BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota's pronghorn population and the popular hunting opportunity it provides both have taken a blow this year.
A summer survey conducted by the Game and Fish Department concluded pronghorn numbers are down 14 percent from last year. The agency is offering 410 licenses for the fall hunt - a 44 percent drop from 2016.
Big Game Management Supervisor Bruce Stillings cites both a tough winter and extreme drought this summer.
Pronghorn in recent years have rebounded from harsh winters in the early 2000s that decimated the population and prompted Game and Fish to cancel hunting seasons four years in a row.
State Wildlife Chief Jeb Williams says this year is a setback. But he and Stillings say there's reason for optimism, especially with good fawn production this year.