Pronghorn Hunting Season Set, Apply Online

The 2024 pronghorn hunting season is set with 1,265 licenses available and all units open.

North Dakota Game and Fish Department big game management supervisor Bruce Stillings said license numbers are up significantly from last year, when the department allocated 420 licenses in eight units.

“Last winter was mild, resulting in higher adult survival and fawn recruitment from 2023,” Stillings said.

The July aerial survey indicated the overall pronghorn population is up 31% from last year. The fawn-to-doe ratio of 50 fawns per 100 does was higher than last year, and the buck-to-doe ratio of 31 bucks per 100 does remains stable and at the population objective.

Each unit will once again have a season that is split into an early bow-only portion, and a later gun/bow season.

The bow-only portion of the season is Aug. 30 (noon) – Sept. 22. Anyone who draws a license can hunt pronghorn with a bow in the unit printed on the license. 

From Oct. 4 (noon) – Oct. 20, hunters who still have a valid license can use legal firearms or archery equipment, but must stay in the assigned unit.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply for a pronghorn license. Hunters who have accumulated bonus points and choose not to apply this year will not lose their points, but will not earn a point for next year. However, hunters who do not want a license in 2024 have the option to purchase a bonus point on the application. 

Applicants can apply online at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

The pronghorn license fee is $30 for ages 16 and older, and $10 for those under age 16. Applicants for a pronghorn lottery license must be at least 12 on or before Dec. 31. The application deadline is Aug. 7.