News Release Archives - December 1999

Game and Fish Provides Ice Safety and Rescue Tips  |   Game and Fish Lists Tentative 2000 Season Opening Dates  |  Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts  |  Late Hunting Opportunities Close Soon  |   Fall Mule Deer Counts Encouraging  |  Fish House Licenses No Longer Needed  |  Johnson Named G&F Employee of the Year  |  Aufforth Named Wildlife Officer of the Year  |  Bill Clears Path for 2nd Spring Snow Goose Season  |  Recent Ice Formation on Lakes Considered Unsafe  |   Game and Fish Books, Videos, and Magazine Make Great Christmas Gifts  |   Early Canada Goose Season Considered A Success

Game and Fish Provides Ice Safety and Rescue Tips (12/31/99)
While some areas in North Dakota have some "safe ice" for walking, people should not be lulled into thinking that all ice is safe. Open water has been observed in many popular ice fishing locations over the past Christmas weekend.

Trappers and ice fishermen need to know about ice safety and rescue techniques, reminds Wilmer J. Pich, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The recent warm weather in much of the state has caused problems for some anglers who are rushing the ice fishing season. "Vehicles and fish houses have been reported going through the ice in every corner of the state," Pich said. "Many times we are not notified of vehicles going through ice, thus, we cannot warn people of potential dangers."

Pich advises looking for clear blue ice, which is strongest because a sustained freeze creates it. Unsafe ice, on the other hand, is black, gray, or honeycombed because of repeated freezing and thawing. Discolored or dark spots suggest open water, thin ice, or possibly a spring, all of which are dangerous.

Snow insulates ice, inhibiting solid ice formation, and makes it difficult to check thickness. Structures such as fish houses, bridges, and fishing piers absorb heat from the sun and increase melting. Vegetation absorbs heat from the sun and rotting vegetation creates its own heat. Fish, muskrats, and other animals swimming under ice can weaken it, especially in shallow lakes and rivers. Moving water weakens ice about 15 percent and wind creates a pumping action that forces water through breaks in the ice, enlarging any opening in a short time.

When crossing ice on foot, slide your feet instead of stepping, Pich suggests. This helps distribute your weight. Carry an ice chisel to check thicknesses. Large nails or a screwdriver worn on a long cord around the neck can be used to pull yourself back on the ice, should you break through. Once back on the ice, roll away from the hole instead of standing up immediately.

Pich recommends the following minimums as safe for clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, this early in the winter, he advises doubling these figures to be safe:

• Two inches of ice will support a person on foot.
• Three inches will support a group of people walking single file.
• Five and one-half to six inches are necessary for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.
• Seven and one-half inches will support an automobile.

When rescuing a person who has fallen through the ice, remember this simple rule: REACH, THROW, GO.

• First, REACH the victim with a long pole, board, rope, blanket, or snowmobile suit.
• Second, THROW the victim a life jacket, empty water jug, or other buoyant object.
• Third, GO to the victim as the last resort. Should this be necessary, a human chain, in which rescuers lie on the ice with each person grasping the feet of the person in front, is an effective technique.

Treat a hypothermia victim by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry clothing. An effective treatment is to place the victim in a sleeping bag, if available, with another person. Both victim and rescuer should wear only a minimum of clothing to increase skin-to-skin contact. Immediately transport the victim to a hospital.

"Even when the temperature is 40-below zero, ice is unsafe," Pich said. "While there may be up to a foot of ice in one spot, it could be very thin within just a few inches. The best advice is to be patient, this is North Dakota, we will have safer ice before spring."

Game and Fish Lists Tentative 2000 Season Opening Dates (12/31/99)
Many North Dakota hunters are already preparing for the 2000 hunting seasons. In order to help them do that, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department annually provides its best estimate for opening dates for the coming year.

 

Tentative opening dates for 2000 include:

Season	Opening Date
Spring Crow	March 18
Fishing	April 1
Spring Turkey	April 15
Paddlefish Snagging	May 1
Fall Crow	August 19
Mourning Dove	September 1
Deer (Archery)	September 1
Sharptail, Hun, Ruffed Grouse, & Squirrel	September 9
Sage Grouse	September 11
Sandhill Crane	September 16
Bighorn Sheep	September 22
Youth Deer	September 22
Goose*, Duck*, & Swan*	September 30
Antelope Gun	October 6
Pheasant	October 14
Fall Turkey	October 14
Mink, Muskrat,& Weasel Trapping	October 28
Deer Gun	November 10

*official waterfowl dates are set in mid August

Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts (12/24/99)
North Dakota Game and Fish Department director Dean Hildebrand recently honored a number of employees with performance-based and long-term service awards. Hildebrand presented the following awards at the department's annual staff meeting Dec. 10:

• Greg Link, Doug Howie, and Andy Schollett, private lands biologists, Bismarck, received the Special Projects award for their work in redesigning the PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) guide, of which more than 20,000 copies have been distributed to the public since September. "Their far-sighted efforts established a format which can be readily improved for future years," Hildebrand said. This award recognizes staff for completing a new project which is on its way to being highly successful.
• Kent Luttschwager, wildlife resource management biologist, Williston, was presented the Innovations award, given to a staff member who implements a process to improve department goals and objectives. Luttschwager received the award for his efforts at the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area. "Kent has managed to develop a logical and rational method of reducing cropland over time, and taking out of crop production those areas which experience frequent flooding," Hildebrand said. "He has identified and begun to use a new age 'moist soil' mixture of grasses that are flood tolerant and provide excellent wildlife habitat."
• Janice Vetter, fisheries secretary, Bismarck, received the Solid Foundation award, presented to an employee who demonstrates exemplary work in the administrative, technical, or support field. Vetter was recognized, among other duties, for her work in administering fishing tournament permits, fish import and export permits, and stocking permits. Hildebrand noted the numerous comments received from the public regarding her demeanor and willingness to help. "Janice has become an invaluable source of information to the public and employees," Hildebrand added. "She consistently makes sure people are thoroughly informed and aware of agency rules and deadlines."
• John Dockter, Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site manager, Bismarck, received the Public Outreach award, presented to an employee for showing a significant effort, ability, or accomplishment in interacting with the public while promoting the department's programs. Dockter was instrumental in providing funding and technical assistance to more than 40 chools and communities in developing their own OWLS. "These projects were the first of their kind in North Dakota and are another tool for teachers to educate their students about the importance of habitat and conservation," Hildebrand said.

Employees receiving long-term service awards:

• 20 years service: George Lee, administrative officer, Bismarck; Michael McKenna, conservation and communications chief, Bismarck; Harold Umber, North Dakota Outdoors editor, Bismarck.
• 25 years service: Richard Knapp, district warden supervisor, Jamestown; Raymond Parsons, wildlife technician, Bismarck; Faye Reile, conservation and communications secretary, Bismarck.
• 30 years service: Leo Vetter, wildlife technician, Bismarck.
• 35 years service: Gerald Kobriger, upland game management supervisor, Dickinson.

Late Hunting Opportunities Close Soon (12/24/99)
While winter weather has finally arrived, hunters still have time to enjoy days afield, reminds the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Deer bow season remains open through Dec. 31. Hunters who didn't fill their second season doe tag during the gun season can fill their tag with a bow in the assigned unit.

Seasons for snow goose, Canada goose, high plains duck, pheasant, sharptail grouse, ruffed grouse, and Hungarian partridge close Jan. 2, 2000.

Fall Mule Deer Counts Encouraging (12/24/99)
Although North Dakota Game and Fish Department biologists saw more mule deer during their annual fall reproduction survey in 1999, it's still too early call it long-term population growth.

Observers who accompanied pilots in fixed-wing planes counted 1,421 mule deer during the October survey, which encompassed 23 study areas in western North Dakota. On 19 areas surveyed in both 1998 and 1999, the mule deer count was up 36 percent in 1999.

The fawn-to-doe ratio for 1999 was about the same as in 1998 throughout the badlands' mule deer range, indicating stable recruitment, according to Mike Oehler, big game biologist at Dickinson.

"What we are seeing is more deer on the landscape," Oehler noted. "This is a positive trend for our mule deer population, and with careful management, we hopefully can allow an increase in hunting opportunity in the future.

"Hunters wishing for the opportunity to hunt mule deer, particularly bucks, in North Dakota should not plan vacation time yet," Oehler cautioned, "as our herd is still in the process of rebuilding after the severe winter of 1996-97."

Fish House Licenses No Longer Needed (12/17/99)
North Dakota ice anglers have one less thing to worry about this winter -- licensing their permanent or portable fish house.

The law requiring fish house licenses, for either residents or nonresidents, was repealed by the 1999 legislature, according the Paul Schadewald, chief of administrative services for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

However, anglers must still identify their fish houses if they intend to leave them unoccupied at any time. Unoccupied structures must feature, in readily distinguishable numbers at least three inches high, the owner's name and address or telephone number. Unidentified houses left on the ice may be removed or destroyed by the game and fish department.

North Dakota residents who want to use their fish house in another state should check that state's licensing requirements. Minnesota, for instance, requires nonresidents to license fish houses. In addition, nonresidents may not leave their fish house unoccupied on Minnesota waters.

Johnson Named G&F Employee of the Year (12/17/99)
Mike Johnson, migratory game bird management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, received the Director's Award for 1999 during the department's annual meeting and awards banquet held last week in Bismarck.

Dean Hildebrand, department director, said Johnson does an excellent job implementing the agency's waterfowl programs. "His management of our state's waterfowl and migratory game bird programs is science based, creative, and foreword thinking," Hildebrand added. "Mike deeply believes in doing things for the right reason and for ensuring everything we do is in the best interest of the resource and the people who hunt and fish."

Hildebrand noted North Dakota is recognized as a leader in important waterfowl management challenges because of the efforts of Johnson. "He is a strong advocate for resources and is never shy about voicing his opinion and what he believes to be responsible."

Examples of Johnson's work include:

• The development and implementation of a non-toxic shot education and training program.
• One of the nation's most successful giant Canada goose restoration efforts and a leader in addressing Canada goose management issues.
• A strong and expanding sandhill crane season.
• Participation in the planning and design of the Mallard Model habitat and population system.
• An active participant in the development and implementation of the Harvest Implementation Program.
• A leadership role in identifying the problems and range of practical and possible solutions that could be used in addressing the complex Mid-continent snow goose problem.

Johnson graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of science degree in wildlife management and a master's degree in wildlife. He started his career with the department in Oct. 1981.

Aufforth Named Wildlife Officer of the Year (12/17/99)
Kurt Aufforth, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden at Cando, is North Dakota's 1999 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Aufforth was honored last week by the Shikar-Safari Club International, a private conservation organization that annually recognizes outstanding wildlife officers in each state.

In the nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Ray Goetz noted Aufforth's numerous accomplishments in wildlife program enforcement, particularly investigations. "Throughout his career warden Aufforth has developed his investigations skills to the point where he was able to put together several sections of the Department Field Training Manual, including the investigation section," Goetz added. "Warden Aufforth also participates in the training of new wardens through this field training program."

Goetz also noted that Aufforth has been recognized by other law enforcement agencies in his area through his election as president of the Turtle Mountain Peace Officers Association. "His efforts in this area contribute to team building between our department and all other law enforcement agencies in the area, making our efforts in wildlife and resource protection a high priority for the community."

Aufforth graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor of science degree in fisheries and wildlife resources. He began his career with the department in 1985 and has been stationed in Gackle, Watford City, and Cando. The Cando district, known for its waterfowl and big game opportunities, sits adjacent to the Turtle Mountains in north central North Dakota.

Each of North Dakota's four game warden supervisors annually nominates a warden for the Shikar-Safari award. Supervisors, the chief game warden, and the game and fish director make the final selection.

Bill Clears Path for 2nd Spring Snow Goose Season (12/10/99)
A bill allowing North Dakota and other states in the Mississippi and Central flyways to implement light goose population control measures for the winter and spring of 2000 has been signed by President Clinton, reports Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The Arctic Tundra Habitat Emergency Conservation Act requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a conservation order that would allow taking of light geese (snow, blue, and Ross' geese) after March 10. "This will allow states to once again hold spring seasons to help reduce the growing snow goose population," Johnson said.

The act also reinstates the use of normally prohibited electronic calls and unplugged shotguns for taking of light geese, provided all other waterfowl and crane seasons are closed.

The fish and wildlife service will soon publish final rules under which states may establish conservation order seasons. "Once we see the final rules, we will look at what we may do for special snow goose opportunities in North Dakota," Johnson added.

Last year, North Dakota held a spring snow goose season between March 13 and May 9. An estimated 6,300 hunters harvested 25,000 light geese. This season is part of an effort to reduce the mid-continent light goose population, which has more than tripled in the past 30 years.

The conservation measures were withdrawn this past May after a legal challenge by the Humane Society of the United States. Prior to Congressional action the fish and wildlife service had to complete an extensive Environmental Impact Statement before offering another conservation order to states. Now, the fish and wildlife service can allow conservation order seasons while they continue work on the Environmental Impact Statement, scheduled for completion by May 2001.

Recent Ice Formation on Lakes Considered Unsafe (12/10/99)
Stay off the ice and keep kids off it, too. That's the warning from Wilmer Pich, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Children of all ages are attracted to water when it becomes solid, Pich says, and thus it is very important for parents and guardians to monitor their children's' activities.

The weather this fall has been too warm for good ice formation. Conditions are especially dangerous now because many ditches and sloughs are deep enough for a person to drown. Pich reports seeing muskrat trappers and hunters on the ice following recent season openers. "Some fishermen also have been reported to be on the ice in various parts of the state, which is very foolhardy," he said.

Waterfowl hunters are still finding birds in the state and some are being shot over water and ice where retrieving could be a problem. Hunters should be very cautious when making a retrieve by themselves or with their dogs.

Several years ago a hunter drowned in South Dakota while attempting to retrieve a goose. "Hypothermia would pose a problem," Pich added. "Float coats or other life jackets should be a part of every hunter or angler's gear at this time of year."

Ice should never be considered totally safe, Pich noted. "Even with sustained cold weather that creates the strongest ice, thickness can vary from one spot to another," he added. "A lake with 18 inches of ice in most places can have weak spots with just a skim of ice."

Pich suggests the following ice-safety tips:

• Look for clear blue-colored ice. Below-zero temperatures over an extended period form this ice.
• Avoid ice that is dark colored or honeycombed in appearance. This ice has frozen and melted several times and is very weak.
• Vegetation, springs, and even animals can substantially weaken ice. Muskrat huts, for example, reflect heat into the surrounding ice.
• Flowing water weakens ice. River ice is much more dangerous than lake ice.
• Structures such as bridge abutments and fish houses reflect heat to the surrounding ice.
• Look for the following minimum ice thicknesses. This time of year Pich suggests doubling them just to be safe:
  • Two inches will support a person on foot.
  • Three inches are needed for a group of people walking in a single file.
  • Seven and one-half inches are required to support an automobile.

Game and Fish Books, Videos, and Magazine Make Great Christmas Gifts (12/10/99)
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's wildlife books, videos, and magazine make great Christmas gifts for friends and relatives who enjoy the outdoors. The various books provide nontechnical life histories, population-trend information, and historical and modern photographs and narratives. Videotapes cover a multitude of wildlife-related topics. North Dakota Outdoors magazine, the department's official journal, covers all wildlife related topics in a timely manner. The department has the following items available:

North Dakota Outdoors, the department's official journal, is published 10 times a year. The December issue is the coming year's calendar. Two issues are combined: April-May (fishing issue) and the September-October (hunting issue). Subscriptions are $10 per year and $20 for 3-years.

North Dakota Outdoors magazine CD-ROM contains all articles from the 1930's through June 1996. A very useful database for wildlife enthusiasts. Minimum requirements are IBM-PC or compatible, Windows 3.1 or higher, 486 50-MHZ operating speed or higher, and eight megabytes of RAM. Price is $10.

Feathers from the Prairie, a Short History of Upland Game Birds, by Morris D. Johnson and Joseph Knue, chronicles the history of our game birds from settlement to recent times. Prices are $3 for soft cover and $10 for hard cover.

Big Game of North Dakota, contains life history information on the state's big game species. Historical references from the journals of Lewis and Clark and Alexander Henry tell of bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and grizzly and black bears in the state. Written by Joseph Knue. Prices are $3 for soft cover and $10 for hard cover.

Of Time and the Prairie, published as the department's centennial book, is an informative general reader about North Dakota history, geography, geology, and the importance of wildlife to the state's history. Written by Joseph Knue. Prices are $3 for soft cover.

North Dakota Wildlife Viewing Guide is your personal adviser to the various habitats and critters that live in them. The book also tells you exactly how to get there and will help you to explore wildlife's favorite places. Price is $3 (soft cover only).

Rearing and Restoring Giant Canada Geese, by various contributors, documents this magnificent bird's return to the prairies. Price is $3 (soft cover only).

" Celebration 100 " video was produced by the department to observe the 1889-1989 state centennial. The video includes many pictures from the time of settlement to the present time and discusses the role wildlife and hunting and fishing have played in our state's history. Price is $10.

"North Dakota Outdoors" TV news show is available on video cassettes. There are four sets available, one for each year 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998. Each set contains 50 two-minute programs. Price is $25 per set. The BEST OF "North Dakota Outdoors"--15 favorite shows on one video cassette--is also available for $5.

To order send a check or money order to: Book Sales, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095. Shipping and handling are included in the price of each book or videotape.

Early Canada Goose Season Considered A Success (12/3/99)
North Dakota's experimental Canada goose management season, held Sept. 1-15 in Richland and Sargent counties, had more than 1,000 hunters take an estimated 2,100 Canada geese, reports Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

"The first early Canada goose season in North Dakota is considered a success. Reports from hunters indicated they liked the season and access to land was not a problem for most hunters," Johnson said.

Surveys showed the active hunter spent 2.73 days afield taking 1.85 birds. Hunter activity was heaviest on weekends, accounting for 43 percent of the participation and 36 percent of the geese harvested. Opening day accounted for 18 percent of the hunter participation and 29 percent of the birds harvested.

The purpose of the season was to reduce depredation in agricultural areas by harvesting local Canada geese.

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