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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Deer hunters may find more challenges during this year's season, with crops still in the field and deer numbers down in some areas.

North Dakota's deer gun season starts at noon and runs through Nov. 22. The archery season runs through Jan. 3.

Officials say 144,440 North Dakota deer gun licenses were available this year. It's a drop of about 3 percent from last season. Aerial surveys have shown fewer deer in the southwestern part of the state, which was hit by heavy winter show.

Game and Fish Department biologist Bill Jensen says crops still are left in many fields.

Game Warden Cory Detloff says he's spotted deer in the northwestern part of the state, from Trenton through areas around Crosby and Ambrose.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-06-09 0500CST | save this article / add to your favorites list