News and Updates

News Release Archives - March 2003

Paddlefish Snagging Season Opens May 1; Regulation Changes Made | 2003 Spring Game and Fish Advisory Board Meetings Set | Public Asked to Report Whooping Crane Sightings | Bighorn Sheep Auction License Brings $35,000 | Anglers Need to Be Aware of Ice Safety | Missouri River Fishing, Access Should Be Good | Sharp-tailed Grouse Observation Blinds to Open | New Fishing, Furbearer Licenses Needed April 1 | North Dakota's 2003 Nonresident Any-deer Bow Tags Have All Been Issued | Federal Wildlife Grants Important to At-Risk Species | Dog Health Certificate Rule Rescinded | Bighorn Sheep, Elk and Moose Applications Due March 19 | Game and Fish Announces CWD Test Results | Bighorn Sheep, Elk and Moose Reg's. Proposed; App's. Available March 10 | Remove Permanent Fish Houses by March 15

Paddlefish Snagging Season Opens May 1; Regulation Changes Made (032603)
North Dakota's 2003 paddlefish snagging season is set to open May 1 and a number of changes have been established for the upcoming season, according to Fred Ryckman, Williston, fisheries biologist for the State Game and Fish Department.

Regulation changes include new snagging hours, a reduction in the season harvest, and two days a week of snag-and-release only.

"Data collected over the past several years indicates the adult paddlefish population in the Williston Reach has been on a downward trend for more than 20 years," Ryckman said. "Because of this, regulatory changes have been implemented in an effort to reduce the annual harvest to a point where it more closely matches annual recruitment of new adults into the population."

The snagging season is scheduled to run May 1 - 31, with legal snagging hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. North Dakota and Montana have agreed to lower the annual snagging season harvest cap from 1,500 to 1,000 fish, Ryckman said. "As a result, the snagging season may be closed prior to May 31, upon issuance of a 60-hour notice by the game and fish director, if it appears the annual harvest cap may be exceeded," he added.

Based on input from paddlefish snaggers, snag-and-release will also be permitted on an experimental basis. Mandatory release of all paddlefish will be required on Mondays and Tuesdays, Ryckman said, while mandatory harvest of all paddlefish snagged during the other five days of the week is still required. Those planning to participate during the snag-and-release-only days will need to have in their possession a current season, unused paddlefish snagging tag, Ryckman added, and since all fish must be released, the use or possession of gaffs is prohibited on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Each spring snaggers converge at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, hoping to hook a trophy paddlefish migrating from Lake Sakakawea upstream to spawning sites in the Yellowstone River.

Snagging is legal in the area of the Missouri River lying west of the U.S. Highway 85 bridge to the Montana border, and in that portion of the Yellowstone River in North Dakota, excluding that portion of the Missouri River from the pipeline crossing (river mile 1,577) downstream to the upper end of the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area (river mile 1,565).

Cost of a tag is $3 for residents and $7.50 for nonresidents.

An article in the department's North Dakota OUTDOORS April/May fishing issue details the paddlefish season, including new regulations and the rationale behind each. 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.

2003 Spring Game and Fish Advisory Board Meetings Set (032603)
Anglers, hunters, trappers, and landowners are invited to attend this spring's North Dakota Game and Fish Department advisory board meeting in their area. These public meetings, held twice each year, provide citizens with an 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: April 15 - 7 p.m. MT
Location: Grassy Butte Community Hall
Host: Badlands Shooting Club of Watford City
Contact: Hal Swearson, 842-3986
Advisory board member: Merle Jost, Grassy Butte, 863-6727

District 2 - Counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward
Date: April 28 - 7 p.m.
Location: Rolling Plains Sportsmen's Club, Stanley
Host: Rolling Plains Sportsmen's Club
Contact: Louis Kuster, 755-3440
Advisory board member: Gary Melby, Bowbells, 377-2803

District 3 - Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner
Date: April 29 - 7 p.m.
Location: Ostby Hall, Sheyenne
Host: Sheyenne Wildlife Club
Contact: Tom Smith, 996-2231
Advisory board member: Barbara Ash, Devils Lake; home 662-3989; work 662-1800

District 4 - Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh
Date: April 30 - 7 p.m.
Location: Law Enforcement Center, Cavalier
Host: Pembina County Sportsman Club
Contact: Henry Duray, 265-4561
Advisory board member: Dan Mikkelson, Grand Forks; 775-4338

District 5 - Counties: Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill
Date: April 23 - 7 p.m.
Location: Cayuga Community Hall, Cayuga
Host: Tewaukon Rod & Gun Club
Contact: John Manikowski, 538-4349
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: April 22 - 7 p.m.
Location: Kulm Community Center
Host: Kulm Rod & Gun Club
Contact: Doug Hintzman, 647-2646
Advisory board member: Rita Greer, Marion; 669-2315

District 7 - Counties: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux
Date: April 16 - 7 p.m.
Location: City Auditorium, Garrison
Host: Garrison Chapter of Pheasants Forever
Contact: Patricia Stockdill, 337-5462
Advisory Board member: Dr. Ray Gruby, Bismarck; 258-2635

District 8 - Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark
Date: April 14
Location: Dickinson
Host: To be announced
Contact: To be announced
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 Asked to Report Whooping Crane Sightings (032603)
As many as 185 whooping cranes, one of North America's most endangered birds, are beginning their spring migration and will likely make their way through North Dakota over the next few weeks. Anyone seeing these rare birds as they head through the state is asked to report sightings so the birds can be tracked, according to Stan Kohn, migratory game bird biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

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

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

Whooping crane sightings should be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office at 701-387-4397, the state game and fish department's main office in Bismarck at 701-328-6300, or to local game wardens around the state. Reports help biologists locate important whooping crane habitat areas, monitor marked birds, determine survival and population numbers, and identify times and migration routes.

Bighorn Sheep Auction License Brings $35,000 (032603)
Jerry Rubenstein from Bellaire, Texas paid $35,000 for North Dakota's 2003 bighorn sheep auction license at the March 22 Minnesota-Wisconsin Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep annual meeting in Minneapolis. In comparison, last year's license sold for $32,000.

The Minnesota-Wisconsin chapter is a strong supporter of bighorn sheep management efforts in North Dakota, according to Brett Wiedmann, big game biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Dickinson. "They have provided funding for our ongoing telemetry project in the badlands as well as several bighorn translocations, including last January's capture and transplant of 26 sheep from Oregon," Wiedmann said. "Their enthusiasm for North Dakota's bighorn sheep continues to grow and is reflected in the national interest our auction tag generates."

License sale proceeds, along with an additional grant of $25,000, will be used to enhance management of North Dakota's bighorn sheep. The grant and license auction are part of a five-year agreement, signed in 1999, between the department and Minnesota-Wisconsin conservation group.

In addition to the license the chapter auctioned a three-day bighorn viewing trip with all proceeds being donated to sheep projects in North Dakota.

Anglers Need to Be Aware of Ice Safety (031903)
While most North Dakotans are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring, there are still a few hearty souls who enjoy prolonging winter outdoor activities as long as they can. Nancy Boldt, State Game and Fish Department boat and water safety coordinator, reminds ice anglers that ice safety and rescue tips are extremely important this time of the year.

"As the weather changes and lakes begin to thaw, people need to be aware of the 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."

It's impossible to judge the strength of the ice by its appearance, thickness, daily temperature, or snow cover alone, Boldt said. "Ice strength is dependant on all four factors," she added, "plus water depth under the ice, size of the body of water, water chemistry, currents and distribution of the load on the ice."

Boldt mentions a few factors when considering ice thickness:

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.

Structures such as fish houses, bridges, and fishing piers absorb heat from the sun and increase melting.

Fish, muskrats and other animals swimming under the 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.

If a situation arises where a person falls through the ice, Boldt said, it is important not to panic. "It is vital the person is aware of the surroundings, to get your arms onto the ice and kick hard with your feet to help lift your body onto the ice, then roll to safety," she added. "Carrying an ice chisel or a screwdriver worn on a long cord around the neck can be used to pull yourself back on the ice."

Persons shouldn't venture out on the ice alone, Boldt said, and to make sure someone knows the destination. "Take a companion with," she mentioned, "so if something does happen that person can lie down on the ice to distribute body weight over a wider area, pass the victim a branch, rope, belt or anything handy that can pull the person onto the ice."

Missouri River Fishing, Access Should Be Good (031903)
Despite water level concerns on Lakes Sakakawea and Oahe, access and fishing on the Missouri River from Garrison Dam to south of Bismarck should be good this spring and summer, according to fisheries biologists for the State Game and Fish Department.

"Indications are that all boat ramps from the dam to Hazelton (about 30 miles southeast of Bismarck) are in good shape," said Bob Frohlich, fisheries development coordinator for the agency.

Prospects for a good walleye bite are positive, according to Jeff Hendrickson, central district fisheries supervisor. "Walleye fishing for ice anglers along the state-line has been very good this winter," Hendrickson said, "and we expect the usual fish migration up the river again this spring."

In addition, the size of walleye has improved slightly from past years. "The impacts of a depressed smelt population are still noticeable in the condition and size of the walleye," Hendrickson said. "However, anglers should find a fair number of walleye in the 18-20 inch range."

More than one-half of all fishing effort in recent years on the Missouri River occurs in April and May, Hendrickson said. But that doesn't mean activity slows down in the summer, he added. "As the summer progresses and fish move upstream, fishing should improve in the tailrace area and should be good for trout, walleye and catfish," he predicted.

Sharp-tailed Grouse Observation Blinds to Open (031903)
Several national wildlife refuges and a state wildlife management area will offer sharp-tailed grouse observation blinds for public use this spring. The blinds are popular with wildlife photographers and others interested in watching the spring courtship rituals of sharp-tailed grouse.

Grouse blinds typically receive widespread interest and are available by reservation only. Those locations offering blinds usually start taking reservations for late March or early April, weather permitting. Peak grouse dancing activity usually occurs from mid-to-late April or early May.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has an observation blind at Lonetree Wildlife Management Area southwest of Harvey. Reservations can be made by calling (701) 324-2211. One blind is available.

Contact the following national wildlife refuges for information on blind reservations:

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, 8315 Hwy. 8, Kenmare, ND 58746; phone (701) 848-2722.

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, Box 578, Kenmare, ND 58746; phone (701) 385-4046.

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 12000 353rd St. SE, Moffit, ND 58560; phone (701) 387-4397.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, 7745 11th St. SE, Pingree, ND 58476; phone (701) 285-3341.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, 17705 212th Ave. NW, Berthold, ND 58718; phone (701) 468-5467.

New Fishing, Furbearer Licenses Needed April 1 (031903)
Hunters, trappers and anglers are reminded that new fishing and furbearer licenses are required April 1, according to Carrie Whitney, licensing supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The dates for the furbearer license coincide with fishing season. The 2003-2004 licenses are effective April 1 to March 31, 2004.

Anglers are reminded this is the second year of the two-year fishing proclamation. Refer to the 2002-2004 North Dakota Fishing Guide for regulations.

North Dakota's 2003 Nonresident Any-deer Bow Tags Have All Been Issued (031903)
North Dakota's 2003 nonresident any-deer archery tags, good for either whitetail or mule deer, have all been issued, according to Carrie Whitney, licensing supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

A total of 731 any-deer bow tags for the 2003 bow season were available for nonresidents. The department began issuing them March 1.

The number of nonresident any-deer bow licenses available is 15 percent of the previous year's mule deer gun license allocation. Game and fish issued 4,875 mule deer licenses in the 2002 deer gun lottery.

Federal Wildlife Grants Important to At-Risk Species (031203)
North Dakota's State Wildlife Grant Program will receive a federal apportionment of $582,000 for fiscal year 2003 to help identify at-risk species in the state. The funds represent North Dakota's share of a $65 million omnibus appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Bush in late February.

North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan's efforts played an integral part in procuring this funding, according to Steve Dyke, conservation supervisor for the State Game and Fish Department. "Senator Dorgan submitted a floor statement requesting additional funding for the State Wildlife Grant Program," Dyke said. "He expressed the significance of wildlife grants in the nation's efforts to conserve fish and wildlife and its habitat, and how vital it is to all 50 state fish and wildlife agencies."

The primary goal of the program is to identify species in decline, Dyke said, and to implement management practices that will assist in their recovery. "Residents will benefit by having fewer species listed as federally threatened or endangered," he said.

This is the third year the state has received federal money under this program. Funding has been used to conduct a black-tailed prairie dog survey of existing prairie dog towns and their size; partnering in a grassland bird modeling study that will provide important information on nesting birds in the region; and fund two temporary nongame wildlife positions within the department with a primary purpose of developing a comprehensive strategy for species at-risk within the state.

Additionally, the department is implementing a golden eagle study that will help wildlife managers make sound management decisions, Dyke said. "The study will provide wildlife managers with survey work, habitat analysis and behavioral observations of golden eagles."

The State Wildlife Grant Program is extremely important to at-risk wildlife species not only in North Dakota, Dyke said, but on a much broader basis. "The funding provided by this program will significantly help conserve declining wildlife on a national level."

Dog Health Certificate Rule Rescinded (031203)
Unless there is a documented disease threat in North Dakota, hunters will not have to obtain import permits or health certificates for dogs before bringing them into the state.

The State Board of Animal Health recently rescinded the permit and veterinary inspection health certificate requirement for household pets brought into North Dakota. However, dogs must still meet state requirements for rabies vaccinations.

The requirement had been in effect for almost two years as a temporary response to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe. The rule, upon the attorney general's approval, still allows the state veterinarian to require import permits and health certificates for pets under certain circumstances, such as a disease threat.

Sheep, Elk and Moose Apps Due March 19 (031203)
Applications for this fall's bighorn sheep, elk and moose hunting seasons must be in the mail and postmarked before midnight March 19, reminds Carrie Whitney, licensing supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Prospective hunters can print out, or submit a lottery application online, at the game and fish internet website gf.nd.gov/. Applications are available at game and fish offices, county auditors and license vendors.

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 March 19 at midnight.

Game and Fish Announces CWD Test Results (030503)
Samples taken from North Dakota deer and elk during the 2002 hunting season have tested negative for chronic wasting disease, according to Jacquie Gerads, wildlife disease biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Gerads received the good news Monday from Dr. Beth Williams of the Wyoming State Veterinary Lab, where the CWD tests were conducted.

All 25 elk samples and 466 out of 470 deer samples were confirmed negative. Four deer samples still need to be tested, with those results available within the week, Gerads said.

Hunter-harvested deer were sampled from unit 2B in eastern North Dakota - 301 animals; units 2K1 and 2K2 in central North Dakota - 26 animals; and units 4D, 4E, 4F, 3E1, and 3E2 in the west - 132 animals. Eleven deer from other units were also included.

All 25 hunter-harvested elk were taken from western elk units.

Additionally, 44 targeted (showing signs consistent with CWD) deer and elk were sampled statewide throughout the year and also tested negative. These included 37 white-tailed deer, two mule deer, four elk, and one fallow deer.

While the long anticipated test results brought a sigh of relief, Game and Fish will continue to monitor and collect suspect deer and elk (Targeted Surveillance), including road-killed animals, Gerads said, as well as expand the Hunter-Harvested Surveillance program for the upcoming hunting season.

"Although this year's test results are negative, we must continue to be vigilant in our monitoring efforts and support for CWD research," Gerads said. "The information we gather through the cooperation of hunters, game processors, and others will be important in detecting and managing for this disease in North Dakota."

Chronic wasting disease affects the nervous system of white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk and is always fatal. Scientists have found no evidence that CWD can be transmitted naturally to humans or livestock.

Bighorn, Elk and Moose Reg's. Proposed; App's. Available March 10 (030503)
Regulations have been proposed and applications will be available March 10 for this year's bighorn sheep, elk and moose hunting seasons, according to Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Deadline for submitting applications is March 19, 2003.

The following points are recommended for the 2003 seasons:

The bighorn sheep regular season dates are Sept. 19 - Oct. 19. Bow season runs from Sept. 12 - Oct. 19. Four licenses are available for 2003. Three licenses are issued by lottery and one license is auctioned through the Minnesota-Wisconsin Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep.

Unit B4, north of Interstate 94, is the only open bighorn sheep hunting unit. A portion of the unit will be closed (near Hanks Gully) because transplanted sheep were recently released within this area.

A total of 221 elk licenses are available in 2003, up 20 from last year. Bow season dates for units E1 and E2 are Aug. 29 - Sept. 28. Regular season dates are as follows: Unit E3, Aug. 8-24; Unit E4, Aug. 8-14 early, Aug. 15-24 late; Unit E1, Oct. 3-26, and Nov. 28 - Dec. 14; and Unit E2, Oct. 3 - Nov. 2, and Nov. 14 - Dec. 14.

The moose season has 129 licenses available, six fewer than last year. Bow season dates for all moose units are Aug. 29 - Sept. 28. Regular season dates for units M1C, M4, M8, M9 and M10 are Oct. 3-26. Regular season dates for units M5, M6 and M7 are Nov. 21 - Dec. 14.

The number of moose licenses available in Unit M10 has increased to 10. Therefore, a gratis license will be available for 2003.

Applications for these seasons will be available March 10 from game and fish offices, county auditors and license vendors. Persons can also apply online at the game and fish internet website, gf.nd.gov/. Regular application fees apply and no service charge is added.

Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than midnight March 19. Applicants are urged to mail early because some post offices use the following day's postmark if mailed after regular hours.

Nonresidents are eligible to apply for one bighorn sheep license in the lottery. They compete with residents for licenses with no guarantee a license will be issued to a nonresident. Nonresidents must submit a nonrefundable $100 application fee when sending in bighorn applications. If a nonresident is drawn, the license fee is $500.

Bighorn sheep, moose, and elk lottery licenses are issued on a once-in-a-lifetime basis. Persons who are drawn may not apply again in the lottery for that species. "While North Dakotans are truly fortunate to have these once-in-a-lifetime hunting opportunities, the low number of licenses and high level of interest means most people who apply will never get a license," Kreil said.

Persons lucky enough be drawn for a license have no guarantee of harvesting an animal, Kreil cautions. "In the case of elk, less than half the applicants who receive a license will harvest an animal," he added. "Elk hunting in North Dakota is incredibly hard work and success rates are much lower than our resident hunters are used to. Therefore it's important that any person applying for an elk license be prepared for a physically challenging and potentially unsuccessful hunt."

Remove Permanent Fish Houses by March 15 (030503)
State law requires permanent fish houses to be removed from North Dakota waters by midnight March 15. Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, suggests anglers use common sense when venturing on the ice to remove fish houses.

Warm weather and high winds this late in the winter can rapidly deteriorate ice conditions. Access on some lakes could become restricted because of weak ice along shorelines, Boldt said. "People need to be aware of conditions," she added, "because trying to get a vehicle on the ice to remove larger fish houses could be difficult. Ice thickness not only varies statewide, but can even vary on the same body of water."

Portable fish houses can continue to be used after March 15 if they are removed daily, Boldt mentioned.

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