News and Updates

News Release Archives - June 2000

Pheasant Crowing Counts Completed | Rains Cloud Prairie Chicken Outlook | Fall Turkey Season Set; Applications Available | Spring Ruffed Grouse Population Down From Last Year | Department Reports 1999 Waterfowl Harvest | Angler Breaks White Bass Record | Biological Control Flea Beetles Working on Spurge | Game and Fish Reports 2000 Spring Duck Index | Angell's Photos on Display at Game and Fish | CARA Could Mean Big Boost to Game and Fish | Don't Touch Baby Wild Animals | Deer Gun Applications Due June 7

Pheasant Crowing Counts Completed (6/30/00)
The 2000 ring-necked pheasant crowing count survey revealed a significant increase in numbers compared to the last few years, reports Lowell Tripp, upland game biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Oakes.

The statewide crowing count index increased nearly 55 percent over 1999 and 95 percent over 1998. "These increases were expected due to the mild weather experienced during the winter of 1999-2000," Tripp said.

The index does not measure an entire population density, Tripp noted, but is an indicator of the pheasant population trend. Under the crowing count census, certain geographical routes are surveyed each year. The information recorded is compared to previous years' data, providing a population trend.

The survey indicated pheasant populations are up in all areas of the state. The most significant increase was in the southeast. "This is the area that showed the highest decrease following the severe winter of 1996-97," Tripp added. "The indications are that the southeast is on its way to recovering from the high losses of that winter."

Even though the crowing count shows an increase in numbers, the fall pheasant population largely depends on pheasant reproduction success in late May and early June. Biologists are concerned with the wet, cool weather conditions that hit the state in mid-to-late June. "Cool temperatures and wet weather during the hatching and brood rearing period can significantly impact the reproductive success for upland game birds, especially pheasants and gray partridge," said Randy Kreil, the Game and Fish Department's wildlife chief. "Because of our recent weather we will be very cautious in predicting pheasant hunting prospects for the fall. Once we see data from the late summer brood survey we will have a better idea about this fall's pheasant population."

Pheasant crowing counts are conducted each spring throughout North Dakota. Observers drive specified routes, stopping at pre-determined intervals, and count the number of pheasant roosters heard crowing during the stop.

The crowing count is one of several surveys used to determine pheasant population status. Winter sex ratio counts are combined with crowing count data to indicate a better picture of the breeding population. Late summer roadside counts during July and August provide information on pheasant population reproductive success, and give a clearer indication of pheasant numbers for the fall hunting season.

Rains Cloud Prairie Chicken Outlook (6/30/00)
Prairie chickens reintroduced in Grand Forks County as part of a long-term recovery effort will likely suffer from heavy rains during mid-June, but biologists won't know the complete picture until they have a chance to survey birds over the coming months, reports John W. Schulz, wildlife resource management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Devils Lake.

The 10-15 inches of rain on Prairie Chicken Wildlife Management Area in central Grand Forks County several weeks ago occurred just after or near the peak of the hatch. Radio-instrumented adult male and female prairie chickens were found dead after the rains, Schulz noted, and chicks accompanying hens probably fell victim as well.

Before the rain, conditions were ideal for banner reproduction, Schulz said. "The way the weather was shaping up - dry and warm - I was really hoping for a breakout year on prairie chickens."

Then the rains came, and hopes diminished. "I'm still optimistic because we haven't had the best years as far as spring and summer conditions and the chickens have continually increased," Schulz added. "The chickens are fairly well established in the area, and hopefully, as they continue to reproduce and numbers continue to build, they will move out into new areas with good habitat."

A survey conducted earlier this spring showed 170 male chickens on their spring booming grounds, up from 129 last year and 99 in 1998. "The growing population seemed to be expanding into new territory," Schulz said.

From 1992-98, the Game and Fish Department, along with local conservation groups, landowners and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, transplanted prairie chickens from Nebraska and Minnesota to central Grand Forks County. Heading into summer 2000, these birds represented one of only two prairie chicken populations in North Dakota. The other remnant population exists in and around the Sheyenne National Grasslands in Ransom and Richland counties.

Prairie chickens - or pinnated grouse - are not native to North Dakota, but followed settlers into the state and thrived in an environment of grasslands and newly-established small farms. They were a favorite game bird for hunters in the early 1900s, but declined as the landscape continued to change. They disappeared from most of the state by the 1940s. Even with the recent restoration effort, the statewide prairie chicken population may be less than a thousand birds.

Fall Turkey Season Set; Applications Available (6/23/00)
North Dakota's fall wild turkey season has been set, and applicants will notice a number of changes from last year, reports Darren Bruning, assistant wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The most prominent change is the introduction of one longer season, thereby eliminating the "early" and "late" season time periods. The season will begin Oct. 14 and continue through Jan. 7, 2001. "This change will provide additional hunting opportunities with a goal of an increased wild turkey harvest," Bruning said.

Game and fish anticipates the longer season will increase interest in fall wild turkey hunting, because, according to Bruning, the conflict of finding time to hunt in concurrent, multiple-species seasons is reduced. "We are hoping this will alleviate some of the concern of finding time to hunt turkeys in the fall," Bruning said, while noting past competition with other seasons such as ring-necked pheasant, waterfowl, grouse, fall fishing, and big game rifle and archery.

Other changes in the fall turkey proclamation include:

• 6,000 licenses available, an increase of 1,380 from 1999.
• Allows for a second license in select units if licenses remain after the initial lottery, and after issuance of licenses to unsuccessful lottery applicants.
• Units 02 (an area in Barnes County), 51 (an area in Burke, Mountrail, Renville, Ward and Williams counties), and 70 (parts of LaMoure and Ransom counties) are new.
• Changed the boundary of Unit 19 (Grant County and portions of Sioux and Morton counties) to include western Morton County from Unit 30.
• Unit 25 (McHenry County and portions of Pierce and Ward counties) has expanded to include that part of Ward County that lies east of U.S. Highway 83.
• Changed to boundary of Unit 30 (portion of Morton County) in conjunction with the change to Unit 19.
• Expanded the boundary of Unit 50 (portions of Cavalier, Pembina, Ramsey and Walsh counties) southward to the Walsh /Grand Forks County line.

Applications for the fall season must be postmarked no later than July 5, 2000. Lottery applications are available at game and fish offices, licensed vendors and county auditors. Persons can also apply by calling Instant Licensing at 1-800-406-6409. A credit card is required. Gratis applications are available at game and fish offices and county auditors only.

Spring Ruffed Grouse Population Down From Last Year (6/23/00)
North Dakota's spring ruffed grouse population is down about 29 percent statewide compared to 1999, according to John W. Schulz, wildlife resource management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at Devils Lake.

Sunrise drumming counts taken on 218 miles of survey routes this spring indicate a 6.9 percent decrease in male activity in the Turtle Mountains, a 74.2 percent decrease in the Pembina Hills, and a one percent decrease in McHenry County (J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge).

"It's likely the 2000 drumming results are the beginning of a downward trend in the 10-year cycle," Schulz said. The last population peak was in 1999 and the last low in 1993.

Despite the decrease, Schulz predicts some excellent grouse hunting opportunities this fall, especially in the Turtle Mountains and McHenry County.

Department Reports 1999 Waterfowl Harvest (6/23/00)
North Dakota's waterfowl hunters had another successful year in 1999, reports Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The total duck harvest was 375,000, down only slightly from 378,000 birds harvested in 1998. "The 375,000 birds harvested last year was the second highest harvest since 1979," Johnson said. The average seasonal bag decreased from 6.4 ducks per hunter to 6.1. Mallards comprised 54 percent of the duck harvest and gadwall 12 percent.

Goose harvest was also high last year at 271,000 birds, but seven percent less than 1998. The average goose bag decreased from 5.0 to 4.4 geese per hunter. Canada geese made up 62 percent of the harvest, followed by 36 percent snow geese and two percent white-fronts.

The number of waterfowl hunters increased from 59,000 in 1998 to 61,000 last year. Resident hunters decreased from 40,000 to 39,000, while nonresident hunters increased 14 percent, from 19,000 to 22,000.

The average hunter spent more than four days each hunting ducks and geese.

The annual harvest of ducks and geese is determined by a mail survey of nearly 9,000 randomly selected small game and waterfowl hunters, Johnson said.

Angler Breaks White Bass Record (6/23/00)
Jordon Neve has established a new North Dakota state record for white bass, reports the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The Albert Lea, Minn., resident reeled in a 4-pound 8-ounce white bass while fishing at Devils Lake June 9. Neve caught the 18-inch fish using a crank bait.

The previous record of 4 pounds 5¼ ounces was held since 1986 by James Manson of Belcourt.

Biological Control Flea Beetles Working on Spurge (6/16/00)
Field crews from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department are monitoring flea beetle release sites and analyzing the progress of this insects control of leafy spurge. Personnel will monitor these sites in June while sweeping fields to collect flea beetles to introduce to new sites.

Leafy spurge is an exotic plant invader that displaces desirable plants and causes serious economic and environmental damage. In North Dakota, an estimated 1.1 million acres have been infested, and state wildlife management areas are not immune. "We have easily more than several hundred flea beetle release sites on wildlife management areas in the state," said Kent Luttschwager, habitat biologist, Williston. "Spurge is a prolific seed producer with an extensive root system that allows it to out compete desirable vegetation."

Control of leafy spurge is difficult. Public land managers and private landowners have struggled to keep the aggressive weed under control. "Expense of manpower and chemicals kept mounting," Luttschwager added, "and it seemed like little progress was being made."

Game and fish began to use flea beetles for biological control of leafy spurge in 1991. Biologists responsible for managing wildlife management areas around the state have found the little insects to be a great ally, because most of the game and fish properties are associated with lakes, wetlands, streams, riparian areas and trees, which made chemical application difficult. Flea beetles can be easily collected and transported to leafy spurge infestations. Some releases have failed, but most have flourished, resulting in a substantial decline of leafy spurge.

Flea beetles (Aphthona species) are a highly evolved insect that depend on leafy spurge to complete their life cycles. Prior to importation to fight leafy spurge, the flea beetles were quarantined and tested for any potential damage to crops or native plants. "The rigorous testing and quarantine period ensure that the insects will not move onto crops or other plants once leafy spurge infestations have been depleted," Luttschwager said.

Flea beetles will not eradicate leafy spurge, but will significantly reduce the density and negative impacts of the aggressive plant. "Flea beetles do not work in all habitat types," Luttschwager said, "but are a great tool for land managers and private landowners to use."

Public land mangers, private land owners, and county weed boards have been aggressively moving flea beetles to leafy spurge infestations for the last several years. Brian Kietzman and Rodd Compson, habitat biologists, Jamestown, have even went to the extreme to move beetles. "Last summer we set up shop on a street corner and gave out flea beetles to anyone who wanted them," Kietzman said.

Leafy spurge still poses a significant problem for North Dakota, Luttschwager noted, but progress is being made. "It is amazing to see the before and after photos," Luttschwager added. "They really work."

Game and Fish Reports 2000 Spring Duck Index (6/16/00)
Results of this spring's duck breeding survey shows a 10 percent decrease in the population index from 1999, but duck numbers are still 105 percent above the 1948-1999 average, reports Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The annual spring survey, conducted May 15-19, showed an index of more than 3.7 million birds. The 2000 duck index is the fifth highest on record, compared to last year's index that was the second highest recorded.

Duck indices were down from 1999 for all species except gadwall, widgeon, ruddy duck, canvasback and redheads. Mallards decreased five percent, shovelers 25 percent, pintails 31 percent and blue-winged teal nine percent. All species except pintails were well above the 1948-1999 mean.

The 2000 water index dropped significantly from a record high in 1999. The index was down 69 percent from 1999, and was eight percent below the 1948-1999 average. "This spring's water index was the lowest since 1993," Johnson added. "As expected, temporary, seasonal and water in roadside ditches all decreased substantially because of the lack of significant precipitation this past fall, winter and spring."

Reports indicate that South Dakota has good duck numbers and Minnesota remains stable. The prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta are reported to be very dry, while the prairie/parklands may show more normal water conditions.

"The July brood survey will give us a better idea of duck production, and a better insight into what to expect this fall," Johnson said. "From what we have seen, production should be good."

Despite the tremendous populations and prospects for a good production year, Johnson noted, fall weather always has a big impact on success during North Dakota's hunting season.

Angell's Photos on Display at Game and Fish (6/16/00)
North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine has selected Dave Angell as the second photographer to display their work in the Ed Bry Photo Gallery, a fixture in the Game and Fish Department's main office lobby in Bismarck, according to Harold Umber, editor.

The department established the gallery in 1987 to honor the work of Bry, who was editor of the magazine from 1962-1986, and a nationally respected and published photographer.

Initially, the gallery featured the best of Bry's work on a portable, rotating display. In 1995 the department created a permanent room for the gallery and made space available to exhibit the work of other North Dakota photographers who have been major contributors to North Dakota OUTDOORS.

Angell, a biology teacher at Bismarck High School, has won the Watchable Wildlife photo contest five times, and has had photos published in the North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar six years. "Dave certainly has a love for the outdoors that has benefitted both his students and readers of North Dakota OUTDOORS," Umber added. "He is one of North Dakota's fine outdoor photographers."

CARA Could Mean Big Boost to Game and Fish (6/7/00)
Legislation that could provide the North Dakota Game and Fish Department up to $3 million annually for the next 15 years to help fund wildlife and fisheries conservation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May by an overwhelming 315 to 102 vote.

The Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), H.R. 701, reallocates a portion of offshore oil and gas lease monies for additional funding to the 50 state fish and wildlife agencies.

"This is a monumental happening," said Dean Hildebrand, director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. "CARA is far-reaching and forward-thinking federal legislation that could generate millions of dollars a year for fish and wildlife conservation, education, outdoor recreation and habitat restoration in North Dakota."

This historic measure, according to Mike McKenna, department conservation and communications chief, would provide substantial contributions to conservation efforts in North Dakota and its users. "This would not only be extremely beneficial to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, but to numerous outdoor groups in North Dakota including hunters and anglers."

The U.S. Senate is expected to discuss the bill in June. If passed in the same form as the House, CARA would provide about $2.8 billion nationwide annually for the next 15 years, with approximately $1 billion of that dedicated to coastal states to offset impacts of energy production in coastal waters. In North Dakota, other state, federal and local government agencies would also receive CARA funds. One estimate places the annual boost to North Dakota at close to $14 million. "This would be a welcome break to our state, county and city park officials," Hildebrand said. "They badly need funding for creation, maintenance and improvement of recreational opportunities of all kinds."

CARA money directed to states is not a lump sum payment. Rather, state agencies will have to develop, with public participation, an approved comprehensive plan which provides matching non-federal funds. The non-federal match is generally 25 percent of the total project cost.

"This is a substantial influx of money and would allow the department to initiate new or expand current programs," Hildebrand said. Following are a few examples of the types of projects the department might consider if CARA passes.

• This will allow state fish and wildlife agencies to be in a position to take preventative conservation measures to address declining species before they reach the endangered species status. "It simply costs much less to conserve fish and wildlife species by responding to early warning signs of decline than it does to recover these species, if that's even biologically possible, once they have to be listed as endangered or threatened," Hildebrand said.
• Fisheries and water quality improvements. This would provide various incentives to landowners in important watersheds to use best management practices.
• Private Lands Programs. Could allow the department to expand its successful Private Lands Initiative, which works with private landowners to improve wildlife habitat, and incorporates walking public access to program lands.
• Enhance Watchable Wildlife Program. Could allow the department to expand its Watchable Wildlife program to provide increased educational materials, workshops and assistance to urban and rural wildlife enthusiasts.
• Species Research. Would allow the state to research and monitor populations of fish and wildlife species of special concern. Some of these species include sage grouse, burrowing owls, prairie falcons, golden eagles, small fishes, prairie songbirds, shorebirds and others.
• Expand Outreach Programs. Could allow the department to expand its outreach efforts in major cities, building on the success of a similar position in Fargo.
• Acquisition of Specific Areas for Wildlife and Public Use. Would allow land purchases from willing sellers to protect rare or critical habitats, or to address the increasing demand from North Dakotans for more places to hunt. Any land purchases from willing sellers under CARA would still have to meet approval from the Governor's office before the sale could take place.
• Payment In-Lieu of Taxes (PILT). This would allow for the full payment of taxes on land purchased by the department.
• Low-head Dam Removal. Low-head dams pose a serious barrier to fish movement and reproduction on many North Dakota rivers, and also pose a threat to anglers, boaters, canoeists and others who use these rivers. Funding could allow the state to speed up removal or modification of these structures.
• Grants for Local Conservation Projects. This program would match funds with local conservation, hunting, fishing or civic groups for projects that benefit wildlife or wildlife recreation. Examples include Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites, handicapped hunting or fishing facilities, bird house projects, wildlife habitat development and youth education events.

"Outdoor enthusiasts should be excited about the possibilities CARA could provide for North Dakota," McKenna added. "This is legislation that can have a very positive impact to North Dakota wildlife and everyone who enjoys wildlife."

Don't Touch Baby Wild Animals(6/2/00)
North Dakota Game and Fish Department personnel are offering this simple suggestion to persons finding baby animals that appear to be abandoned: don't touch them.

It is illegal to take wild animals home, and captive animals returned to the wild will struggle to survive because they do not possess learned survival skills.

Often there is a misconception that young wildlife found are abandoned, but most of the time this is not true, reports Jeb Williams, outreach biologist. "More than likely their mother probably has her eye on you while you're watching them."

Handling wildlife can prove to be a risky experience. When people try to take the word "wild" out of wildlife, Williams noted, trouble is usually not far away. Wild animals can transmit a variety of diseases to humans, and aggressive actions are typical of mothers protecting their offspring.

Game and fish personnel strongly recommend leaving young wildlife alone, and allowing nature to take its course. "People don't often like to think about the cruel side of nature," Williams added. "Mother Nature finds a way to balance wildlife populations, sometimes in an unpleasant manner."

Persons should approach a young songbird the same way they would any wild animal, by leaving it alone. "The only time a person should pick up a young songbird is if it is found at your doorstep," Williams said. "In that case, you should relocate it to an area with tall grass."

If you see a deer fawn that seems abandoned, leave it alone, cautions Bill Jensen, big game biologist. "Chances are the mother is close by waiting for you to leave," he said. A doe will visit and nurse her fawn several times a day. These short visits reduce the chances of a predator finding the youngster.

A fawn removed from the wild faces a bleak future and game and fish personnel have only two alternatives for dealing with it. They may try to put the animal back in the wild, but, if the doe is gone, the fawn will not survive long. The second choice is to take it to a zoo, where it is forever removed from the wild, Jensen said.

Motorists also are reminded to watch for deer along roadways. June and November are the peak months for deer-vehicle accidents because young animals are dispersing from their home ranges. With deer more active during these months, the potential for car-deer collisions increases.

Deer Gun Applications Due June 7 (6/2/00)
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds hunters that applications for this fall's deer gun seasons are due Wednesday, June 7. Mailed applications must be postmarked before midnight.

The deadline applies to muzzleloader, regular gun, gratis and nonresident landowner, and youth antlered mule deer applications for units 3B1, 3B2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F. Deadline for regular youth licenses is Sept. 1.

Individuals mailing applications to the department are advised to mail early because some post offices use the following day's postmark for mail received after regular hours.

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