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News Release Archives - May 2003

Don't Touch Baby Wild Animals | Deer Gun Applications Due June 4 | Free Fishing Days June 7-8 | Game and Fish Reminds Youngsters of Boating Basics Class | First Fish! Program Captures Memory | Hunter Safety Number Available Online | Public Can Help Prevent Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species | Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Set Aug. 15-17 | Safe Boating Week May 17-23 | Birding Field Trip Set for May 31 | Department Summarizes 2002 Swan Season | Deer Applications Available Now Online; Paper Apps Mid-May | Biologists Project a Good Fishing Season | Fisheries Development Plans Announced for 2003 | Shotgunning Workshop Available to Hunters | Biologists Complete Spring Sage Grouse Census | 2002 Pronghorn Season Report

Don't Touch Baby Wild Animals (052803)
State Game and Fish Department personnel offer this simple suggestion to persons finding baby animals that appear to be abandoned: Don't touch them.

It is illegal to take wild animals home, and captive animals returned to the wild will struggle to survive because they do not possess learned survival skills.

Most of the time, young animals found by themselves are not abandoned, reports Jeb Williams, outreach biologist. "Young wildlife are purposely placed into seclusion by their mothers to protect them from predators."

Handling wildlife is also a risky experience. When people try to take the word "wild" out of wildlife, Williams noted, trouble is usually not far away. Wild animals can transmit a variety of diseases to humans, and aggressive actions are typical of mothers protecting their offspring.

Game and fish personnel strongly recommend leaving young wildlife alone, and allowing nature to take its course. "While we understand and are sympathetic to one's feelings on this issue," Williams added, "the best advice we can offer is to let Mother Nature work."

Persons should approach a young songbird the same way they would any wild animal, by leaving it alone. "The only time a person should pick up a young songbird is if it is found at your doorstep," Williams said. "In that case, you should relocate it to an area nearby with good habitat conditions."

If you see a deer fawn that seems abandoned, leave it alone, cautions Bill Jensen, big game biologist. "The most important thing is for the fawn to remain undisturbed," Jensen said. "Chances are the mother is close by waiting for you to leave."

A doe will visit and briefly nurse her fawn a couple times a day. These short visits reduce the chances of a predator finding the youngster.

If a fawn has been handled, Jensen said, have it put back into the wild. "A misconception is that once a fawn has been touched the doe will not take it back," he added. A fawn removed from the wild faces a bleak future. The only option is to take it to a zoo, where it is forever removed from the wild, Jensen said.

Motorists also are reminded to watch for deer along roadways. June and November are the peak months for deer vehicle accidents because young animals are dispersing from their home ranges. With deer more active during these months, the potential for car deer collisions increases.

Deer Gun Applications Due June 4 (052803)
Applications for this fall's deer gun seasons must be in the mail and postmarked before midnight June 4, reminds Carrie Whitney, licensing supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The deadline applies to muzzle-loader, regular gun, gratis and nonresident landowner, and youth antlered mule deer applications (specifically for antlered mule deer in units 3B1, 3B2, and 4A-4F). Deadline for regular statewide youth licenses is Sept. 1.

Individuals can apply online at gf.nd.gov/, or call 1-800-406-6409. Applications are also available at county auditors, license vendors and game and fish offices.

Persons 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 June 4 at midnight.

Free Fishing Days June 7-8 (052803)
Looking for a great family outing that everyone can enjoy? Mark your calendar for June 7-8 and head to a North Dakota fishery and enjoy a weekend of free fishing.

North Dakota residents may fish without a license, except for paddlefish, during these two days. Anglers are reminded the paddlefish snagging season closes May 31.

Game and Fish Reminds Youngsters of Boating Basics Class (052103)
Youngsters ages 12-15 wanting to operate a boat or personal watercraft with at least a 10 horsepower motor must first pass the state's Boating Basics course. The course is free and available for home-study from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's Bismarck office, or in a classroom setting held periodically around the state, according to Nancy Boldt, game and fish boat and water safety coordinator.

A North Dakota boating graduate card is recognized in other states as well. However, some states have different age criteria, Boldt said. For example, Minnesota law states youngsters ages 12-17 must take a course in order to operate a conventional boat, but must be 13 in order to operate a personal watercraft. South Dakota has a minimum age of 12 for conventional boats and 14 years of age for personal watercraft operation.

The Boating Basics course isn't just for kids. Major insurance companies give adult boat owners who pass the course a boat insurance premium discount.

The course covers legal requirements, navigation rules, getting underway, accidents and special topics. Each part has 2-5 chapters that elaborate on topics such as weather, rules of the road, laws, life saving and first aid.

"The course will really make a person a better boater," Boldt said, "but common sense and common courtesy are still the most important attributes any boater can have."

For more information on Boating Basics write to Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; or call 701-328-6300.

First Fish! Program Captures Memory (052103)
Few things bring as much joy to a parent, grandparent or mentor as watching a youngster catch his or her first fish. The first fish is a milestone, and preserving that moment is what the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's First Fish! Program is all about.

While the fish may be a bluegill or a bullhead, it is more instrumental in developing a future angler's interests than all the 10-pound walleyes in their lifetime. First Fish! provides a certificate specially designed to help young anglers remember this once-in-a-lifetime catch.

First Fish! has no qualifying weights or measurements. The only requirement is the successful landing of a North Dakota fish. Certificates are available to all who request them, and they have ample room for all the important information, such as name, age, lake and a short fish story, plus a blank space for a photograph big enough to contain the smile of the happiest little angler.

Certificates are available free of charge by sending the angler's name, address, age and body of water from which the fish was taken to: First Fish!, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; or send an email to ndgf@state.nd.us.

Hunter Safety Number Available Online (052103)
Each year at this time the North Dakota Game and Fish Department receives a number of inquiries from deer applicants who want to obtain a hunter safety number. Hunter education and licensing telephones get so busy at times that callers are often put on hold.

In order to reduce this potential problem, hunter safety numbers are available at the game and fish department's website at gf.nd.gov/. Access the public inquiry section and click on hunter safety. Last name and birthdate is required.

North Dakota law requires persons born in 1962 or later to pass a certified hunter education course to hunt in the state. The course is mandatory for youth who turn 12 years old prior to or during this year's hunting seasons.

Public Can Help Prevent Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (051403)
With the onset of boating season, water recreationists are urged to help prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species into North Dakota.

ANS are exotic plants and animals that can do great damage to recreational fishery and other aquatic resources by overwhelming native and desirable species, according to Lynn Schlueter, special projects biologist with the State Game and Fish Department's fisheries division.

"ANS are found in most states, but more abundantly to the east," Schlueter said. "They are transported from lake to lake by boats, trailers and other recreational equipment. Simple preventative practices can help prevent the spread of ANS."

Boaters, anglers and other water enthusiasts should be aware of ANS that are either present in North Dakota, or have been established in nearby states.

* Zebra mussel - Not present in North Dakota. 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 from the water food used by small sportfish. Juvenile mussels are only one millimeter in length and are able to swim.

* 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 out-competes native aquatic vegetation by rapidly growing earlier (April and May) in the season. In recent years it has gone from an occasional plant in a few areas of lakes Sakakawea and Audubon to being thick enough where boats cannot pass through in places.

* Eurasian water milfoil - Had been established in a localized area on the Sheyenne River, but currently not present in North Dakota. 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 has been discovered along the shores of Lake Sakakawea, and the upper Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. 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 thick so wildlife does not use the area.

* Purple loosestrife - Naturalized populations of this noxious weed are found in certain locales in North Dakota. Sold as an ornamental plant that found its way into marsh and wetlands. Cattails, reeds and other native plants are crowded out, and plant stands can become so thick that few animals can penetrate them.

* Carp, goby and ruffe - These species 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.

While ANS do not directly harm humans, Schlueter said, the damage they cause to lakes and rivers reduces boating, fishing and 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."

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Set Aug. 15-17 (051403)
Applications are being accepted for the ninth annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Aug. 15-17 at Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau. The cost is $120 with an Aug. 1 registration deadline. Enrollment is limited to 100 participants.

The workshop is directed toward women at least 18 years old who want to learn more about outdoor activities, according to Nancy Boldt, BOW program director for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. "This workshop is for women who have never stepped foot in the woods or seasoned outdoor enthusiasts," Boldt said. "Our goal is to provide an atmosphere where women feel comfortable learning new skills associated with hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities, in a supportive and non-threatening environment."

Eighteen different seminars are offered, each of which lasts more than three hours. Sessions contain 45 minutes of lecture with the remainder dedicated to hands-on instruction. "Each session has room for 12 women," Boldt said, "so each person gets a lot of help and technical assistance."

Participants are limited to four sessions. Classes new to the workshop are predator calling, trapping and GPS. Other classes include basic fishing and hunting skills, bird identification, photography, plant identification, canoeing, backpacking, handling and cooking game, and boat maintenance and trailering.

Participants will stay in dorms and must provide their own bedding and towels. All camp facilities are handicap accessible. Equipment will be provided unless noted in course description.

To receive an information brochure and enrollment form, contact Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 or call 701-328-6312.

Workshop sponsors include North Dakota Parks and Recreation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Safe Boating Week May 17-23 (051403)
"Boat Smart. Boat Safe. Wear It!" is the theme for Safe Boating Week May 17-23.

Safe Boating Week is an annual week-long event emphasizing the need for boaters to wear a personal flotation device, more commonly called life jackets. Failure to wear a PFD is the main reason people lose their lives in boating accidents.

The latest nationwide statistics provided by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate 707 boating fatalities were reported in 2002, an increase from 645 deaths reported in 2001. Six fatalities were reported in North Dakota last year. None of the victims were wearing a life jacket.

North Dakota law requires PFDs in the following circumstances:

* On watercraft less than 16 feet in length, one wearable PFD must be on board for each person.

* Anyone being towed on water-skis, surfboard, or a similar device must wear a PFD.

* No person may operate or permit the operation of a personal watercraft without each person on board wearing a PFD.

* Watercraft 16 feet or longer must have one wearable PFD for each person on board, and one throwable flotation device.

* On any vessel less than 27 feet in length, all persons 10 years of age or younger must wear an appropriately sized and properly fastened Coast Guard approved PFD.

Boaters are reminded to test life jackets for serviceability and fit. All straps and buckles must be intact and there should be no rips or tears in the fabric. Test life jackets by wearing them in the water. A properly fitted life jacket should keep the wearer's face and mouth out of the water and enable him or her to float without effort.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Dakota Safety Council for several years to present boat and water safety classes and other events such as "Kids In Boats" programs, displays, media spots, public service announcements, seminars, and classroom sessions to one-on-one discussion of safety topics.

To find out if a safety event is coming to your area or to get additional information on safe boating week contact the game and fish department (701-328-6300), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (701-654-7411), or the N.D. Safety Council (701-223-6372).

This year's Safe Boating Week campaign is sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Power Squadrons.

Birding Field Trip Set for May 31 (051403)
A birding field trip sponsored by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is scheduled for Saturday, May 31 in Burleigh County, according to Jeb Williams, department outreach biologist.

"It doesn't matter if you are just beginning or are an experienced birder," Williams said. "Anyone interested in birding will enjoy the field trip."

The outing is open to the first 35 people who call and register. Participants will be going to McKenzie Slough, Long Lake and the Kimball Bottoms area. "North Dakota has a lot of unique bird species," Williams said, "and one doesn't have to venture very far with the good birding spots around the Bismarck area."

Participants for the field trip are asked to bring binoculars, a bird book and a snack, and need to meet at the department at 7 a.m., and can expect to return around noon. The trip is free and transportation will be provided.

Persons interested in signing up for the field trip should contact Jeb Williams at 328-6332.

Department Summarizes 2002 Swan Season (051403)
Swan hunters during North Dakota's 2002 season bagged 688 birds, up from 561 in 2001, according to Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Last year's total is above the average annual swan harvest of 663. Since the first season in 1988, swan hunters have taken an estimated 9,900 birds in North Dakota.

While the game and fish department issued 2,000 permits last year, an estimated 1,550 persons actually hunted - 852 were residents and 698 were from out-of-state. The average hunter spent 3.63 days afield. Hunter success was 44 percent.

Swan permits are issued by a lottery drawing. Last year, 2,142 persons applied. The 2003 swan permit application deadline is Aug. 13.

Deer Applications Available Now Online; Paper Apps Mid-May (050703)
Online applications for the 2003 regular deer gun, youth and muzzle-loader seasons are available now for prospective hunters to apply through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's internet website, while paper applications will be available to vendors throughout the state by mid-May.

Applicants can access the department's website at gf.nd.gov/ to submit a lottery application online, or to print an application for mailing. Regular license fees apply and no service charge is added.

Game and fish encourages hunters to take advantage of the user-friendly online application feature, said Paul Schadewald, chief of administrative services. "It is quick, convenient and accurate," Schadewald said. "With paper applications, we often run into problems when the application is not legible, or something is left blank. The online application eliminates these problems, and thus, speeds up the entire licensing process."

Lottery and gratis applications will be available at game and fish offices, county auditors and license vendors by May 14. Persons will also be able to apply by calling 1-800-406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.

While deer hunters won't notice it on the application, a new bonus point system is in place this year. The new system is designed to improve the odds for people who have been unsuccessful in drawing their first choice of license the longest. People who drew a first choice license last year still have one chance in the drawing this year, but those who were not successful now have better odds than in previous years.

The following chart outlines the new formula:

How New Drawing Formula Compares to Old System

Years unsuccessful	Chances in 2003 drawing	Chances under previous system
0	1	1
1	3	2
2	5	3
3	7	4
4	65	17
5	126	26
6	217	37
7	344	50

Deadline for submitting applications for regular deer gun, muzzle-loader, gratis and youth antlered mule deer licenses in units 4A 4F, 3B1 and 3B2 is Wednesday, June 4. Hand-delivered applications are due at the department's Bismarck office by 5 p.m. Mailed applications must be postmarked before midnight. Applications should be mailed early because some post offices use the following day's postmark for mail received after office hours. Deadline for regular youth season applications is Sept. 1, 2003.

The regular deer gun season starts at noon Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 23. The split season in units 2B and 3C are set as follows: early, Nov. 7 at noon through Nov. 13; and late, Nov. 14 at one-half hour before sunrise through Nov. 23.

Muzzle-loader season dates are noon Nov. 28 through Dec. 14. Youth deer season begins at noon Sept. 19 and continues through Sept. 28. Archery deer season begins at noon Aug. 29 and continues through Jan. 4, 2004.

Biologists Project a Good Fishing Season (050703)
Despite low water level concerns on some reservoirs in the state, fisheries biologists for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department anticipate good open-water fishing for much of the state, according to Terry Steinwand, fisheries chief.

Water levels are a concern, especially in the southwest, Steinwand said. "We have experienced some fish kills in that region the past couple years because of the drought," he added, "but most lakes in the southwest will still provide anglers with a quality catch."

While walleye is the species of choice and provides for an abundant resource in the central and northern portions of the state, northern pike populations could provide anglers with more opportunities for trophies than in recent years. "Our pike population is tremendous," Steinwand said. "Anglers won't have to drive too far to find a fantastic pike fishery."

Though pike are plentiful in the Missouri River System and Lake Sakakawea, Steinwand mentioned, diminishing water levels are a concern. "Lake Sakakawea water levels are at the forefront," he said, "even though a good fish bite is anticipated, diminishing water levels result in many negatives, including the obvious – access."

As of May 3, 15 Lake Sakakawea boat ramps were usable. Work is underway on 15 other ramps in an attempt to make them usable this spring. Most ramps on Lake Oahe and the Missouri River are usable except for Langeliers, Cattail, Beaver, Fort Yates and the main ramp at Fort Rice.

A complete synopsis of North Dakota's fishing season is available in the department's North Dakota OUTDOORS April/May magazine. The 2003 special fishing issue includes the statewide fishing outlook from regional biologists, 2002 stocking report, North Dakota fishing waters, Missouri River System boating access guide, and other articles pertaining to the state's fishery.

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.

Fisheries Development Plans Announced for 2003 (050703)
More than $1.1 million has been designated toward improving water-based recreation in North Dakota this year, according to Bob Frohlich, fisheries development coordinator for the State Game and Fish Department.

More than half of the funding will be used on work relating to boat ramps. The rest will be used on projects such as courtesy docks, fishing piers, fish cleaning stations, roads, parking areas and vault toilets.

"The public demand for fishing and boating related facilities continues to expand," Frohlich said, "and our goal is to provide anglers and boaters with the best facilities feasible. We know the activities they support are popular and contribute a significant portion to North Dakota's tourism and recreation industry each year."

Slightly more than $622,000 is designated to improve existing boat ramp facilities, or to develop new ones. Another $230,000 is for buildings and lands, such as fish cleaning stations and vault toilets. Dams, dikes and levee work account for $136,000; roads, trails and parks total $90,000; dock and pier work activity totals $61,000; and lake and habitat improvement accounts for $22,000.

More than half of the $1.1 million is earmarked for work on Lake Sakakawea. The bulk of the money will be used on boat ramp improvements, where a large percent of the ramps are currently unusable. Most of the work involves hauling in fill, extending the bottom end of ramps, and the reconstruction and upgrading of low-water ramps.

Seventy-five percent of the cost for fishing and boating projects comes from the department's Fisheries Development Out-Grant Program, which uses both federal Sport Fish Restoration funds and state department funds with the remaining 25 percent coming from a local match.
Almost all new developments are sponsored and administered by local interest groups or municipalities, Frohlich said. "The program is well accepted and is effective, thanks to continued support and commitment from local entities and clubs," he said.

Shotgunning Workshop Available to Hunters (050703)
Hunters who want to hone their shotgun shooting skills and learn more about ways to reduce wounding loss of waterfowl and upland game birds are invited to attend a free three-hour seminar May 17 in Jamestown.

The special shooting seminar-workshop is hosted by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and conducted by Tom Roster of the Cooperative North American Shotgunning Education Program. Topics include understanding shot ballistics, load/choke selection, range estimation, hunting and shooting skills and the importance of proper patterning, shotgunning basics, nontoxic shot and minimizing wounding losses.

The three-hour seminar starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Dakota Inn. A followup field session is at a local shooting range Sunday, May 18. This portion of the workshop, open by invitation only, is 6-8 hours of hands-on instruction, covering shooting skills, pattern testing and distance estimation, with Roster providing one-on-one assistance to each shooter. This session is restricted to 20 individuals, and participants must use their own shotguns. Shells and targets will be provided.

Roster is a renowned author, best-known for his work in developing buffered lead loads and his extensive research on shotshell ballistics and patterning. He has designed and conducted all of the major nontoxic shot shooting tests.

More information on the workshop can be obtained by contacting Chris Grondahl, game and fish outreach supervisor, at 328-6612.

Biologists Complete Spring Sage Grouse Census (050703)
North Dakota Game and Fish Department biologists recently completed the 2003 sage grouse survey, with census data showing a slight increase in the number of strutting male sage grouse observed compared to last year.

Biologists counted 174 males this spring, equaling the previous eight-year average. Last year, 167 males were tallied.

The survey was conducted on 15 active strutting grounds, compared to 17 last year. One of the highlights, according to Jerry Kobriger, game and fish upland game management supervisor, Dickinson, was renewed activity on two grounds. "We were able to find grouse on two grounds that did not have grouse last year," Kobriger added, "and on one of those, grouse hadn't been seen for five years."

Sage grouse are North Dakota's largest native upland game bird. They are found in extreme southwestern North Dakota, in Bowman and Slope counties.

2002 Pronghorn Season Report (050703)
Despite a reduction in the number of pronghorn gun licenses issued last year, hunters in 2002 had a success rate similar to 2001, according to data compiled by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Last fall, 844 hunters harvested 641 bucks and 53 does, a total of 694 compared to 880 pronghorns taken by 1,030 hunters in 2001. Eighty-two percent of hunters filled their tags in 2002, while 85 percent were successful in 2001.

Pronghorn gun hunters spent an average of 2.3 days in the field last fall. Fourteen gun hunting units were open, the same as in 2001.

A total of 1,002 archery hunters tagged 156 pronghorns, and averaged 5 days in the field.

 

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