News and Updates

News Release Archives - November 2000

Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest Announces Winners | Ice Anglers Reminded of Perch Limit | 2001 North Dakota OUTDOORS Calendar Available | Rundown Given on National Wildlife Refuge Upland Bird Hunting (Courtesy of USFWS) | Recent Ice Formation on Lakes Considered Unsafe | Game and Fish Reminds Public of Remaining Advisory Board Meetings | Cutthroat Trout a "Huge" Success in the Garrison Dam Tailrace | Fish House Licenses No Longer Needed in North Dakota | Game and Fish Reminds Hunters of Snowmobile Restrictions | Game and Fish Books, Videos, and Magazine Make Great Christmas Gifts | 2000 Salmon Spawning Goals Met | Motorists Reminded to Watch for Deer on Roads | Special News Release - Some Western ND Whitetail Hunters May Seek License Refunds | Fall Advisory Board Meetings Set

Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest Announces Winners (11/29/00)
A striking photograph of a white-breasted nuthatch by Jack Lefor of Dickinson will be featured on the 2001 Watchable Wildlife poster. Lefor's photo was selected best picture in the nongame species category for the 2001 Watchable Wildlife photo contest, according to Jeb Williams, outreach biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

"After 10 years of featuring only nongame species , the department's annual photo contest has embraced all wildlife species," Williams added. "In addition to animals that are not hunted, fished, or trapped, the contest now includes categories for game species, insects and plants." However, Williams noted, the Watchable Wildlife poster, distributed to advertise the Watchable Wildlife tax check off on the state tax form, will still display the winning nongame photograph.

"As anticipated, photographers responded with tremendous enthusiasm, submitting photos of various wildlife species encompassing all areas of the state," Williams said. "The competition was strong and many excellent photographs were submitted."

Besides the white-breasted nuthatch, other finalists in the nongame species category were Eastern kingbirds submitted by Harlan Rebsom, Manning; a black-crowned night heron taken by Darcy Kramlich, Manning; and a long-billed curlew by Lefor.

Three winners were announced in the game species category: mule deer buck photo submitted by James Kisse, Minot; a coyote by Kelly Krabbenhoft, Hazen; and a black-tailed prairie dog by Shan Cunningham, Minot.

A cecropia moth submitted by Loren Oslie of Fargo took first place honors in the insects category. Receiving runner-up recognition was a spurge hawkmoth larva by Krabbenhoft.

Two photos were recognized in the plant category. A columbine submitted by Darlene Posy of Fargo took top honors. Krabbenhoft also received recognition for a wild lily.

Ice Anglers Reminded of Perch Limit (11/29/00)
The State Game and Fish Department reminds ice anglers the yellow perch limit on North Dakota waters is 50 daily and 250 in possession.

The perch limit, instituted this past April, was designed to reduce potential for overharvest of perch in productive perch lakes.

2001 North Dakota OUTDOORS Calendar Available (11/29/00)
The 2001 North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar is printed and available for $3 at the Game and Fish Department's Bismarck office, select newsstands across the state, and Scheels AllSports stores in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Bismarck.

Along with outstanding color photographs of North Dakota wildlife and scenery, the calendar includes season opening and application dates, sunrise-sunset times and moon phases.

To order by mail, send $3 plus $1 postage for each calendar, to: Calendar, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095.

Rundown Given on National Wildlife Refuge Upland Bird Hunting [Courtesy of USFWS (11/21/00)]
Heavy snow and dangerous ice could cause problems for hunters taking part in special late-season upland bird seasons opening soon at several National Wildlife Refuges in North Dakota.

Hunters may take Hungarian partridge, sharp-tailed grouse and pheasant in most of these late hunts, but two refuges restrict their seasons to pheasant. The late opening dates follow the closure of the state's deer gun season and the departure of most waterfowl.

Hunters are required to use nontoxic shot while hunting on a refuge, and must follow state regulations such as those on bag limits. The seasons close January 7, 2001. Refuge managers encourage hunters to stop or call for information on areas open for these special hunts, and they remind them that they could encounter muzzleloader or archery deer hunters.

The refuges and their locations, opening dates, species included, outlook and phone numbers:

• Arrowwood NWR, Pingree, N.D. Dec. 1. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Pretty good numbers of grouse scattered throughout the Refuge, but very poor populations of pheasant and partridge. Snow depths of up to one foot will make walking difficult. Maps and hunting leaflets are available at refuge headquarters. Call 701-285-3341.
• Audubon NWR, Coleharbor, N.D. Dec. 1. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Outlook is similar to 1999?very good for pheasant, but poor for grouse and partridge. Up to 15 inches of snow on the ground, and questionable ice conditions. Access is still available from the auto tour route. Hunting leaflets and maps are available at a kiosk near the office and at entrance gates. Phone 701-442-5474.
• Des Lacs NWR, Kenmare, N.D. Nov. 27. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. The outlook is fair at best, but 12 to 18 inches of snow on the ground will make it tough for hunters. Stop at refuge headquarters for information. Call 701-385-4046.
• Lake Alice NWR, Churchs Ferry, N.D. Nov. 27. Pheasant only. The outlook is poor, and the few pheasants on the Refuge will be in deep cover, making walking difficult. Maps and leaflets are available at kiosks on the refuge and at the Devils Lake office. 701-662-8611.
• Lake Zahl NWR, Zahl, N.D. Nov. 27. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. The outlook is good for pheasant and grouse, but poor for partridge. Deep snow will make things difficult for hunters. Maps and leaflets can be found at the refuge kiosk and at the Crosby office. Call 701-965-6488.
• Long Lake NWR, Moffit, N.D. Dec. 1. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Lots of pheasant and grouse, but very few partridge. Walking difficult due to heavy snow. Maps and leaflets are available 24 hours a day at headquarters. Phone 701-387-4397.
• Lostwood NWR, Stanley, N.D. Re-opens Nov. 27. The outlook is only fair for grouse, very poor for pheasant and partridge. Hunters will have to deal with deep snow. Maps and leaflets are available at headquarters. 701-848-2722.
• J. Clark Salyer NWR, Upham, N.D. Nov. 27. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Pheasant and grouse numbers are fair, but not many partridge. Heavy snow in the area, and dangerous ice conditions. Hunting leaflets are available at refuge headquarters. Call 701-768-2548
• Tewaukon NWR, Cayuga, N.D. Nov. 27. Pheasant only. Fair to good populations, but heavy pressure expected. Snow shouldn't be a problem, but ice conditions are extremely dangerous. Maps showing open and closed areas are available at refuge kiosks and headquarters. 701-724-3598.
• Upper Souris NWR, Berthold, N.D. Nov. 27. Pheasant, grouse and partridge. Fair numbers of pheasant and grouse are being reported, but few partridge. Up to eight inches of snow. The ice is unsafe due to water releases. Some areas of the Refuge are closed, so hunters should pick up a map at a kiosk or refuge headquarters. Call 701-468-5467.

The ice cover along refuge lakes and in cattail marshes may be very dangerous due to the warm ground and water, which have been insulated by the thick blanket of snow. Hunters are urged to use extreme caution in those areas.

Recent Ice Formation on Lakes Considered Unsafe (11/22/00)
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 so it is very important for parents and guardians to monitor their children's' activities.

"Wind and snowfall in much of the state have prevented good ice formation," Pich added. "Conditions are especially dangerous now because many ditches and sloughs are deep enough for a person to drown."

Pich reported seeing muskrat trappers on the ice following the recent season opener. "Some anglers 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 along major rivers 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 eight inches of ice in most places can have weak spots with just a skim of ice, and many areas with heavy snow cover can have no ice under the snow."

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.

Following are minimum ice thicknesses that will support travel. This 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.
• 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.
• If a person falls through the ice, remember this simple rule when attempting a rescue: REACH, THROW, GO.
• • First, REACH the victim with a long pole, board, rope, blanket, jumper cables, 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. 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 Reminds Public of Remaining Advisory Board Meetings (11/22/00)
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is issuing a reminder for the remaining advisory board meetings this year. Hunters, anglers, trappers, and landowners are invited to attend these public forums to discuss wildlife issues in their area.

Game and fish advisors host public meetings twice each year in their districts. Advisors serve as a liaison between the department and the public in their areas. Department staff and district advisors attend the meetings to meet with the public.

District 5 - Counties: Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Traill.
Date: November 28, 7 p.m.
Location: Casselton City Hall.
Host: Cass Co. Wildlife Club.
Contact: Lorne Sterner, 347-4716.
Advisor: Ken Toop, Casselton, 347-4960.

District 4 - Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina Walsh.
Date: November 29, 7 p.m.
Location: Fordville Legion Hall.
Host: Dakota Prairie Wildlife Club.
Contact: Perry Brintnell, 229-3267.
Advisor: Richard A. Price, Tolna, 262-4782.

District 6 - Counties: Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman, Wells.
Date: November 30, 7 p.m.
Location: Eagles Club, Valley City.
Host: Barnes Co. Wildlife Federation.
Contact: Perry Kapaun, 845-2230 *06124.
Advisor: Rita Greer, Marion, 669-2315.

District 1- Counties: Divide, McKenzie and Williams.
Date: December 4, 7 p.m.
Location: Farmers Rm., Crosby Courthouse.
Host: NW Sportsmen & Spencer Arms.
Contact: Spencer Legaard, 834-2232.
Advisor: Kurt Hovet, Watford City, 842-2531.

District 8 - Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope, Stark.
Date: December 5, 6:30 p.m. MST.
Location: Tin Cowboy Cafe, Beach.
Host: Extension Service.
Contact/Advisor: Jerry D. Jeffers, Rhame,  279-5885.

District 7 - Counties: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan, Sioux.
Date: December 6, 7 p.m.
Location: Wildlife Building, Turtle Lake.
1 mi. east, 1/4 mi. north.
Host: Turtle Lake Wildlife Club.
Contact: Bob Boe, 448- 2402.
Advisor: Duane Schatz, Elgin, 584-2937.

Any person who requires an auxiliary aid or service must notify the contact person at least five days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Cutthroat Trout a "Huge" Success in the Garrison Dam Tailrace (11/15/00)
Anglers wanting a chance to catch a state record fish might want to try their luck in the Tailrace below Garrison Dam, reports Jeff Hendrickson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries biologist, Riverdale.

Game and fish has been stocking trout and salmon in the Garrison Dam Tailrace since 1955, hoping to establish a quality cold-water fishery. State record brown trout (25 lbs. 4 oz.), rainbow trout (21 lbs. 4 oz.), lake trout (14 lbs. 4 oz.), and chinook salmon (31 lbs. 2 oz.) have all been caught in the Tailrace. While this stretch of water produces large salmon and trout, the number of trout caught has not been high.

Fisheries biologists stocked cutthroat trout in the Garrison Dam Tailrace in spring 1999. These fish were 6-8 inches long and weighed one-third pound. "Shortly after stocking, reports from anglers were that the fish were very aggressive and relatively easy to catch," Hendrickson added. "By late August these fish had doubled in size, averaging 12 inches and two-thirds pound. Both growth and survival were good as anglers reported catching as many as 25 in a single fishing trip."

Growth continued throughout the 2000 fishing year as anglers reported 41 whoppers (5 lb. minimum). The previous state record (3 lbs. 13 oz. from Hooker Lake) set in 1984 was broken on May 8. In fact, Hendrickson said, the state record was officially broken 10 times in 2000 and currently stands at 7 lb. 4 oz. "Where this record will finally end up is unknown," he added, "but it is almost certain that it will be broken again, soon!"

 

The following list recognizes anglers who, at one time, held the state record for cutthroats in 2000:

Name	Date	Weight	Hometown
Tyler Borup	March 25	3 lbs. 14 oz.	Pick City, ND
Neal Becker	May 8	3 lbs. 15 oz.	Underwood, ND
Ron Hulstein	May 17	4 lbs. 2 oz.	Dickinson, ND
Jeff Schuchard	May 26	4 lbs. 10 oz.	Jamestown, ND
Justin Whitecalfe	May 27	5 lbs.	Beulah, ND
Wayne Haag	June 8	5 lbs. 9 oz.	Mitchell, SD
Marlon Weisenburger	June 25	5 lbs. 12 oz.	New Rockford, ND
Taylor Kropp	July 23	6 lbs. 1 oz.	Jamestown, ND
Garland Crook	August 16	6 lbs. 2 oz.	Dickinson, ND
Jesse Zwak	August 17	7 lbs. 4 oz.	Minot, ND

Requirements for state record fish are: 1) the fish must be weighed on a scale used commercially and subject to certification by the Weights and Measures Division, North Dakota Public Service Commission; 2) the catch must be verified by an employee of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department; and 3) a recognizable photo must be furnished to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Fish House Licenses No Longer Needed in North Dakota (11/15/00)
As ice anglers are readying equipment and preparing for the upcoming winter fishing season, fish house users are reminded that licenses for permanent or portable fish houses are no longer needed in North Dakota.

The law requiring fish house licenses, for either residents or nonresidents, was repealed by the 1999 legislature.

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.

Game and Fish Reminds Hunters of Snowmobile Restrictions (11/15/00)
With snow covering the entire state and hunting seasons in full swing, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds hunters that hunting and harassing game with a snowmobile is prohibited.

State law reads "no person, while operating a snowmobile in North Dakota, may intentionally kill, chase, flush, or harass any wild animal or wild bird, protected or unprotected."

Snowmobile use must follow the same guidelines as other motor-driven vehicles: motor vehicles may be used only on established roads or trails. The only exception is after a deer has been killed and properly tagged, a motor vehicle may be used to make the retrieve by leaving the established road or trail and proceeding to the carcass by the shortest accessible route, and returning to the road or trail immediately by the same route.

Motor vehicles may not be used off established roads and trails for retrieval on state wildlife management areas, federal waterfowl production areas, federal refuges, state school lands, and any areas where motor vehicles are restricted.

Game and Fish Books, Videos, and Magazine Make Great Christmas Gifts (11/8/00)
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 non-technical 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 three years.

North Dakota Outdoors magazine CD-ROM contains all articles from the 1930s 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 is $3 (soft cover only).

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" volumes one and two are also available for $5 each.

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.

2000 Salmon Spawning Goals Met (11/8/00)
North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries personnel have concluded this year's salmon spawning efforts, reports Jason Lee, fisheries biologist, Riverdale.

Spawning crews caught nearly 1,500 fish of which 56 percent were females. "This was an excellent year for the spawning run," Lee added. "We had a goal of collecting 2 million eggs and took more than 2.4 million good eggs."

The female salmon were considerably larger this year, averaging 9.8 pounds compared to 6.7 in 1999. Unlike last year, almost all of the fish were collected by electro-fishing rather that the spawning ladder.

Chinook salmon begin their spawning run in October into Lake Sakakawea's Rodeo Bay. Since salmon cannot naturally spawn in Lake Sakakawea, game and fish along with Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery personnel artificially do it for them by taking and fertilizing eggs and transporting them to the hatchery.

The eggs collected will be used for next year's stocking of 500,000 chinook smolts in Lake Sakakawea. The remainder of the eggs will go to Montana.

Motorists Reminded to Watch for Deer on Roads (11/8/00)
Motorists are reminded to watch for deer along the roadways. June and November are the peak months for deer-vehicle accidents because the young-of-the-year are dispersing from their home ranges.

Deer use the same travel routes as vehicles do in the winter, taking the easiest routes in order to conserve energy, especially when heavy snow buries trails and makes movement more difficult. With deer more active during these months, the potential for car-deer collisions increases.

Some Western ND Whitetail Hunters May Seek License Refunds (11/1/00)
Based on continuing reports of pockets of white-tailed deer mortality in western North Dakota, the State Game and Fish Department has decided to offer hunters in certain units the option of turning in white-tailed deer licenses for refunds.

The decision comes not because of a widespread whitetail population reduction, but because of moderate to significant losses in isolated areas that might affect hunting success in those locations, according to Roger Rostvet, game and fish department deputy director.

More than 3,000 white-tailed deer license holders in units 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F and 3F1, are eligible for license refunds. The department has mailed a letter describing the situation, and the refund procedure, to each individual license holder in these units. Several other deer hunting units in southwestern North Dakota had reports of minor mortality, but do not warrant concern or reduction in harvest.

Reported instances of deer deaths throughout the fall in western North Dakota are the result of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a naturally occurring virus that is spread by a biting midge. EHD is almost always fatal to infected white-tailed deer, while mule deer and antelope do not usually die from the disease. Hunters do not have to worry about eating infected deer. Any deer infected with EHD will have died well before deer gun season opens Nov. 10. In addition, humans cannot contract the disease by handling or consuming infected deer meat.

Game and fish personnel began receiving isolated reports of dead white-tailed deer in southwestern North Dakota in September. While EHD was not immediately confirmed as the killer, it was strongly suspected.

Typically, the first hard freeze of fall kills the midges that carry and transfer the EHD virus. However, Rostvet said, warm weather this fall apparently allowed the midges to survive longer than in most other previous occurrences of the disease. "Therefore, loss of deer to this disease, and the geographic area affected by it, appears to have extended into October and is greater than first reported," Rostvet said.

Before deciding to turn in a license, Rostvet urges whitetail license holders to make local contacts to find out the extent of mortality in their hunting area. Large portions of affected units had no reports of whitetail deaths. "The whitetail population has not been decimated and in many areas a good harvest is still needed," Rostvet said.

The 2000 EHD event is not as severe in terms of dead deer reports, or geographic area, Rostvet said, as the last major event in 1995 - the last time game and fish made license refunds an option for hunters in affected units. In 1995, slightly more than 300 hunters turned in their licenses.

White-tailed deer license holders have until Nov. 9 to mail in or deliver their license to the Game and Fish Department's Bismarck office.

For more information, contact the game and fish department's wildlife division at 701-328-6351.

Fall Advisory Board Meetings Set (11/1/00)
Anglers, hunters, trappers, and landowners are invited to attend this fall's North Dakota Game and Fish Department advisory board meeting in their area. These public meetings, held twice each year, provide the public with the opportunity to discuss wildlife issues and ask questions of their district advisors and game and fish personnel.

There are eight game and fish department advisors, each representing a multi-county section of the state. The governor appoints them to four-year terms to serve as a liaison between the department and public.

District 1- Counties: Divide, McKenzie and Williams.
Date: December 4, 7 p.m.
Location: Farmers Rm., Crosby Courthouse.
Host: NW Sportsmen & Spencer Arms.
Contact: Spencer Legaard, 834-2232.
Advisor: Kurt Hovet, Watford City, 842-2531.

District 2 - Counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Ward.
Date: November 21, 7 p.m.
Location: International Inn, Minot.
Host: Souris Valley Bowmen.
Contact: Lee Keller, 838-0753.
Advisor: Gary Melby, Bowbells, 377-2803.

District 3 - Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette, Towner.
Date: November 14, 7 p.m.
Location: Cavalier Co. Courthouse, Langdon.
Host: Cavalier Co. Gun Club.
Contact: Rod Howatt, 256-3302.
Advisor: Barbara Ash, Devils Lake, 662-3989.

District 4 - Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina Walsh.
Date: November 29, 7 p.m.
Location: Fordville Legion Hall.
Host: Dakota Prairie Wildlife Club.
Contact: Perry Brintnell, 229-3267.
Advisor: Richard A. Price, Tolna, 262-4782.

District 5 - Counties: Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Traill.
Date: November 28, 7 p.m.
Location: Casselton City Hall.
Host: Cass Co. Wildlife Club.
Contact: Lorne Sterner, 347-4716.
Advisor: Ken Toop, Casselton, 347-4960.

District 6 - Counties: Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman, Wells.
Date: November 30, 7 p.m.
Location: Eagles Club, Valley City.
Host: Barnes Co. Wildlife Federation.
Contact: Perry Kapaun, 845-2230 *06124.
Advisor: Rita Greer, Marion, 669-2315.

District 7 - Counties: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan, Sioux.
Date: December 6, 7 p.m.
Location: Wildlife Building, Turtle Lake.
1 mi. east, 1/4 mi. north.
Host: Turtle Lake Wildlife Club.
Contact: Bob Boe, 448- 2402.
Advisor: Duane Schatz, Elgin, 584-2937.

District 8 - Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope, Stark.
Date: December 5, 6:30 p.m. MST.
Location: Beach.
Host: Details to be announced later.
Contact: Details to be announced later.
Advisor: Jerry D. Jeffers, Rhame, 279-5885.

Any person who requires an auxiliary aid or service must notify the contact person at least five days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Special News Release - Some Western ND Whitetail Hunters May Seek License Refunds (10/31/00)
Based on continuing reports of pockets of white-tailed deer mortality in western North Dakota, the State Game and Fish Department has decided to offer hunters in certain units the option of turning in white-tailed deer licenses for refunds.

The decision comes not because of a widespread whitetail population reduction, but because of moderate to significant losses in isolated areas that might affect hunting success in those locations, according to Roger Rostvet, game and fish department deputy director.

More than 3,000 white-tailed deer license holders in units 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F and 3F1, are eligible for license refunds. The department has mailed a letter describing the situation, and the refund procedure, to each individual license holder in these units. Several other deer hunting units in southwestern North Dakota had reports of minor mortality, but do not warrant concern or reduction in harvest.

Reported instances of deer deaths throughout the fall in western North Dakota are the result of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a naturally occurring virus that is spread by a biting midge. EHD is almost always fatal to infected white-tailed deer, while mule deer and antelope do not usually die from the disease. Hunters do not have to worry about eating infected deer. Any deer infected with EHD will have died well before deer gun season opens Nov. 10. In addition, humans cannot contract the disease by handling or consuming infected deer meat.

Game and fish personnel began receiving isolated reports of dead white-tailed deer in southwestern North Dakota in September. While EHD was not immediately confirmed as the killer, it was strongly suspected.

Typically, the first hard freeze of fall kills the midges that carry and transfer the EHD virus. However, Rostvet said, warm weather this fall apparently allowed the midges to survive longer than in most other previous occurrences of the disease. "Therefore, loss of deer to this disease, and the geographic area affected by it, appears to have extended into October and is greater than first reported," Rostvet said.

Before deciding to turn in a license, Rostvet urges whitetail license holders to make local contacts to find out the extent of mortality in their hunting area. Large portions of affected units had no reports of whitetail deaths. "The whitetail population has not been decimated and in many areas a good harvest is still needed," Rostvet said.

The 2000 EHD event is not as severe in terms of dead deer reports, or geographic area, Rostvet said, as the last major event in 1995 - the last time game and fish made license refunds an option for hunters in affected units. In 1995, slightly more than 300 hunters turned in their licenses.

White-tailed deer license holders have until Nov. 9 to mail in or deliver their license to the Game and Fish Department's Bismarck office. For more information, contact the game and fish department's wildlife division at 701-328-6351.

2000 Deer Hunting Season Coming Up - Frequently Asked Questions (10/25/00)
The 2000 deer gun season opens at noon Nov. 10 and now is the time to ready equipment, sight in rifles, and to answer questions about hunting regulations.

Every year the North Dakota Game and Fish Department receives many questions from hunters wanting to clarify the rules prior to hunting. Some of the more common ones are listed below, but, if the answer to your question is not here, call the department at 701-328-6300.

What licenses do I need for deer gun season? A fishing, hunting, and furbearer certificate, which is the paper that all stamps are attached to; the general game and habitat stamp or a sportsman's license, and the deer license. Gratis license holders, however, need only the gratis license itself.

Can I use my first season license during the muzzleloader season? No. The first season license may be used only for the (first) regular deer season.

When can I use a second season license? These licenses may be used in any open season provided all details printed on the license (unit, sex, and species) are followed and you hunt with the appropriate weapon. For example, you may use a second license during the muzzleloader season, but you must hunt with a muzzleloader.

I can't find my deer license and tag. What should I do? You can get a replacement license from the department. First you will need to obtain a petition for a duplicate license from the department (county auditors also have copies of this form). Fill out the form, have it notarized, and return it to the department. If the transaction is through the mail, it will take a few days. You may not hunt without the license and tag in your possession. The quickest way to get a duplicate license is to stop at the department's Bismarck office. They can issue a replacement license while you wait.

I shot a deer but it is rotten. What can I do? You must take possession of the animal by tagging it. If the department gets a confiscated deer, we may be able to give it to you.

My son was unsuccessful in filling his mule deer buck tag in the youth season. Can he hunt the regular gun season? Yes. But he is restricted to the same unit as during the youth season. What if I have an antlerless deer permit and I shoot a deer with two-inch spikes, but I could not see them when I shot? Game wardens have some leeway about what is an antlered deer. However, bear in mind that it is your responsibility fully to identify your target before shooting.

Is camouflage blaze orange acceptable for the deer gun season? No. You must wear both a hat and outer garment above the waistline totaling at least 400 square inches of solid daylight fluorescent orange.

What should I do if I find a wounded deer? Contact a game warden. Do not shoot the deer unless instructed by the warden to do so.

I hunt with a bow. When do I have to wear orange? During the regular deer gun season you must wear orange. During the muzzleloader season, however, bowhunters do not need to wear orange.

Can I hunt on a section line if it is posted on both sides? No. If the land is posted on both sides, the section line is closed to hunting but it is still open for travel.

Can I retrieve a wounded deer from posted land? If the deer was shot on land where you had a legal right to be, you may retrieve it. However, you may not take any weapons with you. The department suggests contacting the landowner as a courtesy prior to entering.

What if the landowner says I cannot get the deer? Contact a game warden to sort it out. Can I transport someone else's deer? To transport someone else's deer you will need a permit from a game warden. The license holder, the person transporting the animal, and the carcass itself must be presented to the game warden before the permit is issued.

Can I drive off a trail to retrieve a deer on a state wildlife management area? No. You may not drive off-trail on state wildlife management areas, national wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas, or state school land.

What if I am going to take my deer head to a taxidermist, meat to a butcher shop, and the hide to a buyer? How do I keep the tag with it all? The tag should remain with the carcass. Write down your deer license number, name and other details on notes and attach them to the hide and the head. If you happen to get stopped by a warden, you may be asked to produce the tag.

May I carry a pistol when I am hunting with a deer rifle? Yes. The handgun must meet the minimum requirements listed in the deer hunting regulations to be legal for taking deer.

How do I carry a revolver in a vehicle when hunting? The cylinder of a revolver must be completely unloaded.

How do I carry a muzzleloader in a vehicle when hunting? Remove the cap from a percussion gun or the powder from the flash pan of a flintlock.

Can I use a bow to fill my regular deer gun tag? Yes. You may use any legal weapon during the regular deer gun season.

Can I use a gun to fill my bow tag? No. Archery tags may be filled only with bow and arrow.

Can I carry both bow and gun afield during deer gun season if I have both licenses? Only if you are going to fill your gun tag. To fill your archery tag, you may not have a gun in your possession.

Are muzzle loading handguns legal for deer hunting? Yes. They must be .50 caliber or larger.

Can I fill my second-deer tag with a bow during the archery season? Yes. Again, however, when afield hunting with a bow, you may not possess a gun. Also, you may hunt only in the unit for which the second license was issued and must comply with all the details listed on the tag.

Are the .22-250 and .243 legal for deer hunting? Yes. Center-fire rifles of .22 caliber or larger are legal.

My wife and I each have a gratis license for different pieces of land. Her land is located in a different unit across the highway from mine. Can we hunt each other's land? No. In order for you to hunt each other's land it must be located within the same hunting unit.

Leftover Deer Gun Licenses Available (10/18/00)
The third deer lottery has been completed and three units still have deer gun licenses available, according to Carrie Whitney, licensing supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Remaining licenses from the third drawing are available to both residents and nonresidents. Two units have any-antlerless deer licenses available: unit 2F1 with 101 licenses and unit 2L with 305. Unit 4F has 154 antlerless whitetail licenses remaining. Licenses are available as first or second licenses only.

First come, first served applications will be available Friday, Oct. 20 at all county auditors offices and game and fish offices. One can also print an application from the department's web page at gf.nd.gov//. The regular deer gun season begins at noon Nov. 10 and continues through Nov. 26.

Hand delivered applications will not be processed at the department while the applicant waits. "Mailed applications will be processed with the hand delivered applications from the previous day," Whitney said.

Still Time to Order 2001 OUTDOORS Calendars (10/18/00)
Now is the time to order the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar, the official source for all the season and application dates you need to know in the year 2001. Along with outstanding color photographs of North Dakota wildlife and scenery, it also includes sunrise-sunset times and moon phases.

To order, send $3 for each, plus $1 postage, to: Calendar, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095. Be sure to include a three-line return address with your order, or the post office may not deliver our return mailing.

Game and Fish Evaluates 2000 Spring Light Goose Season (10/11/00)
North Dakota's 2000 spring light goose hunting season was considered a success, as an estimated 5,100 hunters harvested an estimated 35,800 snow geese, reports Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Hunter surveys indicated slightly more than 3,800 residents and 1,300 nonresidents actively hunted during the statewide spring season, held March 1 - May 14. Hunters spent an average of two days in the field with 65 percent of hunter-days occurring between March 18 - April 9. At least 36 counties had hunter activity with 55 percent of hunter days reported in Richland, Barnes, Dickey, Cass, Sargent and LaMoure counties. The average seasonal bag was 6.9 light geese per hunter, with the highest seasonal bag reported at 199 birds.

Basic regulations for the spring season were the same as a regular waterfowl hunting season except hunting was allowed until one-half hour after sunset; electronic calls could be used; shotguns capable of holding more than three shells were permitted; and there was no bag or possession limit.

Unplugged shotguns were used by 60 percent of the hunters, and 33 percent reported using electronic calls. "Unplugged shotguns, jump shooting, and pass shooting were the methods most commonly used and accounted for the largest portion of the harvest," Johnson said, "with more than 70 percent of the hunters agreeing these methods were effective in increasing the harvest. Eighty-three percent of the hunters indicated they would hunt in future spring seasons." The 2000 spring light goose season, according to Johnson, was successful in harvesting a significant number of snow geese. "Future seasons should be even more successful as hunters learn how to hunt these geese in the spring," he said. "However, seasons beyond spring 2001 are dependent on successful completion of an Environmental Impact Statement process by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service."

North Dakota held its first spring light goose season last year, with 6,300 hunters taking 25,000 light geese.

Nontoxic-Shot-Shell Study Benefits Pheasant Hunters (10/11/00)
Nontoxic shot is not required for pheasant hunting on much of North Dakota's landscape, and because of that, those who hunt where it is required are often uncertain about shot shell selection. Information from a recent study, sponsored in part by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, can help hunters buy and use the most effective nontoxic shot shell loads for hunting pheasants.

Hunters must use nontoxic shot for upland bird hunting, including pheasants, on all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands, including federal waterfowl production areas and national wildlife refuges. Nontoxic shot is not required for upland bird hunting on state wildlife management areas, state school land, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service, or private land.

Whether required or not, hunters who choose nontoxic shot for pheasant hunting will do well to go with larger shot sizes, according to the study. While six types of shot are federally approved as nontoxic - steel, tin, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron, tungsten matrix and tungsten-polymer - the study focused on steel shot, which is the least expensive and available in more shot sizes.

The test, conducted in fall 1997 and 1998 by the Cooperative North American Shotgunning Education Program, and designed and administered by independent shot shell ballistics expert Tom

Roster, compared the capabilities of three different steel shot loads for taking ring-necked pheasants. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks funded the test, which took place at Grand Forks Hunting Club and Kennels near Grand Forks.

Discoveries from this test may surprise some, and contradict long-held assumptions by others.

After more than 300 pheasants bagged over typical pheasant habitat, at measured distances of less than 20 to more than 60 yards; after analyzing those birds for post-shot behavior, and x-rays and necropsies to determine pellet damage and penetration (terminal ballistics), one load distinguished itself.

"If you have a choice between steel No. 2s, No. 4s and No. 6s," Roster recommended, "the No. 2 steel would be your best choice. An interpolation of the data clearly indicates that No. 3 steel would be a close second."

While pheasant hunters sometimes look to larger shot sizes - No. 2 steel or perhaps No. 4 lead - for late-season hunting where shot distance might be longer than earlier in the season, this test clearly demonstrated that No. 2 steel is more efficient than 6s or 4s for harvesting pheasants at all ranges. At the same time, shooters were able to hit pheasants with steel 2s (111 pellets per ounce) at the same rate they did with steel 6s (326 pellets per ounce) and 4s (177 pellets per ounce). "We did not find a difference in the hunters' ability to hit the target," Roster noted, "regardless of the number of pellets in the shell."

While the test did not look at 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 ounce steel loads, Roster recommended those heavier loads for hunters who want to further improve their ammunition's ability to cleanly bag birds, especially at longer ranges. No. 3 steel (.140 inch), in one, 1 1/8, or 1 1/4 ounce charge, would also be an effective shot shell choice, Roster noted.

The test also did not investigate lead shot shells typically used for pheasant hunting, but hunters might make some assumptions, Roster said. Considering that a steel shot pellet, because of its lower density, is lighter than a lead pellet of the same size, it takes a steel shot pellet two sizes larger than a corresponding lead pellet to achieve roughly similar momentum. Given that steel No. 2s were the best of three steel loads tested, one might conclude that No. 4 lead would perform better than No. 6 lead, but that's not statistically proven, Roster cautioned.

Game and Fish to Maintain Current Oahe Walleye Regulations (10/4/00)
In most cases, a record walleye population in a body of water is good news for anglers. Not so, however, in Lake Oahe, the 200-mile-long Missouri River reservoir that stretches from near Bismarck, North Dakota to Pierre, South Dakota.

The high walleye population in this stretch of the Missouri River System, as well as the Missouri River itself from Bismarck north to the Garrison Dam, is out of balance with available food sources, according to fisheries biologists, drastically reducing growth rates for these highly sought fish. The situation is so severe that South Dakota officials have recommended a greatly increased daily walleye limit for their part of Oahe Reservoir.

North of the borderline, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is not considering new regulations for its one-third of the lake and upstream Missouri River, at least for the current two-year proclamation period that ends March 31, 2002. "We don't believe special regulations such as those proposed would have the impact in North Dakota as they might in South Dakota," said Terry Steinwand, chief of fisheries for the game and fish department.

The department does, however, encourage anglers to keep a limit (five daily) of smaller walleye from Oahe. "This is a unique circumstance and harvesting those fish in the short term may actually help the lake in the long run," Steinwand emphasized.

Keeping walleyes of less than 14 inches in length goes against the grain for most anglers. One of the primary tenants of catch-and-release, so popular in recent years, is returning small fish to the water so they can grow up. But in Lake Oahe, small walleyes are not growing up.

Lake Oahe's high walleye population in both states is the result of record natural reproduction in 1995, says Greg Power, central district fisheries supervisor for the department. A high percentage of the lake's adult walleye population comes from this dominant year class.

Under normal conditions, a 1995-year-class Lake Oahe walleye should measure close to 20 inches and weigh nearly three pounds, Power said. At present, however, most 5-year-old Oahe walleye are under 15 inches and weigh only a pound or less.

This restricted growth rate is due primarily to a shortage of rainbow smelt, silvery forage fish of 5-7 inches long that are the main diet for many fish species when they are abundant, Power explained. However, smelt are not abundant now.

A small smelt die-off in the northern portion of the reservoir in 1996 started the dramatic population decline. Then in late summer 1997, record releases from Oahe Dam were necessary to reduce the lake's record water level. Millions of smelt a day went with the water down the Missouri River below Pierre, South Dakota. Finally, ongoing predation by a strong predator base - not only walleyes, but northern pike and other fish as well, decimated the smelt population.

In 1996, South Dakota biologists estimated Oahe smelt numbers at around 1 billion. In 1999, the estimate was 40 million, a 96 percent reduction.

Until the smelt population rebounds, biologists predict most walleye in Lake Oahe won't grow much past 15-17 inches. On the other hand, biologists believe the potential for the smelt population to grow is small unless the number of hungry predators is reduced significantly.

While North Dakota and South Dakota share the same Oahe walleye population, the angling effort on the North Dakota side of the reservoir is much less than what occurs in South Dakota, Power said. This summer, the discrepancy was even greater because of better fishing in other parts of North Dakota, and reduced water levels on Oahe. Taking those factors into consideration, North Dakota officials feel increasing the daily walleye limit north of the border would not boost walleye harvest enough to justify confusion associated with the change.

"Special regulations sometimes work well to improve fisheries on certain bodies of water," Steinwand said. "Lake Oahe already has a one-walleye-over-18-inches restriction. In our part of the reservoir, another special limit would complicate regulations more than we feel is warranted."

A year from now, North Dakota Game and Fish biologists will begin developing the next fishing proclamation (South Dakota issues new regulations every year). The department will continue to monitor the Oahe/Missouri River situation. If the current imbalance persists, Steinwand said, special regulations may be considered.

Fall Pheasant Outlook Promising (10/4/00)
A combination of several mild winters, favorable spring nesting conditions and an encouraging late-summer roadside population have biologists anticipating a good pheasant hunting season in North Dakota.

"Based upon roadside count information gathered during August, our 2000 pre-hunt pheasant population shows more than a 40 percent increase over 1999," said Lowell Tripp, upland game biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Oakes. "There should be a lot of pheasants for our sportsmen this fall."

The 2000 breeding population was up 60 percent from last year. Average brood size, based upon survey observations in August, was 7.8, slightly lower than last year's 7.9, but still higher than the long-term average of 7.4. "This indicates good reproduction," Tripp added, "and hunters can expect to find good numbers of young birds in their bag this fall."

Hunting prospects should be better than last year, when hunters harvested 258,000 pheasants statewide. The highest percentage of pheasants were harvested in Hettinger, Stark, Morton, Grant, Burleigh, Emmons and Mercer counties.

"The southwest and south-central areas of the state will produce the best hunting opportunities," Tripp said, "while the northwest and southeast will be fair." However, Tripp noted, the southeast is recovering from the severe winter of 1996 and shows increases in pheasant numbers over the past few years.

The average annual harvest in the 1990s was 248,000, with a high of 315,000 birds in 1992, and a low of 136,000 in 1997.

The 2000 season opens Oct. 14 and continues through Jan. 7, 2001. Limits are three roosters daily and 12 in possession. Hunters should refer to the North Dakota 2000-2001 Small Game and Furbearer Guide for regulations.

Department Taking Orders for 2001 OUTDOORS Calendars (10/4/00)
Now is the time to order the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar, the official source for all the season and application dates you need to know in the year 2001. Along with outstanding color photographs of North Dakota wildlife and scenery, it also includes sunrise-sunset times and moon phases.

To order, send $3 for each, plus $1 postage, to: Calendar, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095. Be sure to include a three-line return address with your order, or the post office may not deliver our return mailing.

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