BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The percentage of hunters who successfully killed a deer in North Dakota last fall was the highest in five years.

That might increase the likelihood of more licenses being made available this year after a dismal allocation in 2015.

Game and Fish Department data show 68 percent of deer hunters bagged an animal last fall, up from 60 percent in 2014 and a significant rise from the all-time low of 51 percent in 2011.

North Dakota's deer population has declined with a drop in habitat. The state last year issued 43,275 licenses, the lowest in nearly 40 years.

Game and Fish will send its recommendation for 2016 licenses to the governor for approval later this month. State Wildlife Chief Jeb Williams says some hunting units might see a license increase.

 

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