Bison, elk, turkeys, grouse, pronghorn antelope, bluebirds, eagles and more make their homes in this region. Hunters often wax poetic about the abundance of ring-necked pheasants that can be found on the grass covered prairies of western North Dakota. Lake Sakakawea is renowned for walleye and salmon fishing. Plus numerous rivers and dams that are stocked with fish regularly. Bagging your limit of birds and fish is the norm.

Birders come to southwest North Dakota to observe prairie species that are relatively rare elsewhere. Of the 289 species making the checklist of "Birds of Southwestern North Dakota", the unique include Baird's sparrow, Sprague's pipit, Ferruginous hawk, Upland sandpiper, Chestnut-collared Longspurs, Long-billed Curlew, Lazuli Bunting and Bobolinks. Sandhill Cranes migrate each spring and fall through southwestern North Dakota.

And, of course, nocturnal wildlife with jukebox dancing, steak dinners and chilled drinks can be found in nearly every town in the region.