Deer License Refunds Available As EHD Affects Local Herds

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is offering hunters in parts of western North Dakota the option to turn in their deer gun licenses for refunds due to reports of white-tailed deer deaths from epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD.

Hunters with antlered whitetail, antlerless whitetail, any antlered, or any antlerless licenses in units 3E1, 3F1, 3F2, 4E, and 4F are eligible for refunds. Those who return their licenses will have their bonus points restored to the same number held prior to the 2025 deer gun lottery, according to the department.

Mason Ryckman, wildlife health biologist with the department, said the decision follows scattered reports of deer mortality that began in early September.

“This outbreak appears mild,” Ryckman said. “We see a low level of EHD most years. It typically stays fairly localized, but every so often it can intensify into a significant die-off. The combined outbreak in 2020 and 2021 was probably the worst in memory, with extensive mortality across much of western North Dakota. Similar to 2024, we’re nowhere close to that level, but we have received around 20 reports, primarily focused across Bowman and Adams counties. We’re hopeful that the few nights with temperatures in the 20s this past week helped slow things down, but it typically takes a series of hard frosts to kill the gnats and completely end an outbreak.”

Department staff will continue monitoring the situation to determine if additional hunting units should be added to the refund list. Hunters and landowners are encouraged to report any dead deer, along with photos if possible, through the department’s online wildlife mortality reporting system at gf.nd.gov/mortality-report.

“It is important to make note of the location and the approximate number of animals found,” Ryckman said. “In some cases, we may need to collect samples off fresh carcasses, so it is important to notify the department as soon as possible.”

The department urges hunters to check local conditions before returning licenses, noting that most areas in the affected units have not been heavily impacted.

Eligible hunters seeking refunds must mail their tag and a note requesting a refund due to EHD to the Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office by Nov. 7. Envelopes postmarked that day will be accepted.

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EHD is a viral disease spread by biting gnats that primarily affects white-tailed deer but can infect other big game species. The virus does not pose a danger to humans, though hunters are advised not to shoot or consume deer that appear sick.