I would say to get at least to valley city if not Jamestown, and the more west you go the better for pheasants, also south of interstate (I94) is better in the eastern and central part of the state. Hettinger county is the best for pheasants. In the western part of the state south is better than North but North of 94 in western part of state will produce good numbers of birds. Also in western part of state you may run into issues with motels, because of the oil issues.
Ducks are plentiful around the state, but Devils lake usually gets a lot of Hype as the best. I personally think central part of the state is best for ducks. either North or South is fine.
We do both, We hunt central ND south of 94. We go for a week. We are more for pheasants. We shot geese and ducks at least a couple days. Most farmers will let you hunt Geese and ducks on there land. Pheasants is a little tougher. I would suggest oct20-nov 7 as the best time for both. Nov 7th is gun deer and not the best time to be in North Dakota hunting Birds in my opinion.
Last year the corn was still up oct 30-nov 3rd trip, which made the pheasant hunting tuff. I think this year it will be off sooner.
the later you go for pheasants the better chance of getting permission.
I am going
oct 9th-18th
oct 30-nov 3rd
thanksgiving
Christmas.
hope this helps.
Jim