nd.gov - The Official Portal for North Dakota State Government
person My Account  |  logout Logout  |  shopping_cart Cart

News Releases

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

News Releases

Game and Fish Monitoring EHD-related Mortality

The state Game and Fish Department is allowing hunters with whitetail or “any” deer gun licenses in five units in western North Dakota the option of turning those licenses in for refunds.

Hunters with antlered whitetail, antlerless whitetail, any antlered and any antlerless licenses, are eligible for refunds in units 3E1, 3F1, 3F2, 4E and 4F. Hunters who return their licenses will have their bonus points restored, if applicable, to the same number of points prior to the 2025 deer gun lottery.

Mason Ryckman, wildlife health biologist, said the decision is based on scattered reports of white-tailed deer mortality caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease that began in early September.

“This outbreak appears mild,” Ryckman said. “We see a low level of EHD most years. It typically stays fairly localized, but every so often it can intensify into a significant die-off. The combined outbreak in 2020 and 2021 was probably the worst in memory, with extensive mortality across much of western North Dakota. Similar to 2024, we’re nowhere close to that level, but we have received around 20 reports, primarily focused across Bowman and Adams counties. We’re hopeful that the few nights with temperatures in the 20s this past week helped slow things down, but it typically takes a series of hard frosts to kill the gnats and completely end an outbreak.”

Department staff will continue to monitor reports to determine if licenses in additional units should become eligible for refunds due to the EHD outbreak. Hunters and landowners should report any dead deer along with photos, if possible, to the department through the online wildlife mortality reporting system, at gf.nd.gov/mortality-report.

“It is important to make note of the location and the approximate number of animals found,” Ryckman said. “In some cases, we may need to collect samples off fresh carcasses, so it is important to notify the department as soon as possible.”

Before deciding to turn in a license, the department urges license holders to make local contacts to find out the extent of mortality in their hunting unit as most areas within these units have not been heavily affected.

License holders who qualify and want a refund must mail their tag, along with a note requesting a refund due to EHD, to the Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office no later than Nov. 7. Envelopes postmarked Nov. 7 will be accepted.

EHD, a viral disease transmitted by biting gnats, primarily affects white-tailed deer but other big game species are susceptible. The virus is not a danger to humans; however, hunters should not shoot or consume a deer that appears sick.

Historical Look at Waterfowl in North Dakota

The storied past of waterfowl in North Dakota is uniquely revealed in the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s publication, “The Duck Factory – A History of Waterfowl in North Dakota.”

Certainly of interest to waterfowlers and other outdoor enthusiasts, the 213-page, full color, soft-cover publication is authored by Mike Jacobs and Erik Fritzell. The book traces the history of waterfowl species and their habitats in North Dakota.

The book is sold only online for $24.99, including shipping, on the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, by clicking on Buy and Apply, and then Shop.

 

Zebra Mussel Eradication Plan for Smishek Lake

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with state and federal partners and local stakeholders, have finalized a plan to eradicate zebra mussels from Smishek Lake.

“This decision was not an easy one, but we feel this plan is absolutely necessary to protect the downstream waters of Lake Sakakawea and lakes in northwestern North Dakota from zebra mussels,” said Ben Holen, aquatic nuisance species coordinator. “Generally, eradication is not a feasible option, but in this case, we believe we have a very good opportunity to eliminate zebra mussels from Smishek Lake.”

During the week of Oct. 13, Game and Fish Department staff will apply an EPA-registered copper-based molluscicide called EarthTecQZ. This product, when applied safely, will cause mussel mortality while sustaining other aquatic life. After the treatment, Game and Fish, and Department of Environmental Quality personnel, will monitor copper concentrations in Smishek Lake. In late fall or early winter, Game and Fish will also consider dewatering some of Smishek Lake and, if needed, pursue a secondary treatment with EarthTecQZ in spring 2026. 

The ramp will be closed on the day of treatment (Oct. 13-17) and signs will be placed around the lake.

Order 2026 OUTDOORS Calendars

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is taking orders for its North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar, the source for all hunting season and application dates for 2026. Along with color photographs of North Dakota’s wildlife and outstanding scenery, it also includes sunrise-sunset times and moon phases.

Calendars must be ordered online by visiting the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

The calendar is the North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine’s December issue, so current subscribers will automatically receive it in the mail.

 

Fall Mule Deer Survey Begins

The state Game and Fish Department’s annual fall aerial mule deer survey is set to begin Oct. 13 in western North Dakota. Weather permitting, the survey takes about two weeks to complete.

During the survey period, people could notice low-flying small airplanes over some parts of the badlands.

Game and Fish biologists have completed aerial surveys of the same 24 badlands study areas since the 1950s. The survey is used to collect mule deer population data for monitoring demographic trends, such as buck-to-doe and fawn-to-doe ratios.

 

Zebra Mussels Discovered in Smishek Lake

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of invasive zebra mussels in Smishek Lake, Burke County, after detecting zebra mussel veligers in routine plankton tow net samples. 

Ben Holen, Department aquatic nuisance species coordinator, said subsequent follow-up sampling found additional adult mussels in the lake.

The 195-acre lake is a popular recreation destination located 4.8 miles north of Powers Lake.

Smishek Lake is now considered a Class I ANS infested water. Emergency rules will go into effect immediately to prohibit the movement of water away from the lake, including water for transferring bait. Notices will be posted at lake access sites. With input from partners, the Game and Fish Department is currently evaluating containment and treatment options on Smishek Lake to minimize the spread of zebra mussels in the region. 

Zebra mussels are just one of the nonnative aquatic species that threaten our waters and native wildlife. After using any body of water, people must remember to follow North Dakota regulations:

  • Remove aquatic vegetation before leaving the water access and do not import into North Dakota.
  • Drain all water before leaving the water access.
  • Remove drain plugs and devices that hold back water and leave open and out during transport.
  • Do not import aquatic bait into the state. For Class I ANS infested waters, aquatic bait cannot be transported away from the water. In all other areas, bait must be transported in a container that holds 5 gallons or less. Remember that it is illegal to dump unused bait on shore or into the lake.
  • All docks, lifts and related equipment must be dried and left out of water for at least 21 days before being placed in another water.

In addition to North Dakota regulations, Game and Fish strongly recommends:

  • Avoid mooring your watercraft in zebra mussels infested waters.
  • Clean – remove plants, animals and excessive mud prior to leaving a water access.
  • Drain – drain all water prior to leaving a water access.
  • Dry – allow equipment to dry completely before using again or disinfect. 

For more information about ANS in North Dakota, options for disinfection, or to report a possible ANS, visit the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov. 

Motorists Watch for Deer

Motorists should watch for deer along roadways this time of year as juvenile animals disperse from their home ranges.

October through early December is the peak period for deer-vehicle accidents. Motorists are advised to slow down and exercise caution after dark to reduce the likelihood of encounters with deer. Most deer-vehicle accidents occur primarily at dawn and dusk when deer are most often moving around.

When you see one deer cross the road, look for a second or third deer to follow. Also, pay attention on roadways posted with Deer Crossing Area caution signs.

Deer-vehicle accidents are at times unavoidable. If an accident does happen, law enforcement authorities do not have to be notified if only the vehicle is damaged. However, if the accident involves personal injury or other property damage, then it must be reported.

In addition, a permit is required before taking possession of a roadkill deer. Permits are free and available from game wardens and local law enforcement.

A few precautions can minimize chances of injury or property damage in a deer-vehicle crash. 

  • Always wear your seat belt.
  • Don’t swerve or take the ditch to avoid hitting a deer. Try to brake as much as possible and stay on the roadway. Don’t lose control of your vehicle or slam into something else to miss the deer. You risk less injury by hitting the deer.
  • If you spot deer ahead, slow down immediately and honk.

 

Youth Pheasant Weekend

North Dakota’s two-day youth pheasant season Oct. 4-5 is a great opportunity to introduce a new hunter to the outdoors with limited competition.

That’s when legally licensed residents and nonresidents 15 and younger can hunt rooster pheasants statewide. An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter in the field. The adult may not carry a firearm.

Hunters 12 and older need to have passed a certified hunter education course or obtain an apprentice hunter validation, which allows an individual to hunt small game for one license year without completing hunter education. 

The daily bag limit and all other regulations for the regular pheasant season apply to the youth season. See the small game hunting regulations for additional information.

Hunt for Tomorrow

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department encourages hunters to embrace Hunt for Tomorrow.

Hunt for Tomorrow promotes building relationships with landowners, respecting the land, and doing your part to ensure the future of hunting.

Director Jeb Williams provides a message for hunters about Hunt for Tomorrow.

 

2025 Waterfowl Season

North Dakota’s waterfowl season opens for residents Sept. 27, while nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl Oct. 4.

The season for swans opens Oct. 4 for both residents and nonresidents who have purchased a swan license.

Shooting hours for all geese are one-half hour before sunrise to 2 p.m. each day.

Extended shooting hours for all geese are permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset on Saturdays and Wednesdays through the end of each season. Starting Nov. 28, all day hunting is also allowed on Fridays and Sundays through the end of each season.

A waterfowl habitat restoration stamp is required for all waterfowl hunters, regardless of age, and a federal duck stamp is required for hunters 16 and older. This year’s stamps are available for electronic purchase through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, or license vendors registered with the department’s licensing system.

Hunters wanting to support conservation by purchasing extra duck stamps should visit the Amplex website.

Hunters who do not HIP certify when they buy a North Dakota license can add it through the Game and Fish website. Those who registered to hunt North Dakota’s spring light goose season or August Management Take/Early September Canada goose season do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required in each state only once per year.

Hunters should refer to the North Dakota 2025-26 hunting regulations for further details on the waterfowl season.

Watch the waterfowl season webcast with Game and Fish migratory game bird supervisor John Palarski.

Waterfowl and ANS

Waterfowl hunters should do their part in preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species into or within North Dakota.

Hunters must remove aquatic plants and plant fragments from decoys, strings and anchors; remove aquatic plant seeds and plant fragments from waders and other equipment before leaving hunting areas; remove all water from decoys, boats, motors, trailers and other watercraft; and remove all aquatic plants from boats and trailers before leaving a marsh or lake. In addition, hunters are encouraged to brush their hunting dogs free of mud and seeds.

Cattails and bulrushes may be transported as camouflage on boats. All other aquatic vegetation must be cleaned from boats prior to transportation into or within North Dakota.

Drain plugs on boats must remain pulled when a boat is in transit away from a water body.

In addition, hunters are reminded of a state law that requires motorized watercraft, including motorized duck boats, operated on state waters and not licensed in North Dakota, to display an ANS sticker, including an ANS fee to be paid each calendar year.  

For more ANS information, including regulations, or to purchase the ANS sticker, visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

Youth Deer Season

Sept. 19 at noon Central time signals the start of a nine-and-a-half-day deer hunting season for licensed youth hunters.

The youth license is valid during the youth deer season that closes Sept. 28, and the regular deer gun season running from Nov. 7-23.

After opening day, hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Orange clothing is required for youth hunters and mentors.

Each young deer hunter must be under direct supervision of an adult. The adult is prohibited from carrying a firearm or bow while accompanying the youth hunter in the field during the youth season.