BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) - The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is reminding hunters across the Peace Garden State to stay safe and follow regulations as deer gun season opens Friday, November 7, 2025.

Earlier this year, the department announced it would issue only 42,300 deer gun licenses, continuing a four-year trend of reductions. Wildlife Division Chief Casey Anderson said that despite two consecutive mild winters, fawn production remained low for both white-tailed and mule deer. He also cited habitat loss as a contributing factor. As a result, around 8,000 hunters may have to sit out this season, with tag numbers down nearly 20,000 compared to 2022.

Common Violations to Avoid: • Failure to wear blaze orange: Hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange above

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