EHD Outbreak: North Dakota Halts Antlerless Deer Hunting in Four Southern Units, About 350 Licenses Voided
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced on October 19 that, effective immediately, the harvest of antlerless white-tailed deer is prohibited in deer gun units 3C, 3E1, 3E2 and 3F2 in southwestern and south-central North Dakota, in response to an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). The restriction covers all license types, including youth, muzzleloader, deer gun, deer bow and gratis licenses. Governor Kelly Armstrong, joined by Game and Fish Director Jeb Williams, said about 350 previously issued antlerless licenses in the four units are no longer valid; holders will automatically be refunded the $35 license fee and have their bonus points restored. Hunters with whitetail licenses in 13 surrounding units may turn in their licenses before the November 6 deer gun opener for a refund and restored points, or donate the fee for a bonus point. Armstrong said the state's deer population is still recovering from the devastating 2021 EHD outbreak and that every doe that survives improves the herd's chance to rebuild. EHD is a virus spread by biting midges that is often fatal to whitetails but does not affect humans. Since early August, the department has fielded roughly 160 to 170 reports tallying about 350 to 400 dead deer. The state issued 39,100 deer licenses this year, the fewest in more than 50 years. Hunters are encouraged to check the EHD mortality map on the department's website before deciding whether to turn in a license. (GSM, based on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department announcement)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 白尾鹿，摄于北达科他州；Wikimedia Commons，公有领域，作者 USFWS Mountain Prairie（美国鱼类及野生动物管理局）
