News and Updates

News Release Archives - June 2002

Spring Duck Index Remains High | Anglers Asked to Report Information on Tagged Fish | Game and Fish Summarizes 2001 Partridge and Sharp-tailed Grouse Seasons | Fall Turkey Applications Due July 3 | Spring Duck Index Remains High | Fall Turkey Season Set; Applications Available | Game and Fish, BoatU.S. Foundation Offer Boating Tips | Prairie Day Set for July 13 in McHenry County | Prairie Chickens Rebounding in Grand Forks County | Boats Must Display Current Registration, or Owners will be Cited | Public Can Help Prevent Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species | Game and Fish Display at Red River Valley Fair | Spring Ruffed Grouse Populations Decline

Spring Duck Index Remains High (6/26/02)
Despite a 25 percent decrease in available water areas, North Dakota's 2002 spring breeding duck index was the highest on record.

The record index, however, might not be an accurate representation of breeding duck numbers in the state, according to Mike Johnson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department waterfowl biologist. "It is clear from our data that the 2002 index is comprised of a large number of ducks that were not settled at the time of the survey," Johnson said. "Thus, large numbers of migrants [ducks that were still en route to other breeding grounds] are likely represented in the index."

Despite the cautionary note, Johnson said the number of breeding ducks in North Dakota remains high. "This is most likely due to extreme dry conditions in virtually all of prairie Canada and Montana this year," he added. "With these significant breeding areas being dry, the average wetland conditions in North Dakota remain attractive to many ducks."

The 55th annual spring survey, conducted May 13-16, showed an index of more than 5.4 million birds, 177 percent above the 1948-2001 average and 25 percent higher than last year. The 2001 duck index was the third highest on record, with almost 4.3 million birds.

Duck indices for 2002 were higher than in 2001 for all species except: mallard, down 6.7 percent; shoveler, down 0.7 percent; pintail, down 29.3 percent; and canvasback, down 3.0 percent. The mallard index was the second highest on record. Indices for gadwall, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal and redheads were at record highs. All species were at or above the 1948-2001 average.

The survey is conducted by biologists driving more than 1,800 miles on eight routes spread across the state running from the Canadian to South Dakota border. Observers count all ducks and water areas within 220 yards of the roadway, Johnson said. "This large sample gives indices from which we can compare year-to-year changes and the long-term trends of habitat conditions and waterfowl numbers."

While the 2002 water index was lower than in 2001, it still came in at 10 percent above the 1948-2001 average "However, much of this water is in larger semi-permanent and permanent wetlands, which are of marginal benefit to breeding ducks," Johnson said.

Reports indicate that South Dakota has exceptional water conditions and good duck numbers. The prairies of western Saskatchewan and Alberta are reported to be very dry, Johnson said.

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

Anglers Asked to Report Information on Tagged Fish (6/26/02)
Fish tags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, but they all mean the same thing: The fish bearing the tag is part of a research project and it's important for the angler who catches the fish to relay information to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The department has several tagged-fish projects ongoing across the state this summer. While each project has a different purpose, they all rely on angler cooperation to produce meaningful results, according to Jeff Hendrickson, fisheries biologist at the game and fish district office in Riverdale.

Anglers who catch a tagged fish are asked to record the type of fish, tag number, when and where it was caught, who caught it, and if the fish was kept or released. Any specific information is considered confidential. Reporting forms are available at Game and Fish offices; online reporting is encouraged at department's web site at gf.nd.gov/.

Depending on the body of water, anglers might encounter fish with external wire or plastic tags, radio-transmitters, or micro-tags.

Radio transmitters are usually placed inside the body cavity with an antenna coming from the side of the fish. "If you catch one of these fish, release it immediately because movement is being studied," Hendrickson said.

Micro-tags are used on salmon in Lake Sakakawea. This tag is microscopic in size and contains a code that identifies vital information on when and where that fish was stocked. The tag itself is implanted in the upper jaw near the salmon's snout. A salmon probably has a micro-tag if the adipose fin, the small dorsal fin near the tail, has been removed. Anglers who catch a salmon missing this fin, Hendrickson noted, should take the head to a game and fish office or a local bait shop.

External plastic tags or metal bands are easily seen on the top, side or mouth of the fish. These tags contain a number and could be a variety of colors. "Return this tag to the department," Hendrickson added. "Anglers usually want to keep these tags as souvenirs, and the department will return the tag to you after the desired information is obtained. If you want to release this fish, write down the tag number and leave the tag on the fish. A fish caught more than once provides good information."

Game and Fish Summarizes 2001 Partridge and Sharp-tailed Grouse Seasons (6/26/02)
North Dakota's Hungarian partridge and sharp-tailed grouse hunters bagged fewer birds last year compared to 2000, according to Jerry Kobriger, upland game management supervisor for the State Game and Fish Department, Dickinson.

Last season's partridge harvest was 46,493, down eight percent from 50,910 in 2000. Number of hunters was 19,265 (14,662 residents, 4,603 nonresidents), down 14 percent compared to 22,470 in 2000. Kill per hunter increased from 2.27 to 2.41.

Counties with the highest percentage of partridge taken by resident hunters in 2001: Ward, 7.8; Mountrail, 6.9; McLean, 6.2; Stark, 5.8; and Williams, 5.6. Top counties for nonresident hunters were Hettinger, 10.5; Bowman, 9.8; Adams, 9.5; McLean, 6.7; and Stark, 6.3.

The 2001 sharp-tailed grouse harvest was 107,980, down 13 percent from 125,006 in 2000. Number of hunters last year was 32,947 (22,787 residents, 10,160 nonresidents), down from 33,573 in 2000. Kill per hunter decreased from 3.72 to 3.28.

Counties with the highest percentage of sharptails bagged by resident hunters: Mountrail, 6.3; McLean, 5.8; Stutsman, 5.7; Burleigh, 5.3; and Williams, 4.6. Top counties for nonresident hunters were Hettinger, 12.2; Dickey, 7.5; Sheridan, 6.1; Logan, 5.5; and McIntosh, 5.4.

Partridge and sharptail statistics are based on a small game questionnaire survey of 4,332 resident and 1,996 nonresident hunters.

Fall Turkey Applications Due July 3 (6/26/02)
Applications for this fall's turkey season must be in the mail and postmarked before midnight July 3, reminds Carrie Whitney, licensing supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Prospective hunters can submit a lottery application online at the game and fish internet web site, gf.nd.gov/, or by calling 1-800-406-6409. Lottery applications are available at game and fish offices, license vendors and county auditors. Gratis applications are available only at game and fish and county auditors' offices.

Individuals mailing applications to the department are advised to mail early because some post offices use the following day's postmark for mail received after regular hours. The department's online application feature will be deactivated July 3 at midnight central standard time.

Fall Turkey Season Set; Applications Available (6/18/02)
A total of 6,610 wild turkey licenses are available for the 2002 fall hunting season, an increase of 100 from last year, reports Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Additional changes include two new units and two unit boundary changes.

"Turkeys continue to do well in most parts of the state," Kreil said, "and the license numbers for the 2002 season reflect this trend."

The only exception is the badlands area north of Medora, Kreil noted, where licenses in units 4 and 17 decreased by 25 percent.

New fall turkey hunting units are Unit 18, comprised of that portion of Grand Forks County north of U.S. Highway 2; and Unit 47, that portion of Stutsman County east of U.S. Highway 281.

Two units with minor boundary changes are Unit 51 (Burke, Renville, Ward and Bottineau counties) and Unit 27 (McKenzie and Williams counties). "These changes will provide more hunting opportunity and will clearly define unit boundaries," Kreil said.

Lottery applications are available from game and fish offices, county auditors and license vendors. Gratis applications are available only at game and fish and county auditors' offices.

Prospective hunters are encouraged to apply at the game and fish internet web site at gf.nd.gov/. The web site also contains application forms that can be printed and mailed. Regular license fees apply and no service charge is added.

Applications are also accepted at the department's toll-free licensing line, 1-800-406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.

Applications for the fall season must be postmarked no later than July 3. Applicants are urged to mail early because some post offices use the following day's postmark if mailed after regular hours. The department's online application feature will be deactivated July 3 at midnight central standard time.

The fall turkey season runs from Oct. 12 through Jan. 5, 2003. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply.

Game and Fish, BoatU.S. Foundation Offer Boating Tips (6/18/02)
With the July 4 weekend approaching and summer boating activity reaching a peak, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and BoatU.S. Foundation have a few tips to ensure safe and enjoyable water recreation.

The number one concern, reminds Nancy Boldt, State Game and Fish Department boat and water safety coordinator, is that parents make sure children wear a properly-fitted life jacket.

North Dakota law requires all children ages 10 and younger to wear a personal flotation device while in boats of less than 27 feet in length. "The law also requires all personal watercraft users to wear a life jacket," Boldt said, "as well as anyone being towed on waterskis, surfboards or similar devices. Failure to wear a PFD is the main reason people lose their lives in boating accidents."

It is important youngsters wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket. When purchasing a PFD, consider the most prevalent water activity. Waterskiers and tubers should wear a life jacket with four nylon straps rather than one with a zipper, Boldt said, because straps are stronger than zippers upon impact with water. Anglers or persons paddling a canoe should opt for a PFD that is comfortable enough to wear for an entire outing.

Good U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs for youngsters range from $4.99 to $24.99, with many in the $12-15 range.

The BoatU.S. Foundation offers earth-friendly tips in the brochure "21 Steps to Make Your Boating Waters Cleaner." The brochure is divided into the following five categories, Boldt said, with a few steps for each listed.

• Maintain Your Boat. Regularly scrub your decks with fresh water and a brush to reduce the need to use heavy cleaners. Try to do large cleaning and maintenance jobs while the boat is out of the water.
• Stash Your Trash. Reduce the amount of packaging and plastic you take aboard. Leave the water and marina cleaner than you found it - carefully pick up trash left by others.
• Consider a Bathroom Break. Use onshore restrooms before leaving. Obey the law - keep untreated raw sewage out of all coastal and inland waters.
• Stop the Drops. Know how much your fuel tank holds, and don't top off. Fill up your boat's gas tank while the boat is on the trailer, not in the water.
• So Many Fish, So Little Time. Keep only those fish that you will eat today. Practice catch and release techniques to ensure survival of those fish you toss back.

More information can be obtained by logging on to www.BoatUS.com/cleanwater; or emailing a request to CleanWater@BoatUS.com.

The BoatU.S. Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that creates education and outreach campaigns, researches issues and products, and helps boaters learn specific actions they can take to be safer and better stewards of the environment while boating.

Prairie Day Set for July 13 in McHenry County (6/18/02)
Outdoor enthusiasts can experience the beauty of the Souris Great Plain grassland at the second annual Prairie Day on July 13 at the U.S. Forest Service's Denbigh Dunes Experimental Station in north central McHenry County.

The one million acre grassland tract provides an opportunity to observe diverse wildlife - bobolinks, upland sandpipers, the Dakota skipper butterfly, sharp-tailed grouse, reptiles and amphibians - and experience the northern mixed and tallgrass prairie.

Activities include searching for elusive prairie birds, exploring prairie wetlands, observing prairie butterflies and insects, enjoying colorful wildflowers and grasses, riding on a horse-drawn wagon and watching a traditional Native American hoop dance.

The program is free and begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until 2:30 p.m. Denbigh Dunes Experimental Station is located 7.5 miles east of Granville on U.S. Highway 2.

Prairie Day is sponsored by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society, North Dakota Natural Science Society, Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Geological Survey, Minot State University and Audubon Dakota.

Participants are asked to pre-register for the event. For more information or to register contact J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge at 701-768-2548; or visit the Prairie Day web page located on the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center web site at www.npwrc.usgs.gov/.

Prairie Chickens Rebounding in Grand Forks County (6/12/02)
Prairie chickens in Grand Forks County continue to rebound from heavy rains that blanketed the area in June 2000, reports John Schulz, private lands section leader for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

A survey conducted earlier this spring showed 158 male chickens on their spring booming grounds, up from 107 last year. Biologists observed 200 booming males in spring 2000.

"We are happy with the increase," Schulz said. "All the grounds that had birds in past years remained active."

A highlight during the spring survey was the expansion of a new booming ground south of U.S. Highway 2, Schulz said. "Six chickens were counted on the new ground," he added. "This is the expansion we were seeking prior to the devastating spring rains two years ago."

Approximately 15 inches of rain dampened Prairie Chicken Wildlife Management Area in central Grand Forks County in June 2000, just after or near the peak of the hatch. Radio-instrumented adult male and female prairie chickens were found dead after the rains, Schulz said, and chicks accompanying hens fell victim as well.

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

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

Boats Must Display Current Registration, or Owners will be Cited
North Dakota boats displaying a blue registration decal have an expired license, reminds Ray Goetz, chief of enforcement for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, and owners can now expect citations if their license is not current.

Prior to June 1, state boat owners were warned about improper registration, Goetz said. "We allowed a grace period," he added, "but now citations will be issued."

The current registration, which runs from Jan. 1, 2002 through Dec. 31, 2004, is a red decal. All boat registrations with a blue decal expired Dec. 31, 2001.

Renewal notices for the current three-year period were mailed in December. Boat owners who have not received a renewal notice, or have misplaced it, should contact the game and fish department at 701-328-6300.

Public Can Help Prevent Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (6/5/02)
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is reminding anglers and other water recreationists to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species into North Dakota, reports Lynn Schlueter, special projects biologist with the department's fisheries division.

ANS are exotic plants and animals that can do great damage to recreational fishery and other aquatic resources. "There are many different ANS in surrounding states, particularly those to the east," Schlueter said. "They can move from lake to lake by hitching rides on boats and trailers or on recreational equipment. Simple preventative practices can keep ANS from reaching your favorite waters. It is a matter of lose the hitchhikers, or lose your lake."

Following are the ANS of concern that are either present in North Dakota, or have been established in nearby states.

· Zebra mussel - Adult mussels are less than one inch in diameter and have black and white stripes on their shells. Zebra mussels can form large colonies in a short time, and their filter-feeding removes food used by small sportfish from the water. Juvenile mussels are only one millimeter in length and are able to swim about. So far not present in North Dakota.

· Curly leaf pondweed - An exotic aquatic plant that is becoming established in many North Dakota waters. First noted in western Minnesota in the 1930s and South Dakota in the 1960s. Curly leaf pondweed outcompetes native aquatic vegetation by rapidly growing earlier (April and May) in the season. In recent years it has been documented in lakes Sakakawea and Audubon, and the Missouri River.

· Eurasian water milfoil - The plants form thick mats that hamper boating or swimming and help support overpopulations of undesirable small fish. The plants reproduce through stem fragments, root runners and by seeds, so a single piece of plant stem can create an infestation at a new location.

· Salt Cedar - An infestation was recently discovered along the upper Missouri River and the Yellowstone River. This small tree uses a tremendous amount of water in a year and compounds problems of water shortage when drought conditions hit the plains states. It also out-competes native trees and grows so thick that wildlife does not use the area.

· Hungarian rudd and ruffe - Both these fish are small, but they eat zooplankton, insects, newly hatched or small fish. They compete with desirable fish for food and space to live.

ANS prevention methods should be routine for all trips to lakes in other states and for trips to North Dakota lakes, reservoirs and rivers, Schlueter said. Preventing the spread of ANS can be accomplished by:

· Inspecting your boat or personal watercraft, the trailer, fishing or scuba gear and removing all plants or plant fragments before leaving any water body.

· Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge and transom before leaving any water body.

· Wash/dry your boat or personal watercraft, its trailer, all fish tackle and scuba gear or other equipment that has been in the water.

· Disinfect the boat by spraying with high pressure hot water, 104 degrees F or higher, or using a disinfectant made of one part chlorine bleach to 20 parts hot water.

· Disinfect fishing or scuba gear using hot water and same solution as above.

· Do not release bait or any fish into any lake, except game fish from the same lake as part of a catch-and-release ethic.

· Take special precautions when leaving waters that may have or are known to have ANS problems, before going to another water body.

While ANS do not directly harm humans, Schlueter said, they damage our lakes and rivers which reduces boating, fishing, or other water-based recreation opportunities. "ANS concerns should not be taken lightly," he cautioned. "We can use preventive methods to keep ANS out of the state rather than try to control it after it has become established. Encourage others to take the precautions by setting a good example, and by suggesting that others follow your example."

Game and Fish Display at Red River Valley Fair (6/5/02)
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will once again host thousands of visitors to its display at the Red River Valley Fair June 14-23. Visitors will be treated to an array of exhibits and useful information as the building will be staffed from 2 p.m - 8 p.m. daily, according to Doug Leier, department outreach biologist, West Fargo.

This is the third consecutive year the department has been involved with the Red River Valley Fair, Leier said. "It provides an opportunity for individuals to learn about the fish and game of North Dakota," he added, "as well as a chance to visit with department personnel on a variety of issues."

A major draw at the game and fish display is a live diorama of fish found in eastern North Dakota. "Catfish, walleye, sauger and other species will allow visitors to see just exactly what kind of fish are found in North Dakota waters," Leier said.

The display will also include the enforcement divisions Report All Poachers trailer highlighting several trophy big game mounts, information on attracting wildlife to your backyard, and a touch-and-feel table with everything from moose antlers to fox pelts.

"There is something for everyone," Leier said. "It provides young and old alike a chance to learn more about the wildlife of North Dakota."

Spring Ruffed Grouse Populations Decline (6/5/02)
North Dakota's spring ruffed grouse population indicates a significant decline statewide compared to 2001, according to John W. Schulz, wildlife biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Sunrise counts taken on 196 miles of survey routes this spring showed a 56 percent decrease in the number of drumming males compared to last year. The average number of ruffed grouse drums heard per stop was 0.52, down from 1.17 last year.

The biggest decrease in drumming activity was in the Turtle Mountains, as counts were down 64 percent from last year. Activity in the Pembina hills was down 52 percent, while McHenry County (J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge) showed a 27 percent increase.

"It is going to be a challenge for hunters this fall," Schulz said, "but some North Dakota hunters don't consider their fall complete until they make a trip to North Dakota's aspen forests in pursuit of ruffed grouse."

Ruffed grouse populations run in 10-year cycles, Schulz said. "Ruffed grouse populations in 2002 are perhaps at or near the bottom of the current population cycle," he added. "The last population peak was in 1999 and the last low in 1993."

 

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