Over 20,000 Deer Harvested During North Dakota’s Gun Season

More than 36,000 deer hunters participated in North Dakota’s 2025 deer gun season, with just over 20,800 deer harvested, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

A total of 36,353 hunters took an estimated 20,877 deer, based on a postseason survey. The department issued 42,300 deer gun licenses, and overall hunter success was reported at 57%. Hunters spent an average of 4.9 days in the field.

Success rates for white-tailed deer were reported at 53% for antlered and 45% for antlerless. Mule deer success rates were higher, at 82% for both antlered and antlerless licenses.

Hunters with any antlered licenses recorded a 65% success rate, while those with any antlerless licenses reported 56%. Mule deer harvests were more common in the Slope and Missouri River units.

The department issued 11,598 gratis licenses, with 9,453 hunters harvesting 4,452 deer for a 47% success rate.

Additionally, 797 muzzleloader licenses were issued, with 665 hunters harvesting 215 white-tailed deer, resulting in a 32% success rate.

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Archery participation included 27,341 licenses, with 22,944 hunters harvesting 6,610 deer, for a 29% success rate.

Data from harvest rates, aerial surveys and public input are being used by the department to develop recommendations for the 2026 season.