Apps out 2025

[Trip McNeely]

So is the whole state deer population down or just certain areas?

Overall it’s definitely down across the state, some areas worse than others, probably a few pockets of exceptions with steady to rising populations. Areas in central and western nd that got smoked with EHD are probably the worst off in my arm chair opinion. There are a few areas I can think of off the top of my head that I can think of that have what appears to me localized steady to high numbers in some herds. Oddly enough it’s near areas where EHD is generally minimal and also nearby areas where a large effort into winter feeding/food plots/ high involvement into the local herd health takes place….strange…..

 

[johnr]

Lots and lots of deer here in WND.

The sky isn't falling, I promise.

 

[woodduck30]

Same here......the deer heard behind my house was 200+ three winters ago, then it was 0, now this past winter it shot up to 2 bucks and 5 doe's. Should be easy to get back to 0 by this winter. It actually might be 6 now, saw one dead the other day.

 

[Kurtr]

I have been driving daily from Mobridge to Carson for the last three weeks and I can count the number of deer I have seen on two hands. Seen more goats than deer.

 

[8andcounting]

I would say the draw is getting close cuz they took the gratis tags out of the pool . One unit has 17 buck tags available in the draw . Crazy

 

[zoops]

I would bet early next week, seems like that's been the way the last few years. Deer numbers seem similar in the central part of the state as last year. Seemed to see a few more along the MO river this spring but still pretty low.

 

[Trip McNeely]

I would bet early next week, seems like that's been the way the last few years. Deer numbers seem similar in the central part of the state as last year. Seemed to see a few more along the MO river this spring but still pretty low.

Ive seen about the same number to slightly higher than the last few years just south of the lake…. which got pretty much wiped out by EHD. My gut tells me the drop in tags this year isnt about lower deer numbers than last year….. I believe the deer numbers are higher statewide this year than last year, maybe not by much….The drop in tags is a delayed reaction to what should have been done 3 years ago……

 

[8andcounting]

Ive seen about the same number to slightly higher than the last few years just south of the lake…. which got pretty much wiped out by EHD. My gut tells me the drop in tags this year isnt about lower deer numbers than last year….. I believe the deer numbers are higher statewide this year than last year, maybe not by much….The drop in tags is a delayed reaction to what should have been done 3 years ago……

Right . The big cut in tags should have been done in spring of 23’ after that horrible winter . Always late to the party

 

[Ruttin]

The 2023 tag allotment was the biggest fuc*u^ the game and fish has made.

 

[8andcounting]

The 2023 tag allotment was the biggest fuc*u^ the game and fish has made.

I disagree . 2005-2011 tag allotment worse

 

[Ruttin]

I disagree . 2005-2011 tag allotment worse

That was bad as well. It was just so obvious after the 2023 winter what needed to be done.

 

[8andcounting]

Soon the complaining will begin lol

 

[Jiffy]

Just another step in the demise of hunting in general. Not blaming the NDGF mind you (as if anyone is really to blame). It’s just getting worse is all. Steady progression into extinction, it’s already over as far as I’m concerned. Have at it while it lasts boys!

 

[Jiffy]

HABITAT…..and it ISNT coming back.

 

[Wall-eyes]

I don’t buy the pheasant idea either. Open up the season for 5 years for hen pheasant and let me know which direction the population goes…. Hunting hens would have a negative impact without a doubt…….Fish I can understand as they lay gazillion eggs so recruitment is high and females aren’t necessarily as valuable….An animal that has 1-2 young per year like deer the females are much more valuable to the population……

Questions ever notice when hunting pheasant there is so many more roosters than hens, curious what birth rate ratio is. Even big farms that sell pheasants so many more roosters. Even on my land ratio is easy 7 or 8 roosters to one hen. Feel sorry come breeding seasons.

 

[riverview]

HABITAT…..and it ISNT coming back.

farmers have never made any money farming trees i was told.

 

[8andcounting]

Drawing is done . Results will be posted tomorrow

 

[Ruttin]

Drawing is done . Results will be posted tomorrow

Its weird thinking that I really don't care about it anymore. If I draw great !...if I don't I've got tags out of state that I look forward to way more than a ND deer tag. I still enjoy the otc bow tag and will purchase one and hunt for sure.

 

[8andcounting]

Its weird thinking that I really don't care about it anymore. If I draw great !...if I don't I've got tags out of state that I look forward to way more than a ND deer tag. I still enjoy the otc bow tag and will purchase one and hunt for sure.

I have to agree with you on the out of state thing I look more forward to them also

 

[deleted user]

North Dakota lost the camaraderie of deer hunting. Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Montana still seem to have it. Between the loss of habitat, the rise of social media, and e-posting, competition overcame fun.