In a perfect world everyone would get a buck tag and a stringer full of walleyes. But as much as we nod and smile we acknowledge not everyone wants a buck tag and there are some anglers who would take a few nice crappie, perch or (gasp) pike.

There is no one size fits all.

The legal requirements for posting and electronic posting aren’t perfect for everyone. No one ever said it would be. When hunters mumble about electronic posting, I remind them many landowners would still opt for a full trespass law where all land is considered posted unless otherwise.

Landowners are reminded many hunters help reduce Canada goose, turkey, coyote and deer populations, which can create depredation issues. There’s a mutual benefit for hunters and landowners.

Since electronic posting came online four years ago, we’ve seen growth and use from landowners. In 2024, around 12 million acres were electronically posted. Physical posting does not require information beyond the name of the person posting and placement requirements to meet the definition of “posted land.” With electronic posting, it’s important to point out just under 60% of landowners choose to provide a means of contact via email or phone.

While electronic posting remains new to some, for those who’ve used it in the past, one change will allow opting in to allow communication and notification via the official Game and Fish Department app. Landowners remain in control of their information and are able to disable the option.

Electronic posting is an option but not the only choice. Similarly, even if a landowner chooses to electronically post their land they can still “double post” by posting both physically and electronically.

The first step for landowners interested in posting private land electronically for the 2025-26 hunting season is to log into My Account on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Landowners who enrolled land electronically last year can renew, add or modify posting designations during the enrollment period. Others posting for the first time might need to create a profile. To post land, proceed to the “Land Parcels/Electronic Posting” section at the bottom of the page and click “Search/Renew Land parcels.” The electronic posting system is linked to land descriptions based on county tax parcel information.

Landowners who missed the deadline last year or did not electronically post their land last year can still physically post their land at any time. It’s an important and sometimes overlooked aspect of the electronic posting of land in North Dakota.

The Game and Fish website has complete instructions for landowners, along with frequently asked questions for both landowners and hunters.

Here’s a few:

Q: If I purchase land after the signup deadline, can I use the electronic posting system?

A: No. Landowners who wish to post land after the deadline would need to use physical posting methods.

Q: Can nonresidents post lands electronically?

A: Yes. You must upload a copy of your driver’s license and wait for it to be validated.

Q: Can I post land electronically that I rent?

A: Yes. An individual authorized by the landowner may post lands electronically.

Q: Can I change my posting designation after submitting electronically posted land records?

A: Yes. Posting designations may be changed up to the deadline of July 1.

Q: What information is available when I post electronically?

A: Current law requires the name of the individual that posted the land. The electronic posting system offers options to include email, phone number and/or alternate point of contact.

The deadline for landowners to digitally post land is July 1, which enables Game and Fish to produce print material and digital content prior to hunting seasons that begin in August.

For a full list of frequently asked questions, go to the Game and Fish website.