Priority in the Deer Gun Lottery for an Expeditionary Medal or Campaign Badge
A North Dakota veteran who received an expeditionary medal or a campaign badge during a previous deployment gets PRIORITY IN THE DEER GUN LICENCE LOTTERY in their chosen unit. In a state where the deer gun lottery is genuinely competitive and a preferred unit can take years to draw, priority is worth more than most fee waivers. A related provision covers resident armed forces members stationed outside the state. It is keyed to the MEDAL OR BADGE, not to a disability rating.
Verified August 27, 2026
What this benefit is
A North Dakota veteran who received an expeditionary medal or a campaign badge during a previous deployment gets PRIORITY IN THE DEER GUN LICENCE LOTTERY in their chosen unit. In a state where the deer gun lottery is genuinely competitive and a preferred unit can take years to draw, priority is worth more than most fee waivers. A related provision covers resident armed forces members stationed outside the state. It is keyed to the MEDAL OR BADGE, not to a disability rating.
What it's worth: Priority in the deer gun licence lottery in your chosen unit
- Priority in, or bypass of, the DEER GUN LICENCE LOTTERY in the chosen unit.
- Keyed to an EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL OR CAMPAIGN BADGE received during a previous deployment — not to a disability rating.
- North Dakota residency is required.
- A related provision covers resident armed forces members stationed outside the state.
- It affects whether you draw, not what the licence costs.
- In a competitive lottery a preferred unit can otherwise take years to draw.
Who is entitled to it
- You served in the U.S. armed forces.
- You received an expeditionary medal or campaign badge.
- North Dakota deer licences.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
Deadline: By the deer gun lottery deadline- 1Claim it on the deer gun licence application, not afterwards.
- 2Have the DD214 showing the expeditionary medal or campaign badge.
- 3Choose your unit deliberately — the priority is exercised in the unit you name.
- 4If you are stationed outside North Dakota but resident here, ask about the related provision.
- 5Check the Game and Fish deadlines for the lottery; priority does not extend them.
- Form
- Claimed with the deer gun licence application
- File with
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department
- Documents you will need
- dd214
- Annual
- Claimed once a year.
Sources
- authority · published policyND Game and Fish — resident licensing
- operating · published policyNorth Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.