The North Dakota Game and Fish Department completed its annual spring mule deer survey in April, and results indicate western North Dakota’s mule deer population is similar to last year and 21% above the long-term average.
Biologists counted 2,671 mule deer in 306.3 square miles during this year’s survey. Overall mule deer density in the badlands was 8.7 deer per square mile.
Big game management supervisor Bruce Stillings said he is encouraged with current mule deer densities across the badlands.
“But we are concerned that mule deer are beginning the summer with poor rangeland conditions due to the extreme drought across the western part of the state, which could negatively affect fawn survival,” Stillings said.
The spring mule deer survey is used to assess mule deer abundance in the badlands. It is conducted after the snow has melted and before the trees begin to leaf out, providing the best conditions for aerial observation of deer. Biologists have completed aerial surveys of the same 24 study areas since the 1950s.
NASP State Tournament Results
School-aged archers from across the state participated virtually in the 2021 National Archery in the Schools state tournament. Archers competed in their own gymnasiums and scores were submitted electronically.
The top 10 archers in each division of the bullseye tournament qualify for the national tournament, which will be held virtually. In addition, the top team in each division also qualifies.
The North Dakota Youth Archery Advisory Committee contributed $21,000 in college scholarships to the top five overall scorers in both boys and girls divisions.
Oakes students claimed top honors in the high school (grades 9-12), middle school (grades 7-8) and elementary (grades 4-6) bullseye team divisions.
The overall individual male winner was Oakes archer Hunter Kamlitz, while Medina student Gracie Gunderson claimed the top individual spot in the female division.
Top three place winners in the individual competition by division:
High school boys – 1) Hunter Kamlitz, Oakes; 2) Clancey Zimbelman, Oakes; 2) Casey Everson, Barnes County North.
High school girls – 1) Gracy Gunderson, Medina; 2) Tallin Schafer, Lidgerwood; 3) Allee Boyer, Edgeley.
Middle school boys – 1) Braysen Sagert, Oakes; 2) Gage Hoffman, Medina; 3) Hunter Genre, New Rockford-Sheyenne.
Middle school girls – 1) Shayle Zimbelman, Oakes; 2) Madison Samuelson, Mt. Pleasant; 3) Mackenzie Nogowski, North Sargent.
Elementary boys – 1) Drew Hofmann, Medina; 2) Louis Schmidt, Ellendale; 3) Andy Jones, Oakes.
In addition, archers were scored in a NASP 3-D Challenge tournament.
In the team category, Oakes students claimed top honors in the high school and middle school divisions, while Wilton claimed the top prize in the elementary division.
Overall individual male and female winners were Clancey Zimbelman, Oakes, and Gracie Gunderson, Medina.
Top three individual performers in the 3-D high school boys division were 1) Clancey Zimbelman, Oakes; 2) Mason Kamlitz, Oakes; 3) Connor Cose, Mt. Pleasant.
3-D high school girls – 1) Gracie Gunderson, Medina; 2) Zoey Bohnenstingl, Lidgerwood; 3) Keera Erickson, Oakes.
3-D middle school boys – 1) Braysen Sagert, Oakes; 2) Isaiah Wertz, Oakes; 3) Hunter Genre, New Rockford-Sheyenne.
3-D middle school girls – 1) Shayne Zimbelman, Oakes; 2) Gabriella Golmer, Wilton; 3) Madison Samuelson, Mt. Pleasant.
3-D elementary boys – 1) Louis Schmidt, Ellendale; 2) Deahgan Benson, Gackle-Streeter; 3) Hudson Miller, Wahpeton.
3-D elementary girls – 1) Karly Rivinius, Gackle-Streeter; 2) Megan Jarrett, St. Johns Academy; 3) Morgan Scott, St. Johns Academy; 3) Sophia Krush, Wilton.
Cleaning Stations Help in ANS Fight
In a continuing effort to stop the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species, particularly zebra mussels already anchored in some North Dakota waters, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department installed a boat cleaning station near the Red River in Grand Forks and at Lake Ashtabula and Lake Metigoshe.
The self-serve, waterless CD3 units are free and open to the public and include a high-powered air hose, broom, wet/dry vac, a tool for removing vegetation from underneath boat trailers and flood lights to illuminate the cleaning process in low light.
Ben Holen, Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator, said the CD3 unit installed at the North Landing boat ramp in Grand Forks likely won’t be the only one found along the Red as another could be installed later near Wahpeton.
Lake Ashtabula and the Red River are popular recreational destinations that have zebra mussels. Larval-stage veligers were discovered in the Red River more than a decade ago and adult zebra mussels were found for the first time there in 2015.
Holen said the CD3 units, like the one installed in Grand Forks, are designed to minimize the chances of the larval-stage and adult exotic mussels from hitching a ride out of the Red River to waters elsewhere.
“Understanding this, we certainly encourage people coming off the river to use this free cleaning stations wherever they are installed,” Holen said. “These units are designed to get your boat clean, drained and dried pretty quickly.”
2020 Deer Season Summarized
A total of 58,146 North Dakota deer hunters took approximately 39,322 deer during the 2020 deer gun hunting season, according to a post-season survey conducted by the state Game and Fish Department.
Game and Fish made available 68,650 deer gun licenses last year. Overall hunter success was 68%, with each hunter spending an average of 4.8 days in the field.
Hunter success for antlered white-tailed deer was 67%, and antlerless whitetail was 63%.
Mule deer buck success was 81%, and antlerless mule deer was 83%.
Hunters with any-antlered or any-antlerless licenses generally harvest white-tailed deer, as these licenses are predominantly in units with mostly whitetails. Buck hunters had a success rate of 70%, while doe hunters had a success rate of 69%.
Game and Fish issued 12,130 gratis licenses in 2020, and 9,678 hunters harvested 5,612 deer, for a success rate of 58%.
A total of 1,276 muzzleloader licenses were issued, and 1,093 hunters harvested 481 white-tailed deer (234 antlered, 247 antlerless). Hunter success was 44%.
A total of 30,336 archery licenses (27,041 resident, 3,295 nonresident) were issued in 2020. In total, 26,420, bowhunters harvested 9,911 deer (9,058 whitetails, 853 mule deer), for a success rate of 38%.
The department is in the process of determining recommendations for licenses in 2021. In addition to harvest rates and winter aerial surveys, Game and Fish staff monitor other population indices to determine license numbers, including depredation reports, hunter observations, input at advisory board meetings, and comments from the public, landowners and department field staff.
Paddlefish Snagging Season Opens May 1
North Dakota’s 2021 paddlefish snagging season opens May 1 and is scheduled to continue through May 21. However, depending on the overall harvest, an early in-season closure may occur with a 24-hour notice issued by the state Game and Fish Department.
Legal snagging hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time daily. One tag per snagger will be issued. Snagging is legal in all areas of the Yellowstone River in North Dakota, and in the area of the Missouri River lying west of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge to the Montana border, excluding that portion from the pipeline crossing (river mile 1,577) downstream to the upper end of the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area (river mile 1,565).
Mandatory harvest of all snagged paddlefish is required on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On these days, all paddlefish caught must be kept and tagged immediately. All paddlefish snagged and tagged must be removed from the river by 7 p.m. of each snagging day. Any fish left at the Confluence fish cleaning caviar operation after 8 p.m. the day they were snagged will be considered abandoned and the snagger is subject to a fine.
Snag-and-release of all paddlefish is required on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. Participants during snag-and-release-only days need to have in their possession a current season, unused paddlefish snagging tag.
If the paddlefish season closes early because the harvest cap is reached, an extended snag-and-release-only period will be allowed for up to seven days immediately following the early closure, but not to extend beyond May 21. Only snaggers with a current season, unused paddlefish snagging tag are eligible to participate. Only a limited area at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers downstream to the pipeline crossing (river mile 1,577) is open to this extended season snagging opportunity. For the extended snag-and-release days only, hours for snagging are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT.
Use or possession of gaffs is prohibited on snag-and-release-only days, and, if it occurs, during the snag-and-release extension period.
All paddlefish snaggers must possess a paddlefish tag, in addition to a valid fishing license for anyone age 16 and older. Cost of a paddlefish tag is $10 for residents and $25.50 for nonresidents. Lost or destroyed tags will not be replaced.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will allow camping during the open paddlefish season at Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area Pumphouse, and at Neu’s Point WMA. However, no roads or gates will be open at Neu’s Point, therefore camping is allowed in the small Neu’s Point parking lot, and the rest of the WMA for walk-in access. All other WMA regulations apply.
In addition, snaggers who access the area by boat should note the Confluence boat ramp is unusable due to low water.
Addresses and phone numbers of vendors selling tags:
Bismarck Game and Fish Office
100 N. Bismarck Expressway
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-328-6300
Sportsman’s Warehouse
925 32nd Ave. W.
Williston, ND 58801
701-572-2500
Scenic Sports
1201 E. Broadway
Williston, ND 58801
701-572-8696
Runnings Farm and Fleet
2003 Third Ave. W.
Dickinson, ND 58601
701-483-1226
Rosie's Food and Gas
204 S. Main
Dickinson, ND 58601
701-483-7860
Trenton Rose Express
14627 Highway 1804
Trenton, ND 58553
701-774-8865
Big Boy’s Toys
300 N. Main St.
Watford City, ND 58854
701-842-3301
Environmental Education Workshop Offered this Summer
The 2021 Collaborative Environmental Education Workshop, featuring Habitats of North Dakota, Project Learning Tree and Project Wild materials, will be held June 15-16 at North Dakota State University in Fargo.
This is an educational workshop for teachers, environmental educators or anyone who wishes to learn more about the outside world. The five North Dakota habitats (wetlands, badlands, prairie, woodlands and riparian) will be studied, including their location, plants and animals and the importance of each habitat. The North Dakota Habitats, Project Learning Tree and Project WILD curriculums will be used as textbooks for this course. Explore topics like species diversity, invasive species, wildlife migration and adaptations.
The workshop will be interactive and fast paced, with hands-on activities. Lessons will be project based and correlated to academic standards. Different instructional methods will be used to reach all learning styles. Be prepared for outdoor walking field trips and activities, weather permitting. All supplies are provided.
One graduate credit is available through North Dakota State University. Register for the workshop at www.ndsu.edu/dce//k-12/info/18147.
For more information, contact Sherry Niesar at 701-527-3714 or at sniesar@nd.gov.
Fisheries Division Celebrates Area Landowners
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department honored several Emmons County area landowners in April for their cooperation in providing boating and fishing access to Rice Lake and construction of a carp barrier to keep the undesirable species from getting into the popular Emmons County fishery.
While this annual certificate of appreciation is typically given to an entity, park board or club, this year it was given to these individuals because their support demonstrates how local cooperation can positively influence area fishing lakes and recreation areas, said Bob Frohlich, Game and Fish Department fisheries development supervisor.
The cooperating landowners in the Rice Lake access project include Mark and Jean Hollaar; Todd Nieuwsma; Allen Nieuwsma; Gordon and Debra Van Boven; and Kenneth Nieuwsma. Cooperating in the carp barrier project were Dale Nieuwsma and Duane Nieuwsma.
“These efforts exemplify the long-standing cooperation with North Dakota landowners, providing valuable fishing opportunities for the public for years to come,” Frohlich said.
Big Walleye Certified as State Record
A 16-pound, 6-ounce walleye caught March 13 by Dickinson angler Jared Shypkoski is the new state record, according to North Dakota Game and Fish Department personnel.
Shypkoski reeled in the 33-inch fish in the Eckroth Bottoms area of upper Lake Oahe.
The previous record of 15 pounds, 13 ounces was taken in 2018 by Neal Leier of Bismarck, approximately 30 miles upstream on the Missouri River near the Fox Island boat ramp.
Men Convicted in Poaching Case
A months-long investigation into the poaching of about 10, and possibly more, whitetail bucks in Barnes County beginning in 2019 ended in the conviction of four men.
“We charged them with the only ones that we could prove, which was right around 10 bucks,” said Greg Hastings, North Dakota Game and Fish Department warden in Jamestown and lead investigator in the case. “We suspected there were more deer taken, but we honestly don’t know.”
The four men were Jakob Ashline and Payne Drake, both of Valley City, and Calvin Bjornson and Ryan Rudolph, both of Spiritwood.
The convictions included, among other penalties, many misdemeanors, fines and fees:
Ashline – 15 A misdemeanors; nine B misdemeanors; $7,900 in fines, fees and restitution; 53 days in jail; and loss of hunting/fishing/trapping privileges for 10 years.
Drake – One A misdemeanor; eight B misdemeanors; $850 in fines and fees; and loss of hunting/fishing/trapping privileges for two years.
Bjornson – Two A misdemeanors; one B misdemeanor; and $4,750 in fines and fees.
Rudolph – Four A misdemeanors; two B misdemeanors; $2,635 in fines, fees and restitution; and loss of hunting/fishing/trapping privileges for two years.
In addition, Ashline forfeited two rifles and a spotlight; Rudolph forfeited one rifle and has to complete 100 hours community service; and Drake has to complete 80 hours of community service.
Beginning in October 2019, Department wardens began by investigating a buck shot near Valley City that had its antlers removed. Within a week, another buck, also missing its antlers, was discovered in nearly the same location. No meat was removed from either carcass and left to rot.
Mark Pollert, Department warden supervisor in Jamestown, said more suspicious, dead deer were reported to wardens later that fall, most near the Sheyenne River Valley from Lake Ashtabula to Kathryn. In two cases, antlers had been removed from the deer in the same manner and the carcasses left to waste.
In December 2019, game wardens, with assistance of warden pilot Jeff Sieger of Bismarck, conducted a night flight in hopes of developing suspects. That night, warden Michael Sedlacek of Fargo became involved in a ground pursuit of a vehicle that appeared to be illegally shining wildlife.
The vehicle eventually got stuck in the snow and the shining suspects, who were not involved in the same case with the four eventually convicted men, were apprehended with the assistance of other wardens and law enforcement personnel. During an interview with the suspects, wardens discovered a photo of a large whitetail buck, which lead to additional investigations.
“Catching those guys shining deer landed us a photo of a poached deer we’d been hearing about and got us to digging further,” Hastings said.
Lots of digging followed.
“Like I’ve said multiple times, it was a lot of work, a lot of investigating,” Hastings said.
Wardens spent countless hours conducting interviews, served several warrants and collected evidence for safekeeping and DNA analysis.
Assisting Hastings with much of the investigation was warden Andrew Dahlgren of Edgeley. Seven wardens from the southeastern part of the state were involved in varying degrees in the complicated case, Pollert said.
“This investigation was highly complex and involved hundreds of warden hours to successfully complete,” said Scott Winkelman, Game and Fish Department enforcement division chief. “It really shows the excellent work our game wardens do on a daily basis. The entire investigation is a terrific example of how the public, game wardens and the State’s Attorneys can work together to protect North Dakota’s wildlife.”
Wardens thanked citizens for reporting the suspicious activities that lead to the investigations. Thanks also to the Barnes County Sheriff’s office and the North Dakota Highway Patrol for their assistance. And special thanks to the Barnes County State’s Attorney’s office for their dedication in prosecuting the case.
Moose and Elk Lotteries Held, Bighorn Sheep in September
North Dakota’s moose and elk lotteries have been held, and individual results are available by visiting My Account at the state Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.
A total of 19,126 applications were received for bighorn sheep, 23,023 for elk and 26,035 for moose.
While in My Account, successful applicants must pay for a moose and/or elk license. In addition, a 2021-22 general game and habitat license, or combination license, is required. The moose/elk license will be mailed after the required hunting licenses are purchased.
The bighorn sheep lottery is scheduled in September, after summer population surveys are completed and total licenses are determined. Once the lottery is held, successful applicants will be contacted to select a hunting unit.
Advisory Board Meetings Announced
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department Advisory Board will host its public meetings on site this spring at eight locations across the state. In addition, the district 7 meeting in Bismarck will be streamed live on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.
Attendance will be limited at the eight locations due to physical distancing guidelines. Those unable to attend in-person will be able to view and participate in the April 26 livestream event.
For the statewide livestream, questions can be submitted in advance at ndgflive@nd.gov, or via live chat during the meeting.
District 3 – Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner counties
Date: April 27 – 7 p.m.
Location: Elks, 425 Highway 2 W., Devils Lake
Host: Lake Region Anglers
Contact and advisory board member: Edward Dosch, 701-351-4202, Devils Lake
District 8 – Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark counties
Date: April 20 – 7 p.m.
Location: Van Jones American Legion Post, Rhame
Host: Brooks Ranch
Contact and advisory board member: Rob Brooks, 701-279-5896, Rhame
District 2 – Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward counties
Date: April 19 – 7 p.m.
Location: Berthold Sportsmen Club, 214 Main St., Berthold
Host: Berthold Sportsmen Club
Contact: Charlie Monson, 701-226-6546
Advisory board member: Travis Leier, Velva
District 6 – Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells counties
Date: April 20 – 7 p.m.
Location: Kulm City Hall, First Ave. SW and First St. SW, Kulm
Host: Kulm Rod and Gun Club
Contact: Dustin Mahin, 701-830-9919
Advisory board member: Cody Sand, Ashley
District 1 – Divide, McKenzie and Williams counties
Date: April 26 – 7 p.m.
Location: Community Center, Main St., Grassy Butte
Host: North Dakota Houndsmen Association
Contact and advisory board member: Beau Wisness, 701-421-8814, Keene
District 5 – Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill counties
Date: April 19 – 7 p.m.
Location: Hankinson American Legion (south side of Lake Elsie), Hankinson
Host: Richland Wildlife Club
Contact: Wayne Beyer, 701-642-2811
Advisory board member: Duane Hanson, West Fargo
District 4 – Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh counties
Date: April 27 – 7 p.m.
Location: Pekin Rod and Gun Club, 2950 ND Highway 1, Pekin
Host: Pekin Rod and Gun Club
Contact: David Morten, 701-296-4484
Advisory board member: Bruce Ellertson, Lakota
District 7 – Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties
Date: April 26 – 7 p.m.
Location: Game and Fish Main Office, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck
Host: North Dakota Wildlife Federation
Contact: John Bradley, 701-390-7196
Advisory board member: Dave Nehring, Bismarck
Game and Fish Offices Open to Public Access
North Dakota Game and Fish Department offices, except for Riverdale, are open to public access after being closed to walk-in traffic since last spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Riverdale office will remain closed to walk-in traffic since it does not have an administrative assistant. Individuals will need to call ahead and make an appointment or contact the Bismarck office for assistance.
Following the North Dakota Smart Restart guidelines, outdoor enthusiasts must sign in upon entering for contact tracing purposes, and face coverings are recommended.
North Dakota Game and Fish Department