News and Updates

News Release Archives - November 2001

Game and Fish Provides Ice Safety and Rescue Tips | Deer Hunters with Second and Third Season Licenses Still Have Options | Late-Season Upland Game Opportunities Available on Refuges | Mule Deer Trend Remains Positive | 2002 North Dakota OUTDOORS Calendar Available | District 1 Game and Fish Advisory Board Meeting Set | Game and Fish Publications Make Great Christmas Gifts | Fall Game and Fish Advisory Board Meetings Set | Public Reminded of Meeting to Discuss Snow Goose Management | North Dakota's New Darkhouse Spearfishing Season Opens Dec. 1 | Third Edition of North Dakota Big Game Records Book Available | Deer Gun Season Questions, Answers | Big Game Hunters Reminded of New Travel Policy on National Grasslands

Game and Fish Provides Ice Safety and Rescue Tips (11/28/01)
With the onset of winter, outdoor recreationists wait for North Dakota lakes to freeze over. Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, reminds trappers and ice fishermen to be aware of ice safety and rescue techniques.

"As the weather changes and the lakes begin to freeze, people need to be aware of the potential dangers of ice," Boldt said. " We want to make sure a person knows what to look for, and what to do in case an emergency does arise."

Look for clear blue ice, Boldt advises, which is strongest because it is created by a sustained freeze. Unsafe ice is black, gray, or honeycombed because of repeated freezing and thawing. Discolored or dark spots suggest open water, thin ice, or possibly a spring, all of which are dangerous.

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

When crossing ice on foot, slide your feet instead of stepping, Boldt 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.

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

• Two inches or less---STAY OFF.
• Four inches will support a group of people walking single file.
• Five and one-half to six inches are necessary for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.
• Eight to 12 inches will support an automobile.
• 12-15 inches will support a pickup/truck.

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

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

Treat a hypothermia victim by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry clothing. An effective treatment is to place the victim in a sleeping bag, if available, with another person. Immediately transport the victim to a hospital.

" Even when the temperature is 40-below zero, ice is unsafe," Boldt said. While there may be up to a foot of ice in one spot, she said, it could be very thin within just a few inches. " Avoid pressure ridges and areas where there is a current," she added, " and warn your children about the dangers of thin ice."

Deer Hunters with Second and Third Season Licenses Still Have Options (11/28/01)
While North Dakota's regular deer gun season closed Nov. 25, hunters who did not fill their second and third season antlerless licenses still have options. Second and third season licenses can be used during the muzzleloader and bow seasons with the appropriate legal weapon - a muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season, and a bow during the bow season. Unit, sex and species requirements printed on the license must be followed.

The muzzleloader season opens Nov. 30 at noon and continues through Dec. 16. The bow season is open through Jan. 6, 2002.

Late-Season Upland Game Opportunities Available on Refuges (11/28/01)
Several national wildlife refuges in North Dakota are now open to late-season upland game bird hunting, while another opens Dec. 1.

Audubon, Des Lacs, J. Clark Salyer, Long Lake, Lostwood, Tewaukon (pheasants only), and Upper Souris NWRs opened Nov. 26. Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge opens Dec. 1.

Hunters are reminded that use of non-toxic shot is required on all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands. State regulations, found in the 2001-2002 North Dakota Small Game and Furbearer Guide, apply. Seasons for pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, ruffed grouse and turkey close statewide on Jan. 6, 2002.

National wildlife refuges are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Portions of each refuge are closed to hunting. Contact refuge headquarters for map leaflets designating closed areas and other restrictions: Arrowwood (701) 285-3341; Audubon (701) 442-5474; Des Lacs (701) 385-4046; J. Clark Salyer (701) 768-2548; Long Lake (701) 387-4397; Lostwood (701) 848-2722; Tewaukon (701) 724-3598; and Upper Souris (701) 468-5467.

Mule Deer Trend Remains Positive (11/28/01)
The positive population trend for North Dakota's mule deer continues, as biologists for the State Game and Fish Department report another increase in deer observed during the 2001 fall reproduction survey, according to Bruce Stillings, department big game biologist, Dickinson.

Observers who accompanied pilots in fixed-wing planes counted 1,561 mule deer during the October survey, which encompassed 24 study areas and 291 square miles in western North Dakota.

The fawn-to-doe ratio and buck-to-doe ratios were about the same as in 2000 throughout the badlands' mule deer range.

"Over the last couple years our surveys indicate an increasing population with stable recruitment," Stillings said. "We will evaluate the number of deer on the landscape in April, when we fly these same study areas, to obtain an index to the mule deer population." "With a series of relatively mild winters and conservative harvest strategies," Stillings continued, "we are observing positive trends in our mule deer population."

2002 North Dakota OUTDOORS Calendar Available (11/28/01)
The 2002 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.

District 1 Game and Fish Advisory Board Meeting Set (11/21/01)
Outdoor enthusiasts in Divide, Williams and McKenzie counties are invited to attend the district 1 advisory board meeting on Monday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. in the Senior Citizens Center in Grenora.

The meeting is hosted by the Grenora Sportmans Club. Information can be obtained by calling Mike Berg, 694-6560. The district advisor is Merle Jost, Grassy Butte.

Advisory board 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.

Game and Fish Publications Make Great Christmas Gifts (11/21/01)
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's wildlife books and magazine make great Christmas gifts for friends and relatives who enjoy the outdoors. The various books provide nontechnical life histories, population-trend information, and historical and modern photographs and narratives. 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.
• 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.
• North Dakota Big Game Records 3rd Edition, by Lyle Hanson, lists many trophy deer and other big game animals taken in the state. Big game measuring and scoring forms are included. Price is $5 (soft cover only).
• 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. Price is $3 (soft cover only).
• 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. Price 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).

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.

Fall Game and Fish Advisory Board Meetings Set (11/14/01)
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 3 - 7 p.m.
Location: Grenora Senior Citicens Center.
Host: Grenora Sportsmans Club.
Contact: Mike Berg, 694-6560.
Advisory board member: Merle Jost, Grassy Butte, 863-6727.

District 2 - Counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward.
Date: December 4 - 7 p.m.
Location: Scenic 23 Club Steakhouse, New Town
Host: Scenic 23 Club Steakhouse
Contact: Clayton Folden, 627-3949 or 627-3624
Advisory board member: Gary Melby, Bowbells, 377-2803

District 3 - Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner.
Date: November 27 - 7p.m.
Location: Ramsey Co. Courthouse basement meeting room, Devils Lake.
Host: Lake Region Sportsmen Club.
Contact: Mike Liane, 662-7027.
Advisory board member: Barbara Ash, Devils Lake; home 662-3989; work 662-1800.

District 4 - Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh.
Date: November 28 - 7 p.m.
Location: Alexandria House, Park River.
Host: Park River Sportsman's Club.
Contact: Russ Midgarden, 284-7726.
Advisory board member: Richard Price, Tolna; 262-4782.

District 5 - Counties: Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill.
Date: November 29 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Wahpeton Law Enforcement Center, Community Room.
Host: Red River Area Sportsmen's Club.
Contact: Vince Herding, 642-5179.
Advisory board member: Kenneth Toop, Casselton; home 347-4960; work 347-4045.

District 6 - Counties: Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells.
Date: December 10 - 7 p.m.
Location: Litchville-Marion Elementary School.
Host: Litchville Wildlife Club.
Contact: Dave Bruse, 762-4277.
Advisory board member: Rita Greer, Marion; 669-2315.

District 7 - Counties: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux.
Date: December 12 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Civic Center, Center.
Host: Oliver Co. Gun Club.
Contact: Dave Fischer, 794-8757.
Advisory Board member: Duane Schatz, Elgin; home 584-2937; work 584-2900.

District 8 - Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark.
Date: December 5 - 7 p.m. MST
Location: Slope Elec. Building mtg. room, New England.
Host: New England Gun Club.
Contact: Dennis Stang, 579-4166.
Advisory board member: 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.

Public Reminded of Meeting to Discuss Snow Goose Management (11/07/01)
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will host one of only eight meetings around the country to gather public input on a draft environmental impact statement for controlling overabundant light goose populations. The meeting, scheduled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is set for Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. at the department's Bismarck headquarters.

Mike Johnson, game and fish waterfowl biologist, urges both North Dakotans and residents of surrounding states to attend. "We would like to see as many wildlife groups and individuals at the meeting as possible to provide comments and suggestions," Johnson added. " Receiving input from a good cross section of the public is an important part of this EIS process."

The draft EIS evaluates a range of alternatives in relation to their ability to reduce and stabilize light goose populations. Among the alternatives considered are the creation of a conservation order, and legalizing additional hunting methods such as electronic calls, unplugged shotguns and expanded shooting hours.

In addition to public meetings, written comments may also be submitted through Dec. 14, 2001. The draft EIS is available on the internet at migratorybirds.fws.gov.; or by writing to Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, ms 634 ARLSQ, 1849 C St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. Comments may be sent to the above address or via email to white_goose_eis@fws.gov. For further information contact the USFWS Division of Migratory Bird Management, (703) 358-1714.

North Dakota's New Darkhouse Spearfishing Season Opens Dec. 1 (11/07/01)
North Dakota's ice fishing season will have an added look this winter, as regulations have been set for the state's first-ever darkhouse spearfishing season, reports Terry Steinwand, fisheries chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The 2001 state legislature passed House Bill 1356, which required the governor to provide by proclamation for spearfishing through the ice from dark houses.

North Dakota's dark house spearing season is Dec. 1 - Feb. 28 of each fishing year. Legal species are northern pike and nongame species. " Northern pike is the target in most other states that allow spearing," Steinwand added. " Pike populations are in good shape in many North Dakota lakes and can likely withstand the additional harvest pressure."

Darkhouse spearing is not allowed in every lake or river, Steinwand said. Open lakes are available in most areas of the state except the southwest, which lacks new, natural lakes with good pike populations. District managers were consulted to assess where the best pike populations existed, Steinwand said, as well as what they thought would be the best water clarity since darkhouse spearing depends on good visibility. " We also had a goal to have open lakes in different locales across the state to give all who want to participate the opportunity without driving an extreme distance."

All individuals who participate in darkhouse spearfishing will have to register with the game and fish department. " We decided to have participants register to develop an address base for a survey mechanism to determine the use and harvest for darkhouse spearing", Steinwand said, " and also to theoretically compare against hook and line anglers."

Other regulations include:

• Allowed for all residents with a valid fishing license, and those under the age of 16. Nonresidents whose state allows North Dakota residents to participate in darkhouse spearfishing can darkhouse spear fish in North Dakota with a valid fishing license. Of the neighboring states only Minnesota does not allow nonresident darkhouse spearfishing.
• A spear is counted as a pole (line) while darkhouse spearfishing.
• No size limit on ice hole in lakes where darkhouse spearing is allowed while actively participating in darkhouse spearing.
• Legal live baitfish, except white sucker, and artificials can be used as decoys.
• Daily/possession limits are the same as for hook and line fishing.
• Darkhouse spearing allowed only in the following areas: Powers Lake, Burke County; Rice Lake, Emmons County; Juanita Lake, Foster County; Lake Etta, Horsehead Lake, and Round Lake, Kidder County; Flood Lake, LaMoure County; Beaver Lake and West Napoleon Lake, Logan County; Buffalo Lodge Lake, McHenry County; Coldwater Lake and Dry/Goose Lake, McIntosh County; Cavanaugh Lake, Devils Lake, Morrison Lake, and Sweetwater Lake, Ramsey County; Carpenter Lake and School Section Lake, Rolette County; Buffalo Lake and Grass Lake, Sargent County; Coal Mine Lake, Sheridan County; Mallard Marsh and Spiritwood Lake, Stutsman County; Lake Laretta, Nelson County; Cottonwood Lake, Williams County; Lake Sakakawea from Garrison Dam to Highway 85 bridge at Williston; and Lake Oahe from South Dakota border to McLean Bottoms boat ramp.

Anglers interested in learning darkhouse spearfishing basics can access the game and fish web site under the North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine's November issue. To order a copy of the magazine, send $2 to North Dakota OUTDOORS, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095.

Third Edition of North Dakota Big Game Records Book Available (11/07/01)
The third edition of North Dakota Big Game Records is now available from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The 48-page publication includes a brief history of North Dakota's big game species, a listing of submitted entries for each species, official Boone and Crockett Club measuring and scoring forms, and information on how to submit future entries. Also included are photographs of trophy and state record animals.

Entries are listed by rank, and include the animal's score, county and year harvested, and by whom. Entry information is provided by Lyle Hanson, Jamestown.

Cost of the book is $5, which includes shipping and handling. To order, send $5 to Record Book, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095.

Deer Gun Season Questions, Answers (11/07/01)
The 2001 deer gun season opens at noon Nov. 9. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department issued a record number of licenses, 106,350, for this fall's season, an increase of 18,000 from last year. Game and fish issued 5,150 mule deer licenses, an increase of 1,500 from 2000. Muzzle-loader permits increased from 1,694 to 2,024. The regular deer gun season runs through Nov. 25.

Every year the department receives many questions from hunters wanting to clarify the rules prior to or during hunting season. Some of the more common ones are listed below. 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 to which all stamps are attached; 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.
• 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 (also available on web site at gf.nd.gov//licenses/index.html#replace. 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. You can get 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, it is always a hunter's responsibility to fully 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 you want to tag it, or are 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 muzzle-loader 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. In addition, a new travel policy confines most motorized vehicles (except snowmobiles) to existing roads and trails on all U.S. Forest Service public land in North Dakota, including the Little Missouri, Sheyenne and Cedar River national grasslands.
• 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, but the handgun must meet 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 muzzle-loader 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.

Big Game Hunters Reminded of New Travel Policy on National Grasslands (11/07/01)
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds big game hunters of a new policy on North Dakota's national grasslands that confines most motorized vehicles (except snowmobiles) to existing roads and trails only.

The new policy, called the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service Off-Highway Vehicle Project, applies to all Forest Service public land in North Dakota. This includes the Little Missouri, Sheyenne and Cedar River national grasslands. At this time the policy has not been implemented on BLM lands.

Previously, big game hunters could retrieve animals by driving off-trail on untraveled terrain. Campers and waterfowl hunters could also drive off-trail to reach favored locations. However, effective July 1, off-trail driving is no longer allowed, except for limited administrative or management purposes.

Guidelines determining an existing trail under the new travel policy include:

• A two-track trail with bare dirt in the wheel tracks and grass in the middle.
• Vehicles may travel on existing routes where plants grow in obvious wheel depressions.
• ATVs may drive within a two-track road or trail, if the road is wider than the vehicle.
• Vehicles of any kind may not drive on two-track trails that are narrower than the vehicle.
• Game and livestock trails are not suitable pathways for motorcycles. Established motorcycle trails are not suitable for four-wheeled types of vehicles.

A complete copy of the OHV brochure is available online at www.mt.blm.gov/ea/ohv/FSbrochure.pdf; or at the Dakota Prairie Grasslands office, 240 West Century, Bismarck, ND 58503; 701-250-4443.

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