BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Deer hunting licenses in North Dakota are likely to increase for a fourth consecutive year.

Game and Fish won’t release the number for a few more weeks, but state Wildlife Chief Jeb Williams tells The Associated Press that it’s likely to be higher than last year. Deer populations continue to rebound from several harsh winters about a decade ago.

The agency issued 55,150 licenses in 2018. It has a goal of 75,000 licenses as early as next year. Williams says that would be a new normal.

The state is unlikely to return to the days of more than 100,000 deer licenses annually. That’s because of a reduction in wildlife habitat due to oil development and reduced grassland areas resulting from changes in farming practices. The regular deer gun season is in mid-November.