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News Release Archives - June 2003

Game and Fish Reminds Boaters to Wear PFDs | Fireworks Not Suitable for WMAs; Trash Dumping Prohibited | Game and Fish, Dairy Queen Promote Boating Safety | Department Recaps 2002 Pheasant Season | Game and Fish to Present 2003 Waterfowl Season Proposal | Fall Turkey Season Set; Applications Available | Spring Duck Index Remains High | Anglers Encouraged to Report Tagged Fish Information Online | Game and Fish Summarizes 2002 Grouse and Partridge Seasons | Catch-and-Release Important to Fish Conservation | Game and Fish Display at Red River Valley Fair | Spring Ruffed Grouse Population Shows Substantial Increase | Game and Fish Assists in West Nile Virus Surveillance | Special Trout Meetings to be Held Statewide | Spring Sharp-tailed Grouse Census Tallied

Game and Fish Reminds Boaters to Wear PFDs 6/25/03
With the July 4 weekend approaching and summer boating activity reaching a peak, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department has 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."

Six boating fatalities were reported in North Dakota last year, and two already have happened this year. None of the victims were wearing a life jacket.

The National Safe Boating Council warns boaters that most drowning victims had a life jacket available, but were not wearing it when they entered the water. "When an accident happens, there is sudden, unexpected entry into the water," Boldt said. "At that point, it is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on, especially in rough water."

Of all boating violations reported the last decade, inadequate number of PFDs is far and away the number one violation recorded, Boldt said. "More than 1,300 citations have been issued the last 10 years regarding lack of PFDs," Boldt said. "It is concern, and people need to start wearing them."

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.

Just purchasing a life jacket is not good enough, Boldt warns, "It is not the life jacket that saves lives," she added, "it's wearing them that saves lives."

Fireworks Not Suitable for WMAs; Trash Dumping Prohibited 6/25/03
Because most communities restrict fireworks use within city limits, many individuals look for a rural setting to hold their own Fourth of July celebration. North Dakota Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas are one type of land where fireworks use is not suitable.

The primary objective of a wildlife management area is to enhance wildlife production, provide hunting and fishing opportunities, and offer other outdoor recreational and educational uses, according to Scott Peterson, game and fish wildlife resources management section supervisor at the Lonetree district office. "We encourage only recreational activities that would not disrupt our intentions of how we manage a wildlife management area," Peterson said, "and a fireworks display is clearly not compatible with this objective."

Excessive noise and commotion that come with fireworks disturbs wildlife, Peterson said, and their explosive nature is a potential source of wildfires. "Chances of a wildfire developing are greatly enhanced when explosives, such as fireworks, come in contact with tall-grassed rural areas," he added, "and inevitably garbage becomes a factor because cans, bottles and other trash gets dumped and left behind."

Using WMAs as a dump ground has become such a problem that managers sometimes spend more time cleaning up after party-goers than they do working on wildlife issues. "It has gotten progressively worse over the years," Peterson said. "It is illegal to dump garbage on our WMAs, yet people do it. We spend considerably more time picking up garbage and repairing fence than we should.

"And it's just not small trash that is getting dumped," Peterson continued. "We even find mattresses and couches. If people can drive it out to a management area and dump it off, they can just as easily take it to a landfill where it is supposed to be."

Wildlife managers encourage outdoor enthusiasts to keep management areas the way they should be - a place where wildlife can thrive in the natural beauty of the prairie. "A wildlife management area is really a place of beauty, if it is kept as intended," Peterson said.

Game and Fish, Dairy Queen Promote Boating Safety 6/25/03
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department and Dairy Queen restaurants are promoting a boating safety awareness campaign this summer, according to Nancy Boldt, department boat and water safety coordinator.

Game and fish law enforcement officers are issuing a dairy queen certificate to youngsters who are in a boat and wearing a life jacket. "Safety comes first," Boldt said, "and this certificate sends a message that wearing a life jacket does not go unnoticed."

Youngsters can turn in the certificate at any local Dairy Queen in North Dakota and receive a free small cone or cheeseburger. The certificate expires Oct. 31, 2003.

Dairy Queen provided the department with 3,000 certificates, Boldt said, with the purpose of drawing attention to kids, boats, and life jackets. "We always stress boating safety and the importance of wearing a personal flotation device," Boldt added, "and this is just one way of rewarding them for utilizing our message."

Department Recaps 2002 Pheasant Season 6/25/03
Pheasant hunters in North Dakota had a successful 2002 hunting season, as harvest statistics showed an increase in the number of birds bagged compared to 2001, according to Lowell Tripp, North Dakota Game and Fish Department upland game bird biologist, Oakes.

Last fall's pheasant harvest was 517,821, up from 421,586 in 2001. "A good reproductive season in 2002 and a 4 percent increase in hunters accounted for the higher harvest," Tripp said.

The number of hunters increased from 75,825 in 2001 to 78,995 last year. The number of resident hunters increased from 53,589 to 56,155, while the number of nonresident hunters increased from 22,236 to 22,840. Birds bagged per hunter increased from 5.46 to 6.56, and the average hunter spent 4.3 days afield.

Counties with the highest percentage of pheasants taken were Hettinger, 12.6; Stark, 10.4; Burleigh, 8.3; McLean, 7.7; Mercer, 6.7; Sargent, 6.1; and Emmons, 5.6. Statistics indicate pheasants were taken in 50 counties last year.

Annual pheasant season statistics, Tripp said, are determined by a mail survey of resident and nonresident hunters.

Game and Fish to Present 2003 Waterfowl Season Proposal 6/18/03
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will host five public open house sessions over the next two weeks to present the 2003 waterfowl season proposal that will be sent to the Governor's office for consideration.

Department personnel will provide information about the new licensing structure adopted this past winter by the state legislature, as well as discuss proposed nonresident zones, tentative dates and other season details.

Finalized season details will not be available until August after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides the federal framework and the governor signs the proclamation. Therefore, game and fish is presenting this proposal now so resident hunters, hospitality businesses, and families with friends and family members coming from out-of-state will have a chance to make arrangements for the fall season.

Each open house will last two hours, and is in a come-and-go style format.

Proposed season information includes three nonresident waterfowl zones, each designed to distribute hunting pressure. There is no limit placed on the number of licenses available for each zone. Nonresidents who designate zones 1 or 2 may hunt that zone for only one 7-day period during the season. Nonresident hunters who have chosen to hunt in zone 1 or 2 and wish to utilize the full 14 consecutive days allowed must use the other 7 days in zone 3. Nonresidents cannot hunt both zones 1 and 2 during the season. Hunters in zone 3 can hunt that zone the entire 14 days.

This past winter the state legislature eliminated the statewide 7-day waterfowl license. Nonresidents who only hunt waterfowl in North Dakota for one week, and want to maximize hunting opportunities in the state, can choose to run their two 7-day periods at the same time. To do this, hunters must choose either zones 1 or 2, and select zone 3 for the same 7-day period. By designating both of these options for the same week, the 14 day regulation applies.

If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides North Dakota with the option for an early waterfowl opener, game and fish plans on utilizing that for residents only. If that is the case, resident hunters would be able to open the season Sept. 27, while nonresidents could begin to hunt waterfowl Oct. 4. If North Dakota is not allowed an early opener, the opening date for residents and nonresidents would be Oct. 4.

The nonresident waterfowl licensing structure was changed during this past legislative session. Nonresident waterfowl hunters no longer need a small game license to hunt waterfowl. What was previously a $10 add-on license to small game is now an $85 independent license. The nonresident waterfowl license package includes a $2 certificate, a $13 general game and habitat stamp, and an $85 waterfowl license. Total package is $100. The waterfowl license is good for 14 consecutive days or two 7-day periods, and a nonresident cannot purchase more than one waterfowl license per year. A waterfowl license is needed to hunt geese, ducks, swans, brant, rails and coots.

The state legislature also changed the small game licensing structure. The small game license costs $85, and is good for either one 10-day period or two 5-day segments. The total package to hunt both small game and waterfowl is $185. Unlike the waterfowl license, nonresidents may purchase more than one small game license per year. A small game license is required to hunt pheasants, grouse, partridge, doves, woodcock, cranes, crows and tree squirrels.

Open houses are scheduled from 6-8 p.m. at the following locations:

Minot - Tuesday, June 24, Holiday Inn Convention Center

Grand Forks - Wednesday, June 25, Holiday Inn, Hwy 2 and I-29

Fargo - Thursday, June 26, Kelly Inn, O'Leary Room, Main Ave. and I-29

Jamestown - Monday, June 30, Jamestown Game and Fish District Office

Bismarck - Tuesday, July 1, Bismarck Game and Fish Headquarters Office

Fall Turkey Season Set; Applications Available 6/18/03
Fall turkey regulations have been set, with a few notable changes from last year, according to Greg Link, assistant wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The most significant change is having the entire state open to hunting for the first time.

Existing units have been expanded, Link said, and much of the central and eastern part of the state - never before open to hunting - has been designated as a hunting unit. "This new unit has been designed to encourage harvest on isolated but growing flocks of turkeys," Link said. "This is a big unit, and hunters who apply should do so knowing there are only isolated pockets of turkeys."

A total of 9,095 wild turkey licenses are available for the fall hunting season, an increase of 2,485 from last year. "Turkeys continue to do well in most parts of the state and license numbers for the 2003 season reflect this trend," Link said.

The fall wild turkey season opens Saturday, Oct. 11 and continues through Sunday, Jan. 17, 2004. "This is two weeks longer than the 2002 season," Link said. "The intent of the season extension is to increase turkey harvest and to pressure birds away from stored livestock feed supplies later into the winter in an effort to reduce depredation problems."

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.

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.
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 2. Applicants are reminded 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 2 at midnight.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply.

Spring Duck Index Remains High 6/18/03
The number of breeding ducks in North Dakota continues to remain high, according to the recent spring breeding duck survey conducted annually by the State Game and Fish Department.

The 2003 duck index is down 27 percent from last year's index, but is still 99 percent above the long-term average. However, the 2002 figure was probably not an accurate representation of breeding duck numbers, according to Mike Johnson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department waterfowl biologist. "It was clear from our data that the 2002 index was 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] were likely represented in the record high index of 2002."

The 56th annual spring survey, conducted May 11-16, showed an index of more than 3.9 million birds. "We have been riding a remarkable high since 1995," Johnson said. "Overall, duck populations remain high, and the Dakotas have produced large numbers of ducks in recent years."

Duck indices for all species, except scaup which had a record high, were down from 2002. However, all species, except green-winged teal and canvasback, remain above the 1948-2002 average. The index for mallards was up 187 percent from the long-term average, and the fourth highest on record. Green-winged teal was down 11 percent, and canvasback was down eight percent.

The survey is conducted by biologists driving more than 1,800 miles on eight routes spread across the state running from Canada to South Dakota. 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."

The 2003 water index was up 42 percent from last year and 58 percent above the 1948-2002 average. Water indices were up on all eight transects, Johnson said, with better water conditions noted in the northern portion of the state, especially the northwest. "Water conditions in many of the larger semi-permanent and permanent wetlands remain high," he added. "Many temporary, seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands had dried since last spring, but rains just prior to the survey resulted in some increases in water area numbers, especially roadside ditches and temporary wetlands.

"Nesting cover in the state is in good shape," Johnson continued, "with more than 3 million acres of CRP. However, there are serious concerns about the effects new CRP haying and grazing rules will have on nesting waterfowl and other upland nesting birds."

Reports indicate that South Dakota has generally good water conditions and duck numbers. A bright spot, according to Johnson, is that the prairies of western Saskatchewan and Alberta have received above normal precipitation during the past few months and water conditions are now good to very good in much of these important duck production areas.

"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."

Despite large populations and prospects for a good production year, fall weather always has a big impact on the success of the hunting season, Johnson said. "We will just have to wait and see what October brings."

Anglers Encouraged to Report Tagged Fish Information Online 6/18/03
Anglers who catch a tagged fish are reminded it is important to relay the information to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, and the most convenient method to do that is by logging into the department's website.

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.

"It is important for anglers to provide us with tag information," Hendrickson said, "because the fish bearing the tag is part of a research project."

Anglers are encouraged to access the game and fish website to report tagged fish information, Hendrickson mentioned. Anglers can log into gf.nd.gov/. Click on the fishing link, scroll down to "report a tagged fish" and simply enter the information requested. Report forms are also available at all game and fish offices.

The online procedure speeds up the entire process, Hendrickson said. "All computer-generated questions are complete when submitted," he added. "Sometimes the handwritten forms are not legible or are incomplete, and then we have to try to contact the angler to finish the report."

Fish tags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. 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.
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 2002 Grouse and Partridge Seasons 6/18/03
An increase in partridge and sharp-tailed grouse hunters last year led to more birds in the bag than in 2001, according to Jerry Kobriger, upland game management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Dickinson. On the other hand, fewer sage grouse hunters meant a reduced annual harvest.

Last season's partridge harvest was 63,022, up 36 percent from 46,493 in 2001. Number of hunters was up 20 percent to 23,093 (16,572 residents, 6,521 nonresidents), compared to 19,265 in 2001. Kill per hunter increased from 2.41 to 2.73.

Counties with highest percentage of partridge taken by resident hunters in 2002: Ward, 10.4; Stark, 7.7; McLean, 6.6; Bottineau, 6.0; and Mercer, 6.0. Top counties for nonresident hunters were Stark, 9.0; Bowman, Divide and Slope, 7.7; and Oliver, 6.8.

The 2002 sharp-tailed grouse harvest was 116,793, up 8 percent from 107,980 in 2001. Number of hunters last year was 36,100 (24,779 residents, 11,321 nonresidents), up from 32,947 in 2001. Kill per hunter decreased from 3.28 to 3.24.

Counties with the highest percentage of sharptails bagged by resident hunters: Stutsman, 7.3; Bottineau, 6.4; McLean, 6.2; Burleigh, 5.9; and Kidder, 5.4. Top counties for nonresident hunters were Divide, 6.7; Bowman, 5.6; McKenzie, 5.3; Mountrail, 4.9; and Sheridan, 4.8.

Sage grouse hunters bagged 22 birds last year, down from 30 in 2001. Number of hunters decreased from 112 in 2001 to 84 last year. Kill per hunter decreased from .27 to .26.

Partridge and sharptail statistics are based on a survey of 2,022 resident and 1,405 nonresident hunters. Sage grouse statistics are based on a postcard survey given to hunters during the sage grouse season.

Catch-and-Release Important to Fish Conservation 6/11/03
North Dakota's open water fishing season has many anglers hoping to land that elusive trophy fish. While hooking a wall-mounter is important for some anglers, others simply enjoy the thrill and return the fish back into the water.

Catch-and-release is an important conservation practice, according to Lynn Schlueter, special projects biologist with the State Game and Fish Department's fisheries division. "The number of large fish in a water body is already limited due to environmental issues," Schlueter said, "and removing a number of big fish, not just whopper-sized, can upset the balance needed to sustain a quality fishery."

Minimum size restrictions are already implemented on some North Dakota fisheries in order to provide protection of smaller game fish. "Angler pressure and fish populations are two factors in deciding which bodies of water have size restrictions," Schlueter added. "Increasing the average age and weight is important in the long-term gain in population."

There is nothing wrong with keeping a few quality fish to eat, Schlueter mentioned, but anglers should consider the long-term benefits of catch-and-release. "Catch-and-release fishing can help maintain quality fisheries in our lakes and rivers," he said.

Catch-and-release is effective only if released fish are handled carefully. The following precautions will enhance the likelihood of a released fish remaining healthy:

* Land the fish quickly. If possible, don't play the fish to exhaustion while attempting to bring it in.

* Bring hooked fish up from deep water slowly so the fish can adjust to the pressure change.

* A needle-nose pliers or similar tool should be used to remove the hook.

* When removing the hook, don't squeeze the fish or hold it by its eye sockets, and avoid contact with the gills.

* If the fish is hooked deep, cut the line close to the mouth.

* If possible, hold the fish in the water while preparing it for release, including while handling it to remove the hook.

* Don't throw the fish into the water. When releasing it, place it into the water and move it slowly back and forth until it becomes acclimated.

Game and Fish Display at Red River Valley Fair 6/11/03
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will once again host thousands of visitors at the Red River Valley Fair June 20-28. 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 fourth consecutive year the department has been involved with the Red River Valley Fair. "We have had a wonderful run and it just continues to get better," Leier said. "We provide an opportunity for individuals to learn about the fish and game of North Dakota, as well as a chance to visit with department personnel on a variety of issues."

A major draw at the game and fish display has always been live fish found in eastern North Dakota. Catfish, walleye, sauger and other species found in North Dakota waters will be on display.

A new addition this year is a native flower, grass and shrub display. "Spectators can test their knowledge by identifying plant species found when settlers arrived in North Dakota," Leier said.

The game and fish building will also include the enforcement division's 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 are a number of interactive displays that will pique the interest of young and old alike," Leier said.

Spring Ruffed Grouse Population Shows Substantial Increase 6/11/03
North Dakota's spring ruffed grouse survey indicated a 106 percent population increase statewide compared to 2002, but that doesn't mean birds will be plentiful during the hunting season, according to John W. Schulz, private land section leader for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Sunrise counts taken on 215 miles of survey routes this spring showed a 143 percent increase in male grouse drumming activity in the Turtle Mountains compared to last year, a 113 percent increase in the Pembina Hills, and a 29 percent decrease in McHenry County (J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge).

"Don't let the percentages fool you," Schulz said. "Ruffed grouse populations are still at a relatively low level following the apparent cyclic low in 2002."

Ruffed grouse populations run in 10-year cycles, Schulz said. The last population peak was in 1999, while the 10-year low was recorded last year. "We are pleased to see an upward surge this spring," Schulz added, "because we expected to see the cyclic low this year."

Game and Fish Assists in West Nile Virus Surveillance 6/4/03
The State Game and Fish Department is one of many state and federal agencies and local organizations assisting the North Dakota Department of Health with surveillance activities in detecting West Nile virus.

Mosquitoes in North Dakota may carry the encephalitis virus, including West Nile. The virus is spread to birds, other animals and humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting birds that carry the virus.

The health department acknowledges the best way to detect the virus is by testing wild birds, said Jacquie Gerads, game and fish disease biologist. "Citizens who see a sick or dead bird are asked to report it immediately," Gerads said. Cooperating agencies and organizations include most local veterinarians, zoos, police departments, state parks and county extension offices, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA Wildlife Services.

Game and fish is helping by establishing bird collection sites throughout the state. The department has drop-off locations at its main office in Bismarck, and at game and fish district offices in Williston, Dickinson, Riverdale, Devils Lake, Lonetree (Harvey), Jamestown and Oakes.

Crows and blue jays are the most susceptible to the virus, Gerads said. "There is no major risk of infection for game bird species," she added. "Game birds can contract the virus, but the virus usually clears the bloodstream in a short time. Thus the bird is no longer infectious."

There is no evidence that humans can contract the disease by touching or field dressing a bird. As a precaution, Gerads suggests wearing rubber gloves when handling or field dressing an animal, and to wash hands and tools thoroughly after field dressing. Also, cooking the meat thoroughly should kill any virus that may be present.

Last year, the health department reported 17 human cases of West Nile infection in North Dakota. Records also indicate West Nile was identified in 569 horses, 65 birds and one mosquito pool.

For more information on North Dakota's surveillance activities access the health department's website at www.health.state.nd.us.

Special Trout Meetings to be Held Statewide 6/4/03
The State Game and Fish Department will host seven meetings this month to discuss options for dedicating select lakes in North Dakota to special management for trout.

The series of meetings is a response to requests by trout enthusiasts who want higher quality trout fisheries in the state.

This past winter a bill was introduced during the legislative session that would have required game and fish to designate six state waters for trophy trout management. While the bill was withdrawn, game and fish agreed to take the concept to the state's anglers for discussion.

Ten lakes are on a list for special management consideration, which ideally could provide a goal of anglers catching a minimum of six, 20-inch trout per day. The department will provide information on each lake as to whether this would be possible, given the constraints of each lake and other biological factors.

Game and fish can manage the lakes a number of ways, but there are costs associated with each type of management, said Terry Steinwand, fisheries chief. "The public needs to be aware of what those costs are so they can help decide which management would maximize their fishing recreation," Steinwand said.

Lakes up for discussion are Lightning Lake (McLean County), Nygren Dam (Morton County), McDowell Dam (Burleigh County), Baukol-Noonan Dam (Divide County), Kettle Lake and McGregor Dam (Williams County), Moon Lake (Barnes County), Blumhardt Lake (McIntosh County), Gravel Lake (Rolette County), and North Lemmon Lake (Adams County).

Public meetings are scheduled for the following times and locations (all meetings will start at 7 p.m. local time unless otherwise noted):

June 16-Tioga-Sportsman Cafe (Kettle Lake, Baukol-Noonan Dam, McGregor Dam)

June 17-Turtle Lake-Turtle Lake Sportsmen Club (Lightning Lake)

June 18-Bismarck-Game and Fish Auditorium (McDowell Dam, Nygren Dam)

June 23-Dunseith (place unknown at this time) (Gravel Lake)

June 24-Valley City-VFW (Moon Lake)

June 25-Kulm-Community Center (Blumhardt Lake)

June 26-Elgin-Elgin Community Center-7:30 p.m. MDT (North Lemmon Lake, Nygren Dam)

Spring Sharp-tailed Grouse Census Tallied 6/4/03
The 2003 spring sharp-tailed grouse census indicates an increase in the number of male grouse recorded compared to last year, reports Jerry Kobriger, upland game management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at Dickinson.

Statewide, observers counted 5,490 sharptails on spring dancing grounds this year compared to 4,212 in 2002, a 30 percent increase. The increase in number of males observed in each district ranged from four to 71 percent.

Nearly 700 square miles were censused. Male grouse recorded per square mile increased from 5.7 in 2002 to 7.5 this year.

"Counts this spring were good," Kobriger said. "Statewide, reproduction was better last year than the previous year so increases were anticipated on most areas."

An indication of the fall season won't be known until mid-August, Kobriger said, upon completion of brood surveys.

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