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HB 1598

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2026 Regular Session Introduced by Calvin Beaulier and 3 co-sponsors

Restricts nonowners from using motor-driven vehicles off established roads while hunting; requires landowner permission; permits retrieval driving only after big-game possession.

Enrolled (in recess of) 06/04/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1598

Summary — HB 1598 (North Dakota)

Amends and reenacts ND Century Code § 20.1‑01‑07 (use of motor‑driven vehicles while hunting)

Purpose / Intent

To clarify and tighten restrictions on the use of motor‑driven vehicles while hunting big game or small game (other than waterfowl or cranes) on private or other non‑road land, protecting landowner property, farm/ranch operations, and wildlife from disturbance or harassment via motor vehicles.

Key provisions

  • Scope: Applies statewide to hunting of big game and small game (excluding waterfowl and cranes). Cross‑references subsection 10 of § 20.1‑02‑05 for an additional exception.
  • Prohibition off roads/trails: An individual (other than the landowner) may not use a motor‑driven vehicle on any land other than an established road or trail while hunting, unless the individual has written permission from the landowner or a lessee who actively farms or ranches that land.
  • Retrieval exception: If a hunter has legally reduced a big‑game animal to possession but cannot easily retrieve it, a motor‑driven vehicle may be used to retrieve that animal. After retrieval, the vehicle must be returned to the established road/trail by the same route it left.
  • Upland game during deer gun season: An individual (other than the landowner) may not use a motor‑driven vehicle off established roads/trails to hunt upland game during the deer gun season, unless they have written permission from the landowner or an active farming/ranching lessee.
  • Parking allowance: Motor vehicles may be parked on the roadside or directly adjacent to a road/trail for safety and normal travel.
  • Harassment and flushing: Prohibits driving, attempting to drive, run, molest, flush, harass, or attempt to harass game with the use or aid of any motor‑driven vehicle while hunting.
  • Driving through sensitive areas: Individuals (other than landowners) without written permission may not drive through retired cropland, brush, sloughs, timber, open prairie, or unharvested/harvested cropland — only established roads/trails may be used.
  • Exception for small‑game seasons: Subsections addressing off‑road vehicle use (subsections 1, 2, and 5 in the bill text) do not apply when hunting big game during an open and lawful small‑game season (i.e., a statutory carve‑out exists where small‑game seasons are open).

Who is affected

  • Hunters (particularly non‑landowner hunters) — restrictions on where and how motor vehicles may be used in the field.
  • Private landowners and lessees who actively farm/ranch — protections for property and operations; they may grant written permission to hunters.
  • Wildlife enforcement officers and courts — will enforce the amended statutory prohibitions.
  • Land managers and conservation stakeholders — may see reduced vehicle disturbance in sensitive habitats.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Amends/re‑enacts § 20.1‑01‑07 of the North Dakota Century Code.
  • Sponsors/Introduced by: Representatives Schreiber‑Beck, D. Anderson, Hagert, Nelson, Wagner (per bill enrollment).
  • Legislative action (as reflected in the enrollment): the bill was considered and recorded with roll calls showing substantial support (House vote recorded as Yeas 87, Nays 2; Senate Yeas 47, Nays 0); the bill was ordered enrolled. (The text does not specify an operative effective date; standard state rules or the enrolled act would determine when it takes effect.)

Note: The bill text cross‑references § 20.1‑02‑05(10); consult that provision for related exceptions. The statute as presented does not specify penalties or fines for violations — those remain governed by general game law enforcement provisions unless the enrolled act includes additional penalty language.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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