North Dakota Offers Free Wildlife Food Plot Seed

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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. The seed mix is designed to provide increased plant diversity, including flowering plants from spring through fall to attract insects, a major diet component of pheasant chicks. The mix will also provide needed cover during spring and summer, as well as a winter food source.

Why it matters

This program aims to support wildlife populations, particularly pheasants, by providing food and habitat on private lands. Pheasant numbers have declined in recent years due to habitat loss, making initiatives like this important for conservation efforts.

The details

Landowners can receive enough seed to cover up to 5 acres at no cost. While a Private Land Open To Sportsmen contract is not required, participating landowners are encouraged to allow reasonable public access, such as providing permission to hunters from time to time. Landowners interested in the program must sign up online by April 3, and the seed will be available for pickup at various Game and Fish offices in May. Department biologists can also provide technical assistance on food plot location and site preparation.

• The seed sign-up deadline is April 3, 2026.
• The seed will be available for pickup at Game and Fish offices in May 2026.

What’s next

Landowners interested in additional financial incentives may be considered for the PLOTS program, which provides further support for wildlife habitat on private lands.