North Dakota officials have announced significant changes to deer hunting regulations for the southwestern and south-central parts of the state. This action comes in response to hundreds of reported wildlife deaths, primarily white-tailed deer, attributed to an ongoing outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). Governor Kelly Armstrong stated that these measures are necessary to protect the state's future white-tailed deer population, as the state is still recovering from previous EHD losses in 2021. He noted that the current outbreak is "another serious setback," emphasizing that "every doe that survives this season gives us a better chance to rebuild the herd."
Among the key changes, North Dakota Game and Fish has prohibited the harvest of antlerless white-tailed deer in specific deer gun units. These units include 3C, 3E1, 3E2, and 3F2. This prohibition applies to all license types, encompassing youth, muzzleloader, deer gun, bow, and gratis licenses. Hunters holding an antlerless white-tailed deer gun license for any of these designated units will find their licenses are no longer valid and will receive an automatic refund from the state.
Further impacting hunters, those with certain white-tailed deer licenses in a broader set of units now have the option to return their licenses for a refund or bonus points. This applies to any antlered, any antlerless, antlered whitetail, and antlerless whitetail licenses in units 2H, 2I, 3B3, 3C, 3D1, 3D2, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 3F2, 4D, 4E, and 4F. Muzzleloader license holders in these units are also eligible for this option.
Hunters choosing to return their licenses can opt for a full refund and the restoration of any associated bonus points. Alternatively, they can choose to donate the license fee, which, if applicable, will still earn them a bonus point. North Dakota Game and Fish advises hunters considering this option to return their licenses before the deer gun season begins and to clearly indicate their preferred choice. The agency also encourages hunters to review the EHD mortality map before making a decision on returning their licenses.
For those unfamiliar, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease is a viral infection primarily affecting deer. The virus is transmitted by tiny biting flies or gnats, known as midges. Once a midge bites a deer, the virus rapidly spreads throughout its body. According to Cornell Wildlife Health, symptoms typically manifest within 5 to 10 days after a deer is bitten.
Affected deer may display a range of physical symptoms, including a swollen neck, eyes, and head, alongside changes in tongue color. Other signs can include foaming at the mouth and bloody discharge from the nose and mouth. Importantly for local residents, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirms that humans cannot contract EHD through any mode of transmission, including the consumption of venison.
