BISMARCK (KFGO-AM) -- North Dakota Game and Fish plans to issue only one deer license per person beginning next hunting season. Wildlife Division Chief Jeb Williams says there are fewer deer and a higher demand for licenses, and the new system will give more people an opportunity to hunt.
Hunters could still apply for both the rifle and muzzle loader lotteries, but they'd only be able to get one license. If you are chosen in the gun lottery, you could use your tag in the archery season but it has to be filled in the unit it's issued in. Williams says if they don't get a deer in the archery season, they could still use the license in the gun portion of the season. The muzzleloader license would only be good for the muzzleloader season.
Game and Fish came up with the proposed changes after public hearings in which they heard repeated complaints that some hunters couldn't get a license, while others were getting two or three.
Advisory board meetings will be held later this month and next to get more feedback from the public on the proposed changes.