North Dakota bans antlerless deer hunting after EHD outbreak

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 18:32 · Archive

North Dakota has banned the harvest of antlerless white-tailed deer in several hunting units due to an epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak.

North Dakota's Game and Fish Department has banned the harvest of antlerless white-tailed deer in hunting units 3C, 3E1, 3E2 and 3F2, effective immediately. The prohibition covers all license types. The decision aims to protect a white-tailed deer population still recovering from major losses in 2021.

Hunters holding antlerless whitetail gun licenses for the affected units will be automatically refunded. Those with white-tailed deer licenses or muzzleloader licenses in a wider range of units can choose to turn in their licenses before the deer gun season begins, receiving either a refund with restored bonus points or donating their fee for a bonus point if eligible.

Since early August, officials have received nearly 160 reports of suspected epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, with close to 350 dead animals recorded, mostly white-tailed deer. EHD is a virus spread by biting midges and is often deadly to whitetails, though it can also affect mule deer, pronghorn and elk. Hunters can consult an EHD mortality map and details on affected units at the state's Game and Fish website.

How it is being reported

• ND tightens deer hunting rules after EHD outbreakState wildlife officials are tightening deer hunting rules in parts of southwestern and south-central North Dakota after a new outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, in white-tailed deer.Valleynewslive · 19 Oct, 18:13
• Game and Fish declares deer season changes due to EHD outbreakThe harvest of antlerless white-tailed deer units is prohibited and includes all license types. Those units are no longer valid, and hunters who have them will be automatically refunded.Kfyrtv · 19 Oct, 18:02

In this story: North Dakota Game and Fish Department · North Dakota

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