Where to hunt
Public land all around the lake
You don't need a lease or a guide to hunt around Devils Lake. Between federal, state and walk-in land, there's ground open to the public within a short drive of Woodland.
- Waterfowl production areasThe Devils Lake Wetland Management District has 200+ WPAs with 48,000+ acres open to public hunting, across eight counties. They're managed for ducks, and federal rules apply. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- PLOTS walk-in areasPrivate Land Open To Sportsmen, marked with yellow triangle signs. Maps are on the Game and Fish website and app, and printed guides are free at license vendors.
- State wildlife management areasGame and Fish WMAs are open to the public. Seasonal rules cover blinds and anything left unattended, so check them before you set up.
- Devils Lake itselfBig water for divers: bluebills, redheads, buffleheads and canvasbacks. Launch at Woodland's two-lane ramp, free for guests.
Licenses
What nonresidents need to know
Rules, dates and fees change from year to year, so check the current proclamation and buy licenses at gf.nd.gov.
Sandhill cranes usually run mid-September into November with a separate crane permit, and early Canada geese open in mid-August. For exact dates and bag limits, see the current ND Game and Fish proclamation.
Hunt mornings, fish afternoons
The Devils Lake cast and blast
Fall is when Devils Lake walleye feed up before winter, right as the birds come through. Stay at Woodland and you can do both in one day without hitching up the boat twice.
- Morning: Hunt the morning flight in the fields or on the potholes.
- Midday: Back to your room. Lunch at Proz Lakeside, which opens at 10 AM.
- Afternoon: Launch at the free guest ramp for walleye, perch and pike, or fish with Perch Patrol (all-inclusive walleye packages from $939 per person, with lodging and meals).
- Evening: Clean fish in the heated cleaning station, then let Proz cook your catch.
Early Canada goose season opens in mid-August, when the summer walleye bite is still going. Dock slips are $20 a night, and fuel is right at the ramp.
Your base camp
Where DIY hunters stay
Pets are welcome ($20 a day or $100 a week in rooms). The bait shop and store opens at 7 AM in the fall.
Legendary Suites
Sleeps 5 to 8. Full kitchen, lake-front patio or deck, 2-night minimum.
from $335 a night
Deluxe Lodge Units
Sleeps 3 to 4. Fridge and microwave, deck and fire ring, steps from the bait shop.
from $156 a night
Camping and RV sites
Large wooded sites, 50 by 70 feet, with water, 30-amp power, a fire ring and a picnic table. Heated shower house, laundromat, dump station and firewood on site. Open year-round.
from $55 a night
Guided hunts with Northern Flight
Start your trip with a guided day hunt for $500 a hunter, then hunt on your own the rest of the week.
Guided hunts and packages Bringing a big group?Call the front desk
We'll help you fit your crew into cabins, suites or a block of rooms, and set up slips for your boats.
Call (701) 662-5996Good to know
DIY hunting questions
Still wondering about something? Call the front desk at (701) 662-5996.
All questions and policiesCan I hunt on my own without a guide?
Yes. The Devils Lake area has 48,000+ acres of federal waterfowl production areas open to public hunting, plus PLOTS walk-in land and state wildlife management areas. Woodland is a good base for do-it-yourself hunters, with lodging, a free boat ramp for guests and food on site.
When is waterfowl season at Devils Lake?
Fall hunting runs from August into January. Early Canada goose season opens mid-August into September, sandhill cranes run mid-September into November, and the regular duck and goose season opens in late September, with ducks closing in early December and light geese running into early January. Nonresidents usually start a few days after residents. Exact dates, bag limits and fees change every year, so check the current proclamation from ND Game and Fish.
How does the nonresident waterfowl license work?
North Dakota's nonresident waterfowl license covers a set number of hunting days in the zones you choose, and you pick your zones and dates when you buy it. You'll also need state and federal stamps. The current rules, zones and fees are on the ND Game and Fish website.
Can nonresidents hunt PLOTS and state land all season?
Almost. Nonresidents can't hunt PLOTS walk-in land or Game and Fish wildlife management areas during the first week of pheasant season in mid-October. Federal waterfowl production areas stay open. Check ND Game and Fish for this year's dates.
Do I need permission to hunt private land?
You need permission on any land posted with signs or posted electronically. Check an app that shows electronic posting before you hunt. You also need the occupant's OK to hunt within 440 yards of an occupied building. Details are on the Game and Fish general regulations page.
Can I bring my hunting dog?
Yes. Pets are welcome at Woodland. Dogs stay on a leash on the property, except on the beach, and the fee is $20 a day or $100 a week for pets inside rooms.
Can I hunt in the morning and fish in the afternoon?
Yes, that is a cast and blast, and fall is a great time for it on Devils Lake. Hunt the morning flight, then launch at the free guest ramp at Woodland for walleye in the afternoon, or book a Perch Patrol guide day. Proz Lakeside can cook your catch for dinner.
Is the boat ramp free?
Yes. The two-lane concrete ramp is free for guests; the public pays an access fee. Day and overnight dock slips are $20 a night, first come, first served.
Where can I clean and freeze my fish?
The heated four-season fish cleaning station has stainless steel counters, several sinks, a hose, a pressure washer, freezers and a waste dump station. It is open to guests all year.
From the field
Fall around Devils Lake
