NDWF Supports Targeted Deer Season Changes and Calls for Continued Habitat Investment

October 19, 2026

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Wildlife Federation (NDWF) supports the targeted deer hunting restrictions announced by Gov. Kelly Armstrong and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in response to an ongoing epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreak affecting white-tailed deer in southwestern and south-central North Dakota.

The changes prohibit antlerless white-tailed deer harvest in gun units 3C, 3E1, 3E2 and 3F2 across all license types. Hunters holding eligible deer licenses in designated units may also choose to return their licenses for a refund and restored bonus points, or donate the license fee in exchange for a bonus point, where applicable.

NDWF recognizes the importance of deer hunting to North Dakota’s outdoor heritage, local economies and hunting traditions. At the same time, the state’s deer population continues to recover from the significant losses experienced during the 2021 EHD outbreak. Protecting the remaining breeding population is essential to rebuilding healthy, sustainable deer herds for the future.

“North Dakota’s deer hunters have a significant stake in the long-term health of our wildlife populations,” said John Bradley, executive director of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation. “We understand how difficult it is for hunters to see changes to a season they have been planning for, particularly when deer numbers are already below where we want them to be. Targeted restrictions that protect does and give deer populations an opportunity to recover are an important part of responsible wildlife management.”

NDWF also emphasizes that harvest restrictions are only one part of the long-term solution. Continued investment in quality wildlife habitat is essential to rebuilding North Dakota’s deer herd and helping wildlife populations withstand future disease outbreaks and other challenges. Protecting and restoring grasslands, wetlands, and other critical habitats provides deer with the food, cover and healthy landscapes they need to survive and reproduce.

“Responsible harvest management and habitat conservation must work together,” Bradley said. “If we want healthy deer populations and quality hunting opportunities for future generations, we need to give deer both the opportunity to recover and the habitat they need to thrive. Investing in private land habitat is an investment in North Dakota’s hunting heritage and the future of our wildlife.”

Since early August, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has received nearly 160 reports documenting approximately 350 wild ungulate mortalities, primarily white-tailed deer. Although reported mortality remains below the levels observed during the severe 2021 outbreak, the current outbreak is concerning given the reduced deer population entering this year.

EHD is a naturally occurring viral disease transmitted by biting midges. It is often fatal to white-tailed deer and can also affect mule deer, pronghorn and elk. The disease has been documented in North Dakota for decades, with the state’s first recorded outbreak occurring in 1962.

NDWF encourages hunters to review the Game and Fish Department’s EHD mortality map and updated license-return information before making decisions about their hunting licenses. Because EHD impacts can vary considerably within individual hunting units, hunters should also consult local landowners and other knowledgeable contacts when evaluating conditions in their hunting areas.

NDWF encourages hunters to stay informed about the latest season changes and follow guidance from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The Federation also urges continued collaboration among state agencies, landowners, hunters and conservation organizations to protect critical habitat and support the long-term recovery of North Dakota’s deer populations.

For additional information, hunters can visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s license-change information and consult the department’s EHD mortality map.

About the North Dakota Wildlife Federation

Founded in 1935, the North Dakota Wildlife Federation is a statewide conservation organization dedicated to protecting North Dakota’s wildlife, habitat and access for hunters, anglers and all who enjoy the outdoors. NDWF works with landowners, conservation partners, agencies and elected officials to advance science-based wildlife management and conserve the natural resources that sustain North Dakota’s outdoor heritage.