Fargo, ND Animal Ordinances: Coyote Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Feeding threshold
- 1/2 cubic foot of feed
- Feeding penalty
- up to $1,000 infraction
- Cull method
- archery only, by permit
- Season/areas set by
- board of city commissioners
- Program eligibility
- governed by ND Game and Fish
Summary
Fargo bans feeding deer within city limits and runs an annual archery-based Wildlife Management Program, set by the board of city commissioners, to control the urban deer population.
No person shall feed or allow the feeding of any deer within the city limits of the city of Fargo. For purposes of this section, feeding shall mean the provision of one-half cubic foot or more of grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, or other edible material, either on the ground or at a height of less than five feet above the ground, in a manner that attracts deer on a regular basis. Living food sources such as fruit trees and other live vegetation shall not be considered as deer feeding. This prohibition shall not apply to veterinarians, city animal control officers, and park maintenance staff, or county, state or federal game officials who, in the course of their duties, have deer in their custody or under their management.
Source: 4505 (2006).
Full Breakdown
Fargo Municipal Code § 12-0219 makes it unlawful to feed deer anywhere in the city, defining feeding as putting out a half cubic foot or more of grain, fruit, produce, nuts, or hay in a way that regularly attracts deer; fruit trees and other live vegetation don't count, and the ban exempts vets, animal control, park staff, and game officials handling deer in their custody. Separately, Article 12-04 authorizes an annual archery-only Wildlife Management Program: the board of city commissioners sets the season, eligible areas, and permit count by resolution each year, with eligibility governed by North Dakota Game and Fish rules.
Violations & Fines
Feeding deer is an infraction under the code's default classification (§ 1-0305(B)), fined up to $1,000. Violating Wildlife Management Program rules is likewise an infraction under § 12-0409, fined up to $1,000 per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed deer in my Fargo yard?
Does Fargo let hunters cull deer in the city?
Is there a specific coyote ordinance in Fargo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
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