and been signed into law. These new laws will come into effect on August 1.

A significant piece of legislation, HB 1017, allocates $114,864,690 to the Game and Fish Department for the biennium starting July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2027. Another bill, HB 1082, defines farmed elk as mammals of the North American elk genus confined in enclosures designed to prevent escape.

HB 1094 outlines that nonprofit organizations eligible for special allocation big game hunting licenses must be exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19). They are also required to contribute at least 20% of net proceeds from any license raffle to a conservation-related project.

For disabled veterans with at least a 50% service-connected disability, HB 1147 offers a $3 combined general game, habitat, small game and furbearer license. Additionally, HB 1174 allows the Department to establish educational programs to promote understanding of fisheries and wildlife management.

Under HB 1260, fifteen percent of mule deer gun licenses must be available as nonresident any-deer bow licenses. Meanwhile, HB 1412 provides an option for unsuccessful deer lottery applicants to donate their license fee to the Private Land Open To Sportsmen program.

HB 1470 addresses changes in fees for some hunting and fishing licenses and modifies requirements for hunting guides and outfitters. According to HB 1598, individuals hunting big or small game cannot use motor-driven vehicles off established roads without landowner permission unless they have secured a big game animal.

SB 2137 prohibits the Department from restricting supplemental feed use on private property for hunting big game animals until July 31, 2029. SB 2155 limits pronghorn gratis licenses issued to no more than half of available pronghorn licenses.

Lastly, SB 2216 introduces a $5 waterfowl habitat restoration electronic stamp required for all hunters. It also establishes a fund aimed at improving waterfowl habitats and supporting youth hunting programs.

Further details on these bills can be found on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov.