The full picture · 4 sources

North Dakota closes deer hunting units due to EHD outbreak

Updated Oct 19, 5:39 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 ahead of the 2026 deer gun season due to an epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreak. [Bismarck Tribune] [KX News]
The closed units are 3E1, 3E2, 3F2, and 3C. [KX News]
Hunters in 13 additional units may return their deer tags for refunds and restored bonus points. [KX News]
Since early August, Game and Fish reported nearly 350 deaths from the EHD outbreak. [KFYR-TV]
EHD is caused by a biting midge that affects deer in areas of drinking water during hot and dry weather. [KX News]
The deer gun season opens Friday, November 6. [KX News]

How long will the hunting restrictions remain in effect?
How many hunters statewide are affected by these closures?
Will restrictions be reassessed if EHD mortality rates change before November 6?

Bismarck Community Buzz (public group): Features a video discussion between Governor Armstrong and Game and Fish Director Williams about changes to the upcoming deer hunting season. Read it →
Bismarck Tribune: Reports the announcement that the state is closing four hunting units to antlerless whitetail harvest due to the EHD outbreak. Read it → · Paywall
KFYR-TV: Emphasizes the outbreak's threat to the whitetail population recovery and details the refund and bonus point restoration options available to hunters. Read it → · Ads
KX News: Provides specific unit numbers, explains EHD transmission from biting midges, includes quotes from state officials about the rationale, and notes Governor Armstrong's personal observation of dead deer on his property. Read it → · Ads

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