Pronghorn hunting licenses increase in North Dakota

The state Recreation and Fish Division is making 1,970 licenses accessible in 17 models, a license enhance of almost 15%.

A July aerial survey indicated the pronghorn inhabitants is up 5% from final yr. The fawn-to-doe ratio was 41 fawns per 100 does, down from 52 fawns per 100 does final yr. The buck-to-doe ratio of 35 bucks per 100 does stays secure and at inhabitants targets, in line with Massive Recreation Administration Supervisor Bruce Stillings.

“The pronghorn inhabitants various significantly by administration area relying on the impact of almost two years of drought circumstances, epizootic hemorrhagic illness and historic blizzards this spring,” he mentioned.

Searching Unit 4A was affected essentially the most, in line with Stillings — the inhabitants was down significantly from latest years, with record-low fawn manufacturing. Licenses have been considerably decreased within the area, he mentioned.

Items 1A, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 1D and 10A weren’t affected as a lot as a result of the inhabitants elevated barely even with below-average fawn manufacturing. Pronghorn remained secure to barely growing in Items 4C, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 9C, 11A and 13A.

“Any-pronghorn licenses will likely be issued in Items 9A and 9C for the primary time in a number of years to deal with landowner considerations and supply extra searching alternatives,” Stillings mentioned.

Every unit will once more have a season that’s cut up into an early bow-only portion and a later gun/bow season.

The bow-only portion is Sept. 2-25, opening at midday the primary day. Anybody who attracts a license can hunt pronghorn with a bow within the unit printed on the license. 

From Oct. 7-23 — beginning at midday the primary day — hunters who nonetheless have a legitimate license can use authorized firearms or archery tools of their assigned unit.

Solely North Dakota residents are eligible to use for a pronghorn license. Hunters can apply on-line at https://gf.nd.gov/buy-apply.