NORTH DAKOTA
TRACKING DOG GROUP
Connecting hunters with experienced trackers across the Peace Garden State
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TRACKING LAWS* FOR THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
Know the rules before you track. These North Dakota laws help ensure ethical recovery, respect for landowners, and the future of our hunting rights.
North Dakota allows the use of tracking dogs to assist in locating wounded big game animals. Tracking dogs may be used for recovery purposes only and cannot be used to chase or pursue healthy wildlife. Handlers and hunters must follow all current North Dakota Game and Fish Department regulations.
Hunters and tracking teams must follow North Dakota’s hunter orange requirements during seasons where those rules apply. When recovering game during firearm seasons, wearing the required orange clothing helps keep recovery teams visible and safe.
North Dakota does not require a special tracking dog certification. Hunters remain responsible for having the appropriate license, tags, and following all harvest requirements for the animal being recovered.
Tracking dogs may be used to help recover wounded game after a legal shot. Recovery activity must remain focused on locating wounded or deceased animals and cannot be used as a method of hunting.
Using a tracking dog does not give hunters or handlers permission to enter private property. If a wounded animal crosses onto property where access has not been granted, permission should be obtained from the landowner before continuing the recovery.
North Dakota regulations should be verified before using drones for game recovery. Hunters should confirm current North Dakota Game and Fish Department rules regarding unmanned aircraft before using a drone to locate wildlife.
* Disclaimer: The information provided by TRAKR is intended as a general summary of state tracking laws and regulations and is not legal advice. Because laws and regulations may change, hunters and trackers should always verify current statutes, regulations, and agency guidance before using dogs, drones, or other recovery methods in their state.
Average Deer Tracking Fees in North Dakota
Deer tracking services in North Dakota are largely provided by dog tracking teams that either offer their services at no charge or operate primarily through tips, donations, and reimbursement for travel expenses. Based on pricing information listed by North Dakota trackers in the TRAKR database, voluntary pricing is considerably more common than fixed service fees.
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75% of North Dakota dog tracking teams offer free services or operate primarily for tips or donations.
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There is not enough fixed-rate data to calculate a dependable statewide average for paid dog tracking services.
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Since drone deer recovery is illegal in North Dakota, drone operators and drone recovery rates are not included in this pricing analysis.
How North Dakota Deer Tracking Rates Were Calculated
These averages are based on rates and pricing instructions supplied by trackers through their TRAKR profiles. When a tracker listed mileage charges or travel-based pricing, the estimated rate was calculated using a standard travel distance of 50 miles each way.
Fee ranges were calculated using the midpoint. Separate recovery or finder fees were added to the initial tracking fee. When separate rates were listed for bucks and does, the buck rate was used because more than 80 percent of tracking requests involve bucks.
The rates shown are estimates based on available information and do not represent fixed, required, or recommended prices. TRAKR does not set tracker fees and does not guarantee the accuracy or availability of any listed rate. Individual trackers independently determine their own pricing, service areas, travel charges, deposits, recovery fees, and other terms. North Dakota deer tracking pricing data last updated July 2026.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ND DOG TRACKING GROUP
ND Tracking Dog Group is a North Dakota-based recovery network dedicated to helping hunters locate wounded big game animals with trained tracking dogs. The group describes itself as hunters and conservationists focused on the recovery of mortally wounded big game.
The organization was formed to support ethical recovery efforts and create a resource for hunters needing help after a difficult shot. The group helps connect hunters with tracking dog handlers throughout North Dakota, giving hunters another option when blood trails become difficult or disappear.
Size and Impact
Some publicly available ND Tracking Dog Group information includes:
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The group provides a statewide resource focused specifically on recovering wounded big game.
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ND Tracking Dog Group began during the effort to legalize tracking dogs in North Dakota, with public information referencing the tracking dog legislation introduced in 2019.
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The network helps educate hunters about using trained dogs as a recovery tool.
Why North Dakota Legalized Tracking Dogs
North Dakota, like many states, historically restricted the use of dogs around big game because of concerns about dogs pursuing healthy animals. Modern tracking laws created a separation between hunting deer with dogs and using trained tracking dogs strictly for recovery. This allows hunters to use a dog’s scenting ability while maintaining ethical wildlife practices.
Certification and Training
North Dakota does not require state-issued certification for tracking dogs or handlers.
Interesting Facts About ND Tracking Dog Group
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ND Tracking Dog Group was created by hunters and conservation-minded individuals focused specifically on recovering mortally wounded big game.
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The group was involved during the early growth of legal tracking dog use in North Dakota, where tracking legislation was introduced in 2019.
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Unlike many eastern states with dense woods, North Dakota tracking teams often work large open landscapes where wounded animals may travel significant distances.
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ND Tracking Dog Group and TRAKR share the same goal — making it easier for hunters to quickly locate tracking teams and recover animals that may otherwise be lost.
Most Popular Deer Tracking Dog Breeds in North Dakota
Most Popular Deer Tracking Dog Breeds in North Dakota
#1 Deutsch Drahthaar - 29.4% | Average age: 4.0 years
#2 Bloodhound - 11.8% | Average age: 7.1 years
#2 German Shorthaired Pointer - 11.8% | Average age: 6.7 years
#2 Mixed Breed - 11.8% | Average age: 4.6 years
#5 Chesapeake Bay Retriever - 5.9% | Average age: 6.8 years
Deutsch Drahthaars stand out in North Dakota, accounting for nearly 30% of TRAKR tracking dogs in the state with a reported breed.
TRAKR breed statistics are based on dogs whose breed has been reported by trackers in the TRAKR app. Percentages and average ages may change as trackers add or update their dogs.