Unit 13-A boasts numerous public-access opportunities to harvest a pronghorn. It’s one of the few units in northwest North Dakota that delivers enough public hunting property to support large numbers of public-land hunters. The mighty Missouri River flows west to east through this unit creating the southern border, before filling lake Sakakawea at the unit’s eastern edge.

Good populations of antelope can be found in this unit.

This unit features more variety in terrain compared to other northern North Dakota GMAs. Along with the typical rolling hills, rocky soils, creek bottoms, and small lakes, this unit features some steep inclines and drastic changes in elevation. Specifically areas east of Tioga and along the White Earth River you’ll find some steep hillsides where the elevation can change 300 feet in only a few hundred yards. The steeper hills and dense forested areas east of the town of Tioga along the White Earth River provide a variety of PLOTS properties and State Trust Lands with opportunities for mule deer. Overall, unit 13-A features larger public-access hunting areas, and more PLOTS and State Trust Lands than many of the units to the east. For the DIY hunter that only wants to hunt public lands, and enjoys venturing deep into those public lands, this unit delivers multiple opportunities for both whitetail and mule deer. The Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge along the east edge of this unit is the largest public-access area in 13-A. It features more than 22,000 acres of public access – but be sure to check in with the refuge headquarters to understand the regulations and restrictions prior to hunting as these can change year over year. PLOTS properties are generally prevalent in this unit and often border other PLOTS properties or Trust Lands, providing plenty of decent-sized hunting areas. Primarily directly north and south of the river in some extremely difficult terrain. The steep inclines on public access areas turn many hunters away. There are plenty of spring-fed creek bottoms and drainages branching off the Missouri river. There’s definitely some rough, steep terrain in this unit that can make a hunt worthwhile if you’re willing to put in the miles on foot.

There are several highways crossing this unit from all directions that can get you somewhat close to most hunting areas in this unit. County roads create an almost perfect grid pattern across the entire unit providing easy access to most public hunting areas. There are portions of this unit that are more difficult to get to due to swamplands and unpassable grades. Most public-hunting areas are easily accessible, however you may have to walk to get to a good hunting spot. Utilize your GOHUNT maps and GPS and depending on where you choose to hunt, you may be in for a walk to get to where you’ll want to be. Depending on where you’re hunting near the Missouri River, you can usually get close, but there are some spots that will require a long hike. Steep terrain along the river leaves many spots inaccessible with a vehicle. Take note that you’ve got to travel quite a ways east to cross the river if you don’t cross at the Highway 85 bridge southwest of Williston. There are numerous State Trust Lands and PLOTS areas scattered throughout the unit, both north and south of the Missouri River. Keep in mind that the livestock producers leasing State Trust Land may have public access closed if they have livestock in the area. Creek bottoms and drainages coming off the Missouri River make some areas impossible to access in a pickup.

North Dakota’s northernmost unit where you’ll find antelope features a variety of evergreen and deciduous trees. Steep evergreen-filled ravines along the White Earth River create an excellent habitat for all wildlife. As you go north, you’ll find more aspen and birch trees. The majority of this unit’s private property is ranch land and hay fields. In the southern parts, thick cottonwood and scattered ash and willow trees cover most of the creek bottoms near the Missouri River. You’ll also find an occasional patch of evergreens, but cottonwoods are the most common trees you’ll encounter in unit 13-A.

Primitive camping is allowed in the Lostwood Wilderness, and campgrounds and RV parks are available in or around many of the small towns in this unit. There are also cabin rentals available in this unit. Stanley, Powers Lake, and Tioga all have motels. Williston, along with lodging, has a variety of sporting goods stores in case you forget anything.