BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Interest in pronghorn hunting in North Dakota is surging as opportunities increase for hunters.
The state Game and Fish Department received 8,900 applications for 730 licenses this year. That was up 37 percent from last year, when 410 licenses were available, and near the peak of 10,200 applications in 2007, when 6,000 licenses were available.
A string of harsh winters set in after that and decimated the pronghorn population. Hunting was disallowed from 2010 through 2013 to allow the animals to recover.
Seasons were opened again in 2014. State Wildlife Chief Jeb Williams says opportunities for hunters have increased every year since, as the pronghorn population continues to recover thanks to recent mild winters.
Williams says there's "a good foundation being set now for pronghorn."