More wild turkey licenses will be available in North Dakota during this year's season, the state Game and Fish Department says.

A total of 8,700 licenses will be available for the season that runs from Oct. 11 through Jan. 11, 2009. That is an increase of 675 from last year. Up to 1,300 more licenses might be available in specific hunting units if turkey reproduction is exceptionally good this spring.

"At this point it is too early to tell what the numbers of young birds will look like," said Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor. "If reproduction is good, these licenses in reserve will be available on a first come, first served basis after the lottery and before Oct. 1."

Lottery applications will be available by June 16 from Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors.

Hunting units 21 in Hettinger and Adams counties and 53 in Divide and Williams counties will remain closed to fall turkey hunting this year because of a decline in turkey numbers.