Unit E4 is North Dakota’s smallest elk unit at roughly 10 miles tall by 13 miles wide. Its location in the center of Unit E3, and bordering the Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s western and northern boundaries, makes it a desirable unit to draw. The state’s primary elk range covers the majority of this unit.

Don’t be afraid to get away from Theodore Roosevelt National Park – there are enough excellent public access properties in this unit that you’ll be able to harvest an elk elsewhere. The key to success on these public access areas is putting in the time to scout, stopping frequently to glass, and putting in the miles on foot.

On both sides of the Little Missouri River, Unit E4 is extremely rough. Steep, rough, draws in this unit support thick stands of deciduous trees. Overall, there are a bunch of places for elk to graze and hide. The Little Missouri River runs through the unit’s center creating a heavily forested valley of deciduous trees. The creeks branching off the Little Missouri have carved out flat, lush valleys that are full of trees and elk, creating a haven for elk with plenty of food, water, and cover.

The Little Missouri River cuts this unit in half, making access to the other side of the river tricky. You’re never more than 30 or 40 minutes away from Medora, however, where you’ll be able to cross the river. A handful of secondary roads snake through the badland valleys, getting you close to most good hunting spots. There are very few public spots in this unit where you can park your vehicle, hike a couple hundred yards and kill an elk. The more miles you put in on foot, the better your odds get. The oil industry is active in this unit, so the roads that support heavy oil field traffic are in excellent condition. . This unit features enough public access between the Little Missouri National Grassland and State Trust Lands, that you shouldn’t need to look into hunting private property if you don’t want to. Occasionally, a landowner will turn some private property in this unit into a PLOTS property for walk-in access.

The Little Missouri River flows right through the center of this unit, creating a heavily forested valley of deciduous trees, primarily aspen and oak. Drainages, valleys and creek bottoms that branch off the river are forested with aspen and oak as well as some ash, elm, birch and juniper. The shortgrass prairies that appear in Unit E4 are primarily made up of blue grama grass.

Camping at the Wannagan Campground will allow you to set up camp at a central location. If you’re looking for hotel accommodations, Medora is just south of the unit and offers hotels as well as RV parks. From Medora, you can always head around 40 miles east on I-94 to Dickinson. Dickinson is a large enough town to support multiple sporting goods, and will have whatever else you’re needing and can’t find in Medora.