The full picture · 4 sources

North Dakota closes four hunting units ahead of gun season due to EHD outbreak

Updated Oct 20, 7:08 AM CT. Every fact below links to the source that reported it.

What the primary sources show

North Dakota is closing four hunting units to all antlerless whitetail harvest ahead of the deer gun season. [Bismarck Tribune] [KFYR-TV] [KX News]
Roughly 350 hunters are affected by the unit closures. [KFYR-TV]
About 400 deer have been affected by epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, this year. [KFYR-TV]
EHD is caused by a small biting midge that spreads in drinking water areas during hot, dry conditions. [KX News]
Licenses in 13 additional hunting units are eligible for refunds. [KFYR-TV]
State officials cite drought and extreme summer conditions in addition to EHD as factors stressing the deer population. [KFYR-TV]

How many total hunters across all affected units will seek refunds?
Will EHD spread to any of the 13 units currently offering refunds before the November 6 season opener?
When might restrictions on antlerless harvest be lifted in the four closed units?

Bismarck Community Buzz (public group): Announces a video discussion between Armstrong and Williams about changes to the upcoming hunting season. Read it →
Bismarck Tribune: Official Game and Fish notification of four units closed to antlerless harvest ahead of the 2026 season. Read it → · Paywall
KFYR-TV: Reports roughly 350 hunters affected, provides official statements from the governor and Game and Fish director, includes a local hunter's support for the decision, and compares this year's outbreak to the worse 2021 EHD event. Read it → · Ads
KX News: Lists specific closed units (3E1, 3E2, 3F2, 3C) and 13 refund-eligible units, explains EHD transmission via midges, and details the refund process and deadline. 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