Heart J Outfitters

Heart J Outfitters operates from their family ranch in Towner, North Dakota—a fourth-generation working farm that doubled as an outfitting operation. The operation runs 365 days a year to manage their land, wildlife, and client experiences. They're located in the heart of the Midwest in Pope & Young country, just a short drive from Canada, which brings in big-bodied whitetails with excellent rack genetics.

Hunters work across 2,500 acres of privately-owned and managed property. The land includes:

• •Agricultural fields (alfalfa, corn, oats, peas, soybeans, cover crops)
• •Heavily wooded poplar and cottonwood groves
• •Sandhills and shelter belts
• •Native ranch lands
• •Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land

Their herd is growing every year, which means consistent opportunities for mature bucks throughout the season.

Nutrition is a top priority. The operation rotates crops annually and maintains strategic food plots that keep their whitetail herd in peak condition. They've developed a management program that minimizes pressure on the herd by maintaining untouched bedding areas and shelter zones, allowing them to hold large numbers of healthy deer from the nearby Mouse River.

• •The Doe Management Program sets them apart. Since tags are either-sex, clients can fill their tag on a doe to help maintain the buck-to-doe ratio. The outfitter reimburses hunters for the full cost of their doe license and tag. Clients get venison and money back.

Hunters choose their preference:

Every blind placement focuses on food plots, hardwood travel routes, or combinations of both. During late-season hunts, Heater Body Suits are provided at no cost to keep hunters comfortable in cold weather.

All hunters receive an Ozonics scent elimination unit for the duration of their hunt.

North Dakota's archery season runs from late August through early January with Sunday hunting allowed. This gives clients access to different rut phases:

• •Early Season (Sept 6–Oct 3): Unpressured, often velvet bucks
• •Pre-Rut (Oct 4–31): Chasing and increased daylight movement
• •Rut (Nov 1–21): High daylight action at food sources and bedding
• •Post-Rut & Late (Nov 22–Jan 2): Heavy food source action

2025-2026 Season is now booking. With mature whitetails remaining on the property from the past season, availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Clients stay in a clean three-bedroom lodge featuring:

• •Complete kitchen
• •Full bath
• •Laundry facilities
• •Common area with WiFi and satellite television
• •Home-cooked dinners and breakfast

Transportation is included at no additional cost: airport shuttle from Minot Airport (about 1 hour), transport to hunting locations, and trips to the licensing agent.

• •Hunt Cost: $3,500
• •$1,750 deposit due at booking
• •Balance due upon arrival

Early booking discounts available—the website encourages planning ahead.

Nonresident License Requirements:

Heart J Outfitters does not supply state licenses and tags, but over-the-counter licenses are available upon arrival for $280 (includes state taxes). Nonresidents must purchase:

• •Nonresident Fishing, Hunting and Furbearer Certificate
• •General Game and Habitat License
• •Deer License

A valid Hunter's Safety Certificate is required to obtain a North Dakota state license.

• •Turkey & Coyote Hunts (no additional cost)
• •Large turkeys inhabit deer areas; surplus over-the-counter tags available
• •Coyote predator license cost is reimbursed when an animal is harvested
• •Hunters purchase their own turkey and coyote licenses before the hunt

Heart J Outfitters 604 67th Street NE Towner, North Dakota 58788 (701) 240-8696

Chris Jorde, Owner