Andi AhnePublished: October 19, 2026Photo by Divide By Zero on Unsplash
EHD Outbreak Prompts North Dakota Hunting Changes
North Dakota officials are making some pretty major changes to deer hunting rules in the southwestern and south-central parts of our state. This response comes after hundreds of reported wildlife deaths, mostly white-tailed deer, amid an ongoing EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease).
While these changes are a disappointment to many deer hunters, Gov. Kelly Armstrong says the state is still recovering from devastating EHD losses from 2021, so this action is meant to protect the state’s future white-tailed deer population.
This latest outbreak of EHD is another serious setback. Every doe that survives this season gives us a better chance to rebuild the herd. These are difficult decisions, but taking action now is the right thing to do for the long-term future of deer hunting in North Dakota.
What is Changing for Deer Hunters?
1. Antlerless White-Tailed Deer Hunting Is No Longer Allowed In Four Units
North Dakota Game and Fish has prohibited the harvest of antlerless white-tailed deer in deer gun units 3C, 3E1, 3E2, and 3F2. This applies to all license types: youth, muzzleloader, deer gun, bow, and gratis.
If you have an antlerless white-tailed deer gun license for those units, they are no longer valid and will be automatically refunded.
2. Some Hunters Can Return Their Licenses For A Refund Or Bonus Points
Hunters with specified white-tailed deer licenses (any antlered, any antlerless, antlered whitetail and antlerless whitetail) in the following units can return their licenses: 2H, 2I, 3B3, 3C, 3D1, 3D2, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 3F2, 4D, 4E and 4F.
Hunters with Muzzleloader licenses can also take advantage of this option. They can turn those licenses in for a refund and restored bonus points, or donate the license fee and earn a bonus point, if applicable. Keep in mind, you must return your license before deer gun season and indicate your preferred option.
North Dakota Game and Fish is encouraging hunters to check the EHD mortality map, before turning in their licenses.
What is EHD?
If you’re not familiar with EHD or deer hunting in general, here’s an explainer on what the disease is and how it affects deer. EHD is a virus spread by tiny flies or gnats (midges). When one bites a deer, it quickly spreads through its body. According to Cornell Wildlife Health, symptoms usually appear 5-10 days after a deer is bitten.
The deer’s physical symptoms usually include a swollen neck, eyes, and head, and changes in tongue color. The deer can also foam at the mouth and have bloody discharge from the nose and mouth.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, humans cannot contract EHD by any mode of transmission, including eating venison.
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