North Dakota’s 2019 deer season has 65,500 licenses available to hunters this fall, 10,350 more than last year.
Antlered mule deer licenses increased by 450 from last year, antlerless mule deer by 700, antlered whitetail by 700, antlerless whitetail by 1,250, any antlered by 3,150 and any antlerless by 4,100.
In addition, muzzleloader licenses increased by 184 and restricted youth antlered mule deer licenses increased by 45. Mule deer doe licenses are available in unit 4A for the first time since 2011.
North Dakota’s 2019 deer gun season opens Nov. 8 at noon and continues through Nov. 24.
As stated in the 2019-20 chronic wasting disease proclamation, hunters harvesting a deer in units 3A1, 3B1 and 3F2 cannot transport the whole carcass, including the head and spinal column, outside of the unit, with the exception that hunters can transport the whole deer carcass between units 3A1 and 3B1 during any open deer season.
Also, in the CWD proclamation, it is unlawful for an individual to hunt big game over bait, or place bait to attract big game for the purpose of hunting, in deer hunting units 3C west of the Missouri River, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 3F2, 3B1, 3A1, 3A2 and north of N.D. Highway 2 in unit 3A3.
Applicants for regular deer gun, youth and muzzleloader can apply online.
Applications can also be made by calling (800)406-6409, however, a service fee is charged when using the 800 number application process.
Gratis applicants must apply online because the toll-free licensing telephone number is not set up to receive gratis applications.
The deadline for applications is June 5.
Applicants who do not have access to a computer or smartphone can submit the application at a public service location such as a public library, at a Game and Fish office, or request help from a friend, relative or neighbor.
Gratis applications received on or before the regular deer gun lottery application deadline will qualify for an any-legal-deer license. As per state law, gratis applications received after the deadline will be processed based on licenses remaining after the lottery, and generally only antlerless licenses remain.
Those who miss two consecutive years of applying in the lottery will lose accumulated bonus points.
Total deer licenses are determined by harvest rates, aerial surveys, depredation reports, hunter observations, input at advisory board meetings, and comments from the public, landowners and department field staff.