BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Hunters will likely have a better chance at killing a deer in North Dakota this year.

The Game and Fish Department is recommending a total of 148,500 deer licenses, up 5,050 from 2006. This year's proposal includes an additional 4,350 whitetail and 700 mule deer licenses.

The recommendations have been submitted to Gov. John Hoeven for his review.

North Dakota hunters killed more than 100,000 deer last year, besting the previous record of 99,600 set in 2005.

Wildlife chief Randy Kreil said the agency will continue to cut deer numbers in the state.

"Progress toward reducing deer numbers was evident this past year in northwest and southeast North Dakota," Kreil said. "As a result these areas will see stable to lower license numbers, due to a significant decline in deer numbers resulting from several years of high harvest on does."

Mild winters and an increase in reproductive success have maintained whitetail deer populations above management objectives in many units in northeastern, north central, and southwestern North Dakota, Kreil said.

The deer gun season begins Nov. 9 and ends Nov. 25. Hunters must apply for a license by June 6, Kreil said.