Sandstone buttes, creeks, ponds, sloughs, ridges and livestock pastures make up the majority of Unit 3D1. Although it’s part of the state’s secondary mule deer range, the northwest corner of 3D1 is literally a few miles from the primary range. This combined with the rough, somewhat barren landscape makes 3D1 a definite hotspot for mule deer, especially along the western edge of the unit.

Good populations of whitetail and mule deer can be found here. Whitetail tend to be more spread throughout with some of the best mule deer habitat being found on the western side of the unit.

A large ridge runs across the center of this unit. Sandstone buttes exist throughout this unit and there are a bunch of creeks and rivers. Much of the unit is rolling hills and agricultural property. Unit 3D1 is considered part of North Dakota’s Slope Region that features mixed-grass prairies and very few trees outside of the creek bottoms. There are a large number of creeks running throughout this unit, providing a variety of spots for deer to water. The creek bottoms in 3D1 provide some of North Dakota’s best opportunities for a trophy whitetail. Knife River snakes through this unit keeping a healthy population of deciduous trees hydrated while creating a haven for whitetails. There are a lot of creeks running through this unit. The creeks and draws are generally filled with lush vegetation and cottonwood cover. Keep an eye out for public access along these areas. Unit 3D1 is part of North Dakota’s Slope Region, known for sandstone formations, ponds, creeks, rolling hills, and short grass prairies. Isolated badlands buttes can be found in the unit as well.

I-94 and Highway 200 form the south and north borders. Off of these two roads are numerous roads. Highway 22 runs north and south in the center of the unit between Dickinson and Killdeer, providing access to most secondary roads. Between these roads and the highways that form the unit’s east and west borders, you can get to most spots in 3D1. Some areas may require travel on unmarked roads, especially around the primary ridges that don’t have great access. The oil industry is active in portions of this unit as well, providing excellent roads to accommodate the increased truck traffic. Public access is scattered throughout the unit and consists primarily of State Trust Land and PLOTS properties. There are very few substantial pieces of huntable property with most State Trust Lands being a typical 640-acre square section.

Deciduous trees fill the draws and creek bottoms while wheatgrass fields, grama grass prairies and sagebrush cover much of the unit’s landscape. The semiarid soils support alfalfa, wheat and barley production. Trees are primarily cottonwood and aspen, and some ash, elm, birch, oak and juniper. Dense thickets of brush can be found in some of the draws and areas near creeks.

With I-94 forming the unit’s southern border, there’s no shortage of motels, RV parks and campgrounds in and around the various towns. Killdeer has accommodations along the northern border and an RV park and campground. Belfield and Dickinson have sporting goods stores for any last minute supplies. Dickinson is one of North Dakota’s larger cities and really has anything you might need.