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North Dakota Turkey Unit 3

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North Dakota Turkey Unit 27

North Dakota Turkey Unit 45

North Dakota Turkey Unit 50

North Dakota Turkey Unit 51

North Dakota Turkey Units

This unit covers Barnes, Cass, Griggs, Steele, and Traill counties and is primarily characterized by flat to gently rolling prairie, with river valleys and wetlands providing some variation, which also supports diverse wildlife, including wild turkeys. The Red River Valley, which forms the eastern boundary of Cass and Traill counties, dominates the landscape, offering fertile agricultural land, while the Sheyenne and James rivers carve through several of these counties, creating small valleys and contributing to the region's diversity. Griggs and Barnes counties feature slightly more hilly terrain, especially along river corridors, which provides suitable habitat for wild turkeys, particularly in wooded areas and along riparian zones. The western parts of these areas are more level, yet still support turkey populations in areas with scattered trees and shelter. Throughout the region, numerous lakes, ponds, and wetlands dot the land, creating both a rich habitat for wildlife and a favorable environment for turkey nesting and foraging.

Benson, Ramsey and  parts of Pierce counties make up unit 03 and feature a mix of flat plains, rolling hills, and river valleys, which provide varied habitats for wildlife, including wild turkeys. The terrain in these counties is dominated by the flat expanses of the Prairie Pothole Region, with fertile soils and numerous wetlands, which are ideal for turkeys that rely on a mix of open fields and forested areas for foraging and nesting. The Sheyenne River runs through both Benson and Ramsey counties, creating riparian corridors with more wooded areas that serve as prime turkey habitat, especially in the river valleys and adjacent uplands. Pierce County, while largely flat, includes areas of low hills and wetlands, offering shelter and food sources that attract turkeys. The presence of trees along riverbanks and in sheltered valleys across these counties provides important roosting and nesting sites for wild turkeys, which are expanding their populations in these areas. Overall, the varied terrain of these counties supports a growing wild turkey population by offering a combination of open grasslands, wooded areas, and riparian zones.

Unit 04 encompasses the southern portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties in western North Dakota. It feature a rugged, diverse landscape marked by rolling hills, badlands, and river valleys, which create a mix of habitats favorable for wild turkeys. The terrain is primarily semi-arid grasslands and mixed shrublands, with notable features like the Missouri River that runs through both counties, providing riparian corridors with trees and sheltered areas ideal for turkeys. The badlands, with their steep slopes and buttes, offer more challenging terrain but also provide important roosting sites in the form of cliffs and outcroppings. Wild turkeys are typically found in areas with a combination of wooded draws, creek beds, and open grasslands where they can forage for food, such as seeds, insects, and berries. While these counties have a relatively lower population of turkeys compared to other parts of the state, the diverse terrain offers suitable conditions for their habitat needs, including nesting sites in the uplands and river valleys. The presence of forests and riparian areas in Billings and Golden Valley counties supports an expanding turkey population, especially in regions with good cover and ample food sources.

Unit 06 covers Bowman County in southwestern North Dakota and features a varied landscape of rolling hills, grasslands, and rugged badlands, with the Little Missouri River running through the county providing important riparian habitat. The terrain is dominated by semi-arid prairie, with canyons, bluffs, and cliffs common in the western part of the county, offering natural roosting sites for wild turkeys. The river valleys and wooded draws along the Little Missouri River create sheltered areas with a mix of trees and shrubs, which are ideal for nesting, roosting, and foraging. Wild turkeys in Bowman County thrive in these diverse habitats, taking advantage of the food sources in the grasslands and riparian areas, including seeds, berries, and insects. While the turkey population in Bowman County is relatively small compared to more wooded areas, the varied terrain supports a growing number of turkeys, particularly in the river valleys where cover and food are abundant. The combination of open prairie, wooded draws, and rugged terrain provides the necessary conditions for both wild turkey habitat and population expansion in this region.

This unit in western North Dakota is characterized by a diverse landscape of rolling hills, grasslands, and rugged badlands, with the heart of the county being part of the Missouri Plateau. The county features the Little Missouri River, which cuts through the terrain, creating riparian corridors of trees and shrubs that provide ideal roosting, nesting, and foraging sites for wild turkeys. The land is primarily semi-arid prairie, with canyons and bluffs in the western portion offering natural cover for turkeys, who favor the shelter and food sources found in these areas. The varied terrain, with its mix of open grasslands and wooded river valleys, supports a modest population of wild turkeys that thrive on seeds, berries, and insects. While the turkey population in Dunn County is still relatively small compared to more forested regions, the county's diverse landscape provides suitable conditions for their habitat needs, particularly along the river corridors and in areas with ample cover. This mix of open prairie and protected valleys contributes to a steady, though localized, turkey population in the county.

Unit 17 encompasses the southern portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties in western North Dakota. It feature a rugged, diverse landscape marked by rolling hills, badlands, and river valleys, which create a mix of habitats favorable for wild turkeys. The terrain is primarily semi-arid grasslands and mixed shrublands, with notable features like the Missouri River that runs through both counties, providing riparian corridors with trees and sheltered areas ideal for turkeys. The badlands, with their steep slopes and buttes, offer more challenging terrain but also provide important roosting sites in the form of cliffs and outcroppings. Wild turkeys are typically found in areas with a combination of wooded draws, creek beds, and open grasslands where they can forage for food, such as seeds, insects, and berries. While these counties have a relatively lower population of turkeys compared to other parts of the state, the diverse terrain offers suitable conditions for their habitat needs, including nesting sites in the uplands and river valleys. The presence of forests and riparian areas in Billings and Golden Valley counties supports an expanding turkey population, especially in regions with good cover and ample food sources.

Grant, Sioux, and portions of Morton county make up Unit 19 in central and southwestern North Dakota. The area includes a diverse mix of terrain featuring rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and the rugged badlands, with the Missouri River running through Morton County providing crucial riparian habitat. The land is primarily semi-arid prairie, with the western portions of Sioux and Grant counties marked by dramatic canyons and bluffs that offer natural shelter for wildlife, including wild turkeys. River valleys and wooded draws, particularly along the Missouri River and its tributaries, create ideal nesting and roosting sites for turkeys, who rely on a combination of trees, shrubs, and open grasslands for foraging. Morton County, with its mix of river valleys, wooded hillsides, and grasslands, has become a more favorable area for wild turkey populations, with turkeys increasingly found along the Missouri River and its tributaries. Sioux County, while more sparsely populated with turkeys, still offers some suitable habitat in its sheltered valleys and along its creek beds. Overall, the varied terrain of these counties, including both open prairie and protected riparian zones, supports a growing wild turkey population, with the best habitat found along the river corridors and wooded draws.

Hettinger and Adams counties in southwestern North Dakota make up Unit 21. It feature a mix of rolling grasslands, semi-arid prairie, and rugged badlands, with the terrain becoming more varied and dramatic in the western portions. The area is characterized by open prairies, with canyons, bluffs, and the occasional wooded draw providing natural shelter and roosting sites for wildlife, including wild turkeys. While the region is relatively arid, the presence of intermittent streams and small riparian corridors along the county's creek beds offers crucial habitat for turkeys, providing cover and access to food sources like seeds, insects, and berries. The population of wild turkeys in Hettinger and Adams counties is still small, but the varied terrain, especially in areas with more rugged topography and river valleys, is conducive to their presence, particularly in the sheltered canyons and draws. These counties' combination of grasslands, woody draws, and occasional river valleys offers a balance of open foraging areas and protected cover, contributing to the gradual expansion of wild turkey populations. Overall, the diverse terrain in Hettinger and Adams counties supports a growing turkey population, particularly in areas with adequate cover and access to food. This unit is closed to Spring Turkey hunting.

McHenry County, the western part of Pierce County west of ND Highway 3, and the eastern part of Ward County, east of U.S. Highway 83 make up Unit 25. The area features a mix of gently rolling hills, prairie grasslands, and river valleys, providing a variety of habitats for wildlife, including wild turkeys. McHenry County is dominated by flat prairie and wetlands, with occasional low hills and creek beds offering sheltered areas suitable for nesting and roosting. In Pierce County, the terrain is slightly more hilly, particularly along the Souris River, which creates riparian corridors with wooded areas that are ideal for wild turkeys, who prefer a mix of open fields and forested cover. Ward County's eastern portion features flat prairie and some small river valleys, offering adequate cover and food sources like grasses, seeds, and insects. While the turkey population in these areas is still relatively small, the combination of grasslands, wetlands, and riparian zones in all three counties supports suitable conditions for wild turkeys to thrive, particularly in areas with trees and sheltered draws. Overall, the varied terrain and natural features of McHenry, western Pierce, and eastern Ward counties provide the necessary resources for the establishment and gradual expansion of wild turkey populations.

Unit 27, located in western North Dakota, features a rugged and diverse landscape of rolling hills, grasslands, and dramatic badlands, with the Little Missouri River and its tributaries providing important riparian corridors. The county’s topography is characterized by steep canyons, bluffs, and open prairies, with the western portion becoming more rugged and mountainous, creating sheltered areas that are ideal for wild turkeys. The Little Missouri River Valley, with its mix of wooded draws and grassy areas, offers the perfect habitat for nesting, roosting, and foraging, as turkeys thrive in environments that provide both cover and access to food. The diverse terrain of McKenzie County supports a small but growing population of wild turkeys, particularly along the river corridors and in areas with trees and shrubs. The county’s combination of open grasslands, riparian habitats, and rugged terrain creates a mosaic of favorable conditions for wild turkeys to flourish. Overall, the varied landscape of McKenzie County provides suitable conditions for wild turkey populations, with increasing numbers found in areas where shelter, food, and water are abundant.

The southeastern portion of Morton County in North Dakota makes up Unit 30. It is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, prairie grasslands, and the fertile valley of the Missouri River, which provides diverse habitats for wildlife, including wild turkeys. The river valley is lined with wooded areas and sheltered draws that create ideal nesting, roosting, and foraging sites for turkeys, who thrive in environments offering a mix of cover and open land. The terrain is also dotted with small creeks and wetlands, providing additional food and water sources for turkeys. While much of the land is open prairie, the presence of riparian corridors and wooded draws supports a growing population of wild turkeys in the region. The combination of grasslands, river valleys, and tree cover allows turkeys to find shelter, food, and safe roosting sites, contributing to the gradual expansion of their population in the southeastern part of Morton County. Overall, this varied landscape offers the essential resources needed for wild turkey habitat, making it a favorable area for turkey populations to thrive.

Unit 31 encompasses Mountrail County in northwestern North Dakota. The unit features a diverse landscape of rolling hills, flat plains, and river valleys, with the Missouri River running along its eastern edge, creating valuable riparian habitat. The county’s topography is primarily dominated by open prairie, with scattered wetlands and wooded areas along the river and its tributaries, offering natural cover for wildlife. The varied terrain, including grasslands and the tree-lined riverbanks, provides ideal conditions for wild turkeys, who rely on a mix of open areas for foraging and wooded cover for roosting and nesting. The Missouri River corridor, in particular, offers turkeys access to food sources like seeds, berries, and insects, as well as shelter from predators. While the turkey population in Mountrail County is relatively small, the county's diverse habitat and river valleys provide a growing environment for turkeys, particularly in areas with more tree cover and riparian zones. Overall, the combination of open prairie, river valleys, and scattered woodlands makes Mountrail County a suitable habitat for wild turkeys, supporting a modest but expanding population.

Unit 37 spans seven counties in southeastern North Dakota and is characterized by a mix of gently rolling hills, flat prairies, and fertile river valleys, offering diverse habitats for wildlife, including wild turkeys. These counties are largely dominated by the expansive Red River Valley and its tributaries, with the James River running through several of them, creating riparian corridors of trees and shrubs that provide essential cover for nesting and roosting. The open grasslands and croplands found throughout the region offer abundant food sources, including seeds, berries, and insects, which are crucial for wild turkey populations. While much of the land is agricultural, the presence of wooded draws, creek beds, and small wetlands in these counties provides ideal shelter and protection for turkeys. The combination of river valleys, grasslands, and scattered woodlands supports a growing population of wild turkeys, especially in areas where these habitats intersect. Overall, the diverse terrain in these counties offers a balanced environment for wild turkey habitat, with ample foraging opportunities and sufficient cover for nesting and roosting.

Unit 40 covers Rolette County, along with the eastern portions of Bottineau and Renville counties and the northern part of Pierce County. It features a mix of gently rolling hills, wooded ravines, and expansive prairie, creating diverse habitats that support wildlife, including wild turkeys. The terrain is primarily characterized by a combination of forested areas, grasslands, and wetlands, with riparian zones along rivers like the Souris and Turtle rivers offering key nesting and roosting sites for turkeys. These areas' abundant trees and shrubs provide shelter and cover, while the surrounding open fields and grasslands offer ample food sources, such as seeds, berries, and insects. The mix of prairie and wooded habitats in these counties makes them suitable for wild turkeys, especially in the river valleys and sheltered draws, where turkeys can find both food and cover. While the wild turkey population in these areas is still relatively small compared to more southern regions, the diverse terrain supports a growing turkey population, particularly in areas with more concentrated forest cover. Overall, the varied landscape in these counties—comprising forests, wetlands, and open prairie—provides the essential resources for wild turkey habitat, fostering a gradual expansion of their population.

Slope County in southwestern North Dakota makes up unit 44. It is characterized by a rugged and varied landscape, including rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and dramatic badlands. The terrain is dominated by semi-arid prairie, with deep canyons, buttes, and bluffs in the western portion of the county offering natural cover and shelter. The presence of the Little Missouri River along the county's southern border provides important riparian habitat, with tree-lined river valleys offering suitable nesting and roosting sites for wild turkeys. Although much of the land is open prairie, the combination of wooded draws, steep ravines, and river valleys creates a diverse environment that supports turkey populations, particularly in areas where trees and shrubs are more abundant. Wild turkeys are generally found in areas with both open foraging space and sheltered cover, which is provided by the county’s varied topography. While the turkey population in Slope County remains modest, the diverse terrain offers essential habitat, contributing to the potential for population growth in the region.

Unit 45 covers Stark County in western North Dakota and features a mix of rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and rugged badlands, with the terrain primarily dominated by semi-arid prairie. The county is intersected by the Heart River, which creates riparian corridors with trees and shrubs, offering key habitat for wild turkeys, particularly for nesting and roosting. While much of the county is open prairie, the river valleys and sheltered draws provide the necessary cover and food sources for turkeys, such as seeds, berries, and insects. The varied topography, with its combination of open grasslands, wooded areas, and creek beds, supports a growing turkey population in the region, particularly along the river corridors. Wild turkeys in Stark County favor areas with a mix of open foraging space and wooded cover, which are provided by the diverse terrain. Although the turkey population is still relatively small, the combination of grasslands and riparian zones makes Stark County an ideal environment for their expansion.

Unit 47 spans six counties in central North Dakota feature a mix of rolling hills, fertile river valleys, and expansive grasslands, providing diverse habitats for wild turkeys. The James River, which runs through several of these counties, creates riparian corridors with trees and shrubs that offer important shelter for nesting, roosting, and foraging. The surrounding landscape is primarily made up of open prairie and farmland, but the river valleys, creek beds, and wooded draws provide vital cover and food sources like seeds, berries, and insects. Stutsman and Wells counties, in particular, have larger areas of wetlands and forested pockets, creating more favorable conditions for turkeys. While the wild turkey population in these counties is relatively small, the combination of open prairie for foraging and wooded areas for roosting supports their gradual expansion. Overall, the varied terrain of these counties, with its balance of open land and protected riparian zones, provides a suitable environment for wild turkeys to thrive.

Unit 50 covers six counties in northeastern North Dakota feature a mix of flat to gently rolling terrain, with expansive prairies, wetlands, and river valleys that provide varied habitats for wild turkeys. The Red River and its tributaries, including the Pembina and Goose rivers, create fertile riparian corridors with trees and shrubs that offer critical nesting, roosting, and foraging sites for turkeys. These counties' abundant wetlands, grasslands, and wooded draws provide diverse food sources, such as seeds, berries, and insects, which support turkey populations. While much of the land is open prairie and farmland, areas near river valleys and wooded patches offer necessary cover for turkeys, who prefer a combination of open foraging space and protected roosting sites. The overall turkey population in these counties is still relatively small but growing, particularly in areas where the natural features provide suitable habitat. The combination of river valleys, wetlands, and forested areas in these counties makes them an ideal environment for wild turkeys to establish and expand their population.

Unit 51 is in the northwest portion of the state and runs to the border with Canada. Burke County, most of Renville County (excluding the portion east of U.S. Highway 83), the western part of Bottineau County, and the western part of Ward County feature a diverse landscape of rolling hills, grasslands, and wooded river valleys, providing varied habitats for wild turkeys. These areas are dominated by semi-arid prairie, with the Missouri River and its tributaries creating fertile riparian corridors with trees and shrubs that serve as key areas for nesting, roosting, and foraging. The terrain also includes hilly uplands, creeks, and wooded draws that offer shelter and cover for turkeys, as well as open grasslands for food sources like seeds and insects. The combination of prairie and riparian zones in these counties provides a balance of open foraging space and protected roosting sites, which are essential for wild turkeys. While turkey populations in these areas are still relatively small, the varied topography, particularly along the river corridors and forested draws, supports a growing turkey presence. Overall, the diverse terrain in these regions provides the necessary resources—shelter, food, and cover—for wild turkey populations to thrive and expand.

Williams and Divide counties make up Unit 53 in northwestern North Dakota. The unit features a mix of rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and river valleys, creating diverse habitats that support wildlife, including wild turkeys. Williams County, with its proximity to the Missouri River, offers fertile riparian corridors with trees and shrubs that provide ideal nesting, roosting, and foraging sites for turkeys. Divide County, while more dominated by prairie, also has sheltered draws and creek beds that offer cover for turkeys, along with open grasslands for foraging. The varied terrain, which combines open prairie, river valleys, and wooded areas, provides the necessary balance of food, shelter, and protection for wild turkeys. Although the turkey population in these counties is relatively small, the combination of wooded draws, wetlands, and river corridors creates favorable conditions for their expansion. Overall, the diverse topography in Williams and Divide counties provides essential habitat, offering both food sources and cover for wild turkeys to thrive.

Unit 98 spans Burleigh, Emmons, and McLean counties in central North Dakota and is made up of rolling hills, river valleys, and expansive prairies, providing diverse habitats for wildlife, including wild turkeys. The Missouri River runs through all three counties, creating fertile riparian corridors with tree-lined riverbanks that offer ideal nesting, roosting, and foraging sites for turkeys. The surrounding terrain includes a mix of open grasslands, wetlands, and wooded draws, providing both food sources and cover for turkeys. In particular, the wooded areas along the Missouri River and its tributaries serve as important shelter, while the open prairies provide ample foraging opportunities. The varied topography and abundant natural features support a growing population of wild turkeys, especially in areas with more concentrated tree cover and riparian zones. Overall, the combination of river valleys, wetlands, and open grasslands in Burleigh, Emmons, and McLean counties provides an ideal environment for wild turkeys to thrive and expand their population.

Unit 99 in central North Dakota is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, open grasslands, and river valleys, offering a variety of habitats for wild turkeys. The Missouri River flows through both counties, providing fertile riparian corridors with trees and shrubs that serve as critical nesting, roosting, and foraging sites for turkeys. In addition to the river valleys, the surrounding terrain includes prairies and wetlands that offer ample food sources, such as seeds, berries, and insects, essential for supporting turkey populations. The hilly uplands and wooded draws in these counties provide important shelter and cover, making them attractive to wild turkeys seeking both protection and open foraging space. While turkey populations are still modest in these areas, the combination of river corridors, woodlands, and open grasslands supports favorable conditions for their expansion. Overall, the diverse terrain of Mercer and Oliver counties provides the necessary resources—food, shelter, and cover—for wild turkeys to thrive in these regions.

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