The full picture · 5 sources

North Dakota closes 4 deer hunting units due to EHD outbreak, offers refunds to hunters

Updated Oct 21, 3:40 PM CT. Every fact below links to the source that reported it.

What the primary sources show

The North Dakota Department of Game and Fish closed four hunting units to antlerless whitetail harvest in response to an epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak. [Bismarck Tribune] [KFYR-TV]
The closed units are 3C, 3E1, 3E2, and 3F2. [Bismarck Source]
Game and Fish director Jeb Williams reported roughly 400 deer have been affected by EHD so far this year. [KFYR-TV]
Roughly 350 hunters in North Dakota will be unable to take antlerless deer this season due to the closures. [KFYR-TV]
EHD is a virus transmitted by biting flies and gnats called midges, with symptoms typically appearing within 5 to 10 days of infection. [Bismarck Source]
The state experienced a more severe EHD outbreak in 2021 that resulted in more than a thousand license refund requests. [KFYR-TV]

What is the specific opening date for the 2026 deer gun season?
How long will the four unit closures remain in effect before antlerless harvest resumes?
What is the estimated total cost to the state of issuing license refunds?

Bismarck Community Buzz (public group): Highlights a video discussion between Governor Armstrong and Game and Fish director Williams about the season changes. Read it →
Bismarck Tribune: Straightforward announcement that four units are being closed to antlerless harvest ahead of the deer gun season. Read it → · Paywall
KFYR-TV: Includes reactions from hunters and officials, emphasizing the balance between protecting the herd and maintaining hunting opportunities, with detailed comparison to 2021. Read it → · Ads
KX News: Brief alert that refunds are available as Game and Fish reports finding dead deer with gun season approaching. Read it → · Ads
Bismarck Source: Most comprehensive breakdown of affected units and license types, plus detailed explanation of EHD transmission biology. Read it →

701 News writes these summaries from the sources above and checks every sentence against them. Read the originals for the full reporting. Corrections