North Dakota's PLOTS Program Expands Public Hunting Access to 925,000 Acres
The Private Land Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS) program in North Dakota has expanded its accessible acreage for the upcoming 2026 hunting season, reaching 925,000 acres. This marks an increase of approximately 45,000 acres compared to the previous fall. The program, initiated in 1997, is a collaborative effort between the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and private landowners. Landowners receive payment in exchange for providing walk-in hunting access on their private properties. Kevin Kading, private lands section leader, stated that the program aims to achieve 1 million acres of PLOTS land by 2028, with incremental goals of adding 40,000 acres and 6,000 acres of habitat annually. For the past three years, the program has successfully met these targets. Hunters are reminded to respect these private lands, understanding that the agreement only permits walk-in hunting access, and any other activities, such as camping or shed hunting, require direct permission from the landowner. 
