North Dakota Unit E3 Unit Profile // GOHUNT. The Hunting Company
North Dakota Unit E3
Updated Jul 2, 2026
At a Glance
3,263Square Miles
29.3%Public Land
2,000 - 3,400Elevation Range
Quick Tips
Between the WMAs, National Grassland, BLM land and State Trust Lands, there's a lot of public access opportunities in Unit E3
Be prepared with water, food and fuel = once you're away from civilization there aren't many places to pick up supplies
Familiarize yourself with this unit prior to the season = it's a tough unit to navigate
As the season progresses, elk herds tend to migrate west towards Wibaux, Montana = you may find them on the grasslands along the unit's western edge later in the season
You can basically go 10 miles on either side of the Little Missouri River and remain in the primary elk range
Considered by many to be North Dakota’s premiere elk unit. The Little Missouri River flows right through the center of this unit, creating a heavily forested valley of deciduous trees. The state’s primary elk range follows the river. You can basically go 10 miles either direction from the river and remain in the primary range.
If you’re able to draw Unit E3, it boasts North Dakota’s best success rate for elk hunters. Don’t be afraid to get away from Theodore Roosevelt National Park – there are enough excellent public access properties in this unit that you’ll be able to harvest an elk elsewhere. The key to success on these public access areas is putting in the time to scout, stopping frequently to glass, and putting in the miles on foot. Stick to the tops of ridges, just low enough to block your silhouette.
