The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is once again offering free seed for the 2026 growing season to landowners interested in planting wildlife food plots for pheasants and other wildlife species.
Rather than a traditional corn or sunflower food plot, Game and Fish is offering a seed mix that provides increased plant diversity, including flowering plants from spring through fall, which will attract insects, the major diet component of pheasant chicks. Additionally, the mix will provide needed cover during spring and summer, as well as a winter food source.
This food plot campaign does not require a department Private Land Open To Sportsmen contract, however, participating landowners are encouraged to allow reasonable public access. This could mean simply providing permission to hunters from time to time, putting up “Ask Before You Enter” signs around the area, or not posting the surrounding land. Additionally, participating landowners cannot charge a fee for hunting.
The department will provide enough seed to cover up to a maximum 5-acre planting at no cost to the landowner.
Landowners interested in receiving the seed must sign up online by April 3. Seed will be available in May at Game and Fish offices in Bismarck, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Harvey, Dickinson, Williston and Riverdale.
Game and Fish private land biologists can provide technical assistance on food plot location and site preparation.
Landowners interested in additional financial incentives may be considered for the PLOTS program. More information is available by contacting a private land biologist at any Game and Fish office, or email privatelands@nd.gov.
Food Plot
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