News and Updates

News Release Archives - September 2000

Concerned Citizens Aid Wildlife Law Enforcement (9/27/00) | Game and Fish Studies Sandhill Cranes East of U.S. Highway 281 (9/27/00) | Game and Fish Television Program Tops in the Nation (9/27/00) | Waterfowl Populations High for Upcoming Season (9/20/00) | Public Asked to Report Whooping Crane  Sightings (9/20/00) | Youth Deer and Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Open Soon (9/13/00) | Governor Proclaims September 23 as North Dakota Hunting & Fishing Day (9/13/00) | OWAA 2000 Photo Exhibit Celebrates the Outdoors (9/13/00) | Second Deer Lottery Held; Third-Drawing Applications Available (9/6/00) | "Ask Before You Enter" Signs Available (9/6/00) | 2000 Waterfowl Regulations Set (9/6/00) |

Concerned Citizens Aid Wildlife Law Enforcement (9/27/00)
A recent case in Pierce County is a shining example of the positive contribution concerned citizens can make toward wildlife law enforcement.

In this instance, an anonymous tip led to more than $700 in fines, forfeited shotguns, and suspended jail sentences for two Rolette County men following guilty pleas related to shooting ducks out of season.

The incident took place August 17 in rural Pierce County north of Rugby. According to district game warden Randy Knain, Rugby, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department received a report about suspicious shooting. After the sheriff's office notified Knain, he and fellow warden Doug Olson, Hazen, quickly responded and eventually met up with the Rolette County sheriff, who had stopped a vehicle matching the tipster's description in nearby Rolette County.

After a short discussion, the two men in the vehicle admitted to shooting several ducks and other birds, Knain said, many of which he found upon further investigation at the shooting scene.

In county court in September the two men were fined $675 each with $300 suspended; had their shotguns confiscated, and 60 days jail terms suspended.

Many cases that game wardens investigate originate with calls from concerned citizens who observe or hear of potential violations. "They are extremely important," Knain said. "Our districts are large and we can't be two places at once."

A good share of public calls come through the Report All Poachers hotline at 1-800-472-2121. This number is listed on the back of each North Dakota drivers license. A cooperative project between the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, State Radio Communications, and the North Dakota Wildlife Federation, the RAP line offers rewards for information that leads to conviction of fish and wildlife law violators. Reports also come straight to wardens or other law enforcement agencies.

"While RAP calls give people an opportunity to collect rewards, we appreciate all information we receive from the public," said district warden supervisor Bruce Burkett, Devils Lake. "As hunting seasons get into full gear, we encourage people to keep their eyes and ears open. With fewer than 30 wardens in the entire state, public participation is vital to the protection of the state's fish and wildlife resources."

For more information on the RAP program, visit the department's web site at gf.nd.gov//.

Game and Fish Studies Sandhill Cranes East of U.S. Highway 281 (9/27/00)
North Dakota Game and Fish Department personnel will be collecting a sample of sandhill cranes this fall east of U.S. Highway 281. The purpose of the study is to determine the subspecies of sandhill cranes occurring outside the present legal hunt area.

Federal regulations prohibit sandhill cranes from being hunted east of Highway 281. However, game and fish would like to move the hunt boundary for sandhill cranes eastward.

Before a boundary adjustment can be made, the department needs to demonstrate to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which subspecies of sandhill cranes occur in this area. Presently three subspecies of cranes migrate through North Dakota each year. Subspecies determination can only be made with the bird in hand using a variety of internal and external measurements.

The department plans to collect up to 75 cranes east of Highway 281 each fall during the next several years. Landowners east of Highway 281 having sandhill cranes on their land this fall, and willing to let department personnel harvest a few birds, are asked to call either the game and fish office in Devils Lake (662-3617) or Jamestown (253-6480).

Game and Fish Television Program Tops in the Nation (9/27/00)
"North Dakota Outdoors," the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's weekly TV news feature, ran away this year with one of the most prestigious awards in the conservation field, the Association for Conservation Information national media competition. "North Dakota Outdoors" took first place in the Video News Story category, as well as third and fourth place honors.

The first-place program, "The Family That Hunts Together," featured a Bismarck family duck hunting together. "Heart and Home," which garnered third, was about a Steele native who returns from Chicago each fall to hunt in his old stomping grounds. The fourth place finisher, "Time Spirit," was a rare look at a female snapping turtle digging a nest and depositing her eggs. Each show was from the weekly outdoors series produced by game and fish.

This is the second year in a row, and third of the last four, that "North Dakota Outdoors" has won the national ACI contest. Broadcast on 11 television stations around the state, "North Dakota Outdoors" is enjoyed by more than 50,000 North Dakotans each week.

Weekly broadcast schedule:
KFYR, Bismarck - Tuesday, 10 PM
KMOT, Minot - Tuesday, 10 PM
KUMV, Williston - Tuesday, 10 PM
KQCD, Dickinson, Tuesday, 9 PM (Mountain Time)
KXMB, Bismarck - Tuesday, 10 PM
KXMA, Dickinson - Tuesday, 9 PM (Mountain Time)
KXMC, Minot - Monday noon
KXMD, Williston - Monday noon
WDAZ, Grand Forks - Wednesday, 5 PM
KVRR, Fargo - Sunday, 9 PM
KVLY, Fargo - Thursday, 8:55 AM

Waterfowl Populations High for Upcoming Season (9/20/00)
North Dakota waterfowl hunters can anticipate an excellent hunting season, as long as the weather cooperates.

"We are expecting a good season," said Mike Johnson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department waterfowl biologist, "but as always, the season depends on Mother Nature."

Prospects for the continental fall duck flight is good. North Dakota's contribution to the fall flight should be one of the highest on record, Johnson said. "Duck production in North Dakota was again excellent with high numbers of breeding ducks this spring and a record high production index.

"While duck production in western prairie Canada is reportedly low due to dry conditions, duck production in other portions of Canada and Alaska is reported to have been good," Johnson added. "All of this should translate into a good duck hunting season for North Dakota waterfowlers."

Small Canada geese in the Tall Grass Prairie population, and Mid-Continent snow geese both had a poor year on their arctic nesting grounds. "Snow and cold weather conditions caused poor reproduction," Johnson added. "Therefore, hunters will see few young birds in the fall flight, making it more difficult to harvest birds."

Despite poor reproduction, these goose populations remain high and large numbers will migrate through the state this fall, Johnson noted.

Late season Canada goose hunters along the Missouri River can expect an average-sized fall flight of Great Plains giant Canada geese and Western Prairie Canada geese. "Last year we noticed fewer birds staging on the Missouri River because of warm weather," Johnson said. "We're hoping this year's weather brings a more normal migration pattern for our hunters."

Canada goose hunters are reminded that bag limits for the regular season, starting Sept. 30, return to three daily and six in possession. The September Canada goose season, which ends Friday, Sept. 22, had more liberal bag limits of five daily and 10 in possession in an effort to reduce the number of resident giant Canada geese.

Hunters should refer to the 2000 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide for season regulations including bag limits.

Public Asked to Report Whooping Crane Sightings (9/20/00)
Approximately 200 whooping cranes, one of North America's most endangered birds, are beginning their fall migration and will likely make their way through North Dakota over the next few weeks. As these rare birds head through the state, the public is asked to report sightings so the birds can be tracked, according to Stan Kohn, migratory bird biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Whoopers stand about five feet tall and have a wingspan of about seven feet from tip to tip. They are white with black wing tips, which are visible only when the wings are outspread. In flight they extend their long necks straight forward, while their long, slender legs extend out behind the tail. Whooping cranes typically migrate singly, or in groups of 2-3 birds, but may be associated with sandhill cranes.

Whooping crane sightings should be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office at 701-250-4418, the state game and fish department's main office in Bismarck at 701-328-6300, or to local game wardens around the state. Reports help biologists locate important whooper habitat areas, monitor marked birds, determine survival and population numbers, and identify times and migration routes.

Anyone sighting whoopers should not disturb them, and record the date, time, location, and the birds' activity. Kohn also requests that observers look closely for colored leg bands and record those colors and on which leg they occur. Young whooping cranes were marked during 1975-1988 with colored leg bands to help determine their identity.

Youth Deer and Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Open Soon (9/13/00)
Youth deer hunters can anticipate a respectable deer population, and youth waterfowl hunters can look forward to high duck and resident Canada goose populations during upcoming youth hunting seasons, according to biologists from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

"Based on current available information, we anticipate a good deer hunting season," said Bill Jensen, department big game biologist.

The youth deer season opens at noon Sept. 22 and continues through Sunday, Oct. 1. The season is statewide, except for restricted licenses and units in western North Dakota. Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset except on opening day. Orange clothing is required for all youth deer season hunters.

Each youth deer hunter must be accompanied by at least one unarmed parent or guardian while in the field. "This one-on-one approach to teaching the skills and tradition of hunting is a well proven method," Jensen added. "It goes back to the dawn of time."

The two-day youth waterfowl season, set for Sept. 23-24, is one day longer than last year. "The additional day will allow hunters flexibility in the event of weather problems or scheduling conflicts," according to Mike Johnson, game and fish waterfowl biologist, "and allow for families to travel greater distances."

Legally licensed resident and nonresident youth waterfowl hunters age 15 and younger will be able to hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and geese statewide. "We expect to have a high number of birds in the state," Johnson said. "Duck numbers are at a near-record level."

The special early September Canada goose season that opened Sept. 2 will close Sept. 22, Johnson noted, so experienced adult hunters can devote all their attention to youth hunters. "The youth season provides a great opportunity for a waterfowler to introduce a young hunter to this great tradition."

Before a youth waterfowler takes to the field, Johnson suggests the following guidelines to make the hunt more enjoyable:

• Scout potential hunting areas before the season.
• Make contact with landowners to access hunting sites.
• Sharpen shooting skills by practicing with clay pigeons.
• Experienced hunters should spend time with a young hunter going over the regulations.

A waterfowl identification book is available from the department's Bismarck office. Shooting hours for the youth waterfowl season are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter into the field.

The daily bag limit, including species restrictions, and all other regulations that apply to the regular duck and goose hunting seasons apply, including: all youth waterfowl hunters must be HIP certified by calling 1-888-634-4798; youth ages 12 and older need to have passed a certified hunter education course; and a general game and habitat license is required.

Governor Proclaims September 23 as North Dakota Hunting & Fishing Day (9/13/00)
Governor Edward T. Schafer has proclaimed Saturday, September 23 as Hunting and Fishing Day in North Dakota, recognizing conservation and the role hunters and anglers have played in protecting the state's wildlife resources.

"Hunting, fishing, and trapping have always been an important part of the North Dakota tradition," Schafer added. "While these activities may no longer be necessary for survival - as they were in the early days of North Dakota - they are still very important today.

"Sportsmen have been in the forefront of the conservation movement for more than 100 years," the governor continued. "Not content with merely vocalizing their support, hunters and anglers requested special fees and taxes on their equipment, which help pay for wildlife management and other conservation programs."

Sportsman-financed programs, which have raised more than $23 billion for conservation nationally, and millions in North Dakota, have led to the dramatic comeback of white-tailed deer, elk, antelope, wild turkey and numerous other wildlife species. For example, white-tailed deer populations have increased from a low of 500,000 to about 18 million today.

"I would like to take this opportunity to commend hunters and anglers for their efforts on behalf of wildlife and their contributions to conservation," Schafer said. "I urge our citizens to join with sportsmen and conservationists in their efforts to ensure the wise use and proper management of our natural resources to benefit future generations."

OWAA 2000 Photo Exhibit Celebrates the Outdoors (9/13/00)
Winning shots from the 2000 Outdoor Writers Association of America photography contest will be on exhibit at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department Bismarck office, Sept. 22 - Oct. 20, 2000.

The exhibit includes color and black-and-white photos that showcase nature, wildlife and people enjoying outdoor recreational activities. This year's winners include some of America's best-known outdoor photographers.

Nikon Sport Optics of Melville, N.Y., funds the annual contest and traveling exhibits, which are on display at many locations across the United States.

Second Deer Lottery Held; Third-Drawing Applications Available (9/6/00)
More than 10,000 North Dakota deer gun licenses are still available after the State Game and Fish Department recently completed its second lottery drawing.

These licenses, all for any-antlerless or antlerless white-tailed deer, are available to hunters who do not already have a license, or as second tags.

Applications are available from North Dakota Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors, or can be downloaded from the department's web site at http://gf.nd.gov//. Persons can apply by calling Instant Licensing at 1-800-406-6409. A credit card is required and a service charge added.

Deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 20. Mailed applications must be postmarked by midnight. Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. The regular deer gun season starts at noon Nov. 10 and runs through Nov. 26.

The third lottery drawing for persons who have not yet received a 2000 deer gun license will take place prior to the lottery for hunters seeking second licenses.

"Ask Before You Enter" Signs Available (9/6/00)
"Ask Before You Enter" signs are available free to North Dakota landowners who want hunters to seek permission before entering their land during upcoming fall hunting seasons. Landowners can order quantities of four, eight or 12.

The signs are sponsored by the North Dakota Landowner-Sportsman Council and available at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; phone 701-328-6300; or email ndgf@state.nd.us.

2000 Waterfowl Regulations Set (9/6/00)
North Dakota's 2000 waterfowl season has been set, with duck and regular goose hunting beginning Sept. 30, reports Darren Bruning, assistant wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Duck season is open Sept. 30 - Dec. 10. The daily limit of six may include five mallards of which only two may be female mallards, three scaup, two redhead, two wood duck, one pintail and one canvasback.

Goose hunting dates are Sept. 30 - Dec. 22. Canada goose limit is three daily and six in possession; two daily and four in possession for white-fronted geese; and 20 daily with no possession limit for light geese.

Changes of note for the 2000 season, according to Bruning, include:

• The statewide early September Canada goose season opened Sept. 2 and continues through Sept. 22. Limits are five daily and 10 in possession. "Hunters need to be aware these limits are for the early September Canada goose season only," Bruning said. Last year the early September season was in only Sargent and Richland counties.
• The special youth waterfowl hunting season is Sept. 23-24. In previous years the youth season was a Saturday only.
• The starting date for full-day goose hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the regular season begins Oct. 14, one week later than last year. This change is proposed to protect snow geese from disturbance in the afternoons early in the season, Bruning noted, and promote staging in North Dakota. "With high numbers of snow geese staging in the state early in the season," he added, "improved harvest opportunities for hunters and increased harvest is expected."
• Four waterfowl rest areas have been eliminated (Maple River in Dickey County, Lake George in Foster County, an area near Hannaford in Griggs County and Hurricane Lake in Pierce County), and one waterfowl rest area, Larson Lake in Hettinger County, has been reduced in size.

Hunters should refer to the 2000 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide for further details on the waterfowl season. Guides are available at county auditors, license vendors and the North Dakota Game and Fish web site at gf.nd.gov//.

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