ND Game and Fish Department issuing 53,400 deer gun licenses for 2023 season

(Bismarck, ND) -- The 2023 North Dakota Deer Season is set.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says a total of 53,400 deer gun licenses are available in total this year, with 10,800 fewer gun licenses made available in this year's lottery. Casey Anderson, ND Game and Fish's Wildlife Division Chief, says the harsh winter likely thinned the White Tail Deer population. 

“The severity of winter conditions this year was record setting, particularly in the eastern half of the state,” Anderson said. “Consequently, there will be fewer deer licenses allocated in 2023; the lowest number of licenses available since 2016. Conservative license allocations are intended to maintain hunting opportunities while continuing to encourage population growth.”

More information and a place for applications can be found by clicking here.