Bighorn Sheep Hunting Expected To Resume In North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Bighorn sheep hunting is likely to resume in North Dakota later this year.

The season was called off last year for the first time in more than three decades due to a 2014 die-off in the Badlands herd caused by disease. Officials say deaths have slowed, and the Game and Fish Department this week announced a tentative fall season.

The final decision will come after a summer sheep study.

Game and Fish is accepting license applications from hunters, but the license lottery won't be held until late summer. State Wildlife Chief Jeb Williams says if a season is not held, hunters' application fees will not be refunded. Resident hunters pay $5 and out-of-state hunters $100.

Williams say he feels good about the prospects of having a season.