Unit M9 is part of North Dakota’s Northern Coteau region known for its rolling, grassy hills and rocky soils. This unit is part of one of North America’s premier waterfowl nesting areas. The US Fish and Wildlife Agency manages many waterfowl production areas in this unit. The excellent soil in this area allows for production of a variety of crops. The emergence of corn and sunflowers in the area have created an alternative food source that moose seem to enjoy. It’s thought that these new food sources contribute to moose migrating from their traditional ranges near the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills into the prairies and rolling hills.

With the recent opening of J. Clark Salyer Wildlife Refuge for moose hunting, and common moose sightings on Lonetree WMA, a hunt on public access land is a great option in M9

A combination of farmland, pothole ponds, lakes, creek bottoms and areas of dense forest offer a huge variety of opportunity. The northern half of this unit is relatively flat with rolling hills and a bunch of private farmland. As you move south, it gets rougher with some rocky ridges and the Prophets Mountains, which reach an elevation of 2,200 ft.

There are plenty of public roads getting you close to the PLOTS, WMAs, and other public hunting grounds. Unit M9 provides a variety of public land moose hunting opportunities. Much of this unit is wetlands with extremely soft soil – be aware if you venture off the roads. Be sure to have a good understanding of bridge locations if you’re hunting near rivers. The J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge only recently opened for moose hunting. It is located on both sides of the Souris River, which runs south to north through the center of this unit. The south end of this wildlife refuge features thick stands of trees and thickets of willow that have great potential to hold moose. The Lonetree Wildlife Management Area is on the southern edge of Unit M9, providing 25,000+ acres of public hunting access. Take Road 3 south from Harvey for access. Although it’s owned by BLM, Lonetree WMA is managed by North Dakota Game and Fish, and is open for moose hunting. There are generally PLOTS areas scattered throughout this unit as well. Along Highway 2 near the towns of Rugby and Towner you’ll find some hunt-able State Trust Lands. North and south of Highway 2 in this area are a variety of scattered State Trust Lands. These are generally open to public access, however operators leasing the land may close access if livestock is present. If you’re wanting to hunt private property, we’d recommend asking permission near the Souris river. Between the easy water access, cover provided by trees and premier croplands, this area may be your best option if you’re wanting to stay away from public grounds. However, multiple opportunities exist on public access that you don’t want to overlook. Check with the Game and Fish department and network with locals – Unit M9 provides numerous opportunities for that once-in-a-lifetime hunt. Although much of this unit is private property, there are plenty of opportunities for a successful moose hunt on public access lands. WMAs and State Trust Land scatter this entire unit, and all areas are relatively easy to access.

There are a few areas within this unit, mostly around the drainages and creeks, that feature a variety of dense deciduous trees, primarily aspen and birch. The abundant water supply has made this a prime area for farming. Oats and wheat are farmed in this unit. Sunflowers and corn have also become popular crops in this unit. These two crops have become a popular alternative food source for moose, and is thought to be one of the reasons why moose have migrated from their traditional range near the Turtle Mountains and Pembina Hills. Outside of the areas near running water you won’t find many trees. Some ridges in the unit’s southern portion have patches of evergreen and deciduous trees.

There are a number of campgrounds, RV parks and motels around this unit. If you’re hunting the State Trust Lands near Towner, or the southern end of the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Rugby may be your best option for a motel room. If you’re wanting to stay closer to the northern end of this unit, your best bet for a motel is in Bottineau. The Upham City Park along Highway 14 allows camping and is near the J. Clark Salyer Refuge as well. Primitive camping on most WMAs is allowed, but check restrictions in the WMA where you’d like to camp. The southern portion of this unit at Lake Audubon has a nice campground. Harvey, McClusky, Minot and Max all have sporting goods stores and motel accommodations should you need any gear or a comfortable bed. Plus, between the cities of Minot and Towner, there are plenty of opportunities for a place to eat, sleep, and get supplies whenever necessary.