2026 EHD Refund and Closure FAQs
Closure on Antlerless White-tailed Deer Harvest in units 3E1, 3E2, 3C, and 3F2
In which units are harvesting an antlerless white-tailed deer prohibited?
Harvesting an antlerless whitetail deer is prohibited in units 3E1, 3E2, 3C, and 3F2.
Does the closure apply to all hunting methods and seasons?
Yes. Harvesting antlerless whitetail deer is prohibited in these units regardless of weapon or season, including bow, muzzleloader, gun, youth, and gratis.
What happens if I have an antlerless white-tailed deer gun license for one of these units?
Hunters holding an antlerless white-tailed gun license for unit 3E1, 3E2, or 3F2 will receive a refund since these licenses are no longer valid. There is no need to return your tag. There were no antlerless white-tailed deer licenses issued for unit 3C.
If I have an “Any” antlerless license in one of these units, can I still hunt?
Yes. You can still harvest an antlerless mule deer in these units, but you may not harvest an antlerless white-tailed deer.
May I still harvest antlered white-tailed deer in units 3E1, 3E2, 3C, and 3F2?
Yes. You can still harvest antlered white-tailed deer, as well as antlered and antlerless mule deer, in these units.
Does the closure apply to gratis hunters?
Yes. The antlerless white-tailed deer closure applies to gratis hunters as well as other hunters, regardless of weapon or season.
Are bow hunters affected even though bow licenses are not eligible for refunds?
Yes. Bow hunters may not harvest an antlerless white-tailed deer in units 3E1, 3E2, 3C, and 3F2. Bow licenses are not eligible for refunds.
License Refunds
Which hunting units are eligible for license refunds?
License refunds will be offered in the following units: 4D, 4E, 4F, 3D1, 3E1, 3F1, 3D2, 3E2, 3F2, 3C, 3B3, 2I, and 2H.
Why are the units different for the closure versus the eligible license refunds?
The loss of white-tailed deer due to EHD was the most significant in the closure units (3E1, 3E2, 3C, and 3F2).
Which license types are eligible for refunds?
Refunds will be offered to hunters holding the following licenses:
- White-tailed deer-specific licenses in the units listed above
- “Any” antlered or antlerless gun licenses in the units listed above
- Muzzleloader licenses
Are bow licenses eligible for refunds?
No. bow licenses are not eligible for refunds.
Do I need to turn in my license to receive a refund?
Yes. Hunters wishing to return their tag for a refund may do so by mailing to the address below. If applicable, you may also choose to donate your refund to “buy a point” for next year’s lottery. Hunters wishing to buy a point must indicate this when they return their tag.
Tags should be mailed to the following address:
Licensing-EHD Return
ND Game & Fish Department
100 N Bismarck Expressway
Bismarck ND 58501
Will hunters receive their bonus points back if they voluntarily turn in their tags?
Yes. Hunters who voluntarily turn in eligible tags from the units listed above will have their bonus points reinstated.
Will hunters receive a bonus point for the current year?
The hunter will receive a bonus point for the current year if they return the tag, do not request a refund, and received the license from their first choice in the lottery.
Will my bonus points be reinstated automatically?
Yes. Bonus points will be reinstated automatically for hunters who voluntarily turn in eligible tags.