News Release Archives - December 2003

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 5,225 mule deer licenses in the 2003 deer gun lottery.

The department will begin issuing any-deer bow licenses March 1. All applications received on or before March 1, 2004, will be treated equally. If more applications are received than there are licenses, each application will be assigned a number. Numbers will be drawn to issue the licenses. Applicants who request to apply together as a party will receive one number. Additional numbers will be drawn to establish a waiting list. If returned licenses become available, these applicants will be offered the licenses.

If licenses remain after March 1, these will be issued daily on a first come, first serve basis.

Leier Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year 121703
Doug Leier, outreach biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, West Fargo, received the Director's Award for 2003 during the department's annual meeting Dec. 11 in Bismarck.

Dean Hildebrand, department director, said Leier has demonstrated a unique ability to communicate with the public via live radio, taped radio segments, and a weekly Outdoors newspaper column. "Doug is always willing to feature issues of importance," Hildebrand said. "He is a strong advocate for the Department - never shying away from difficult issues, and always going the extra mile in finding out what is happening and why."

Leier has been an outreach biologist in the Fargo area for four years. "His job was to become known in the community and provide citizens of Fargo and the Red River Valley with a Game and Fish presence," Hildebrand said. "Doug has far surpassed expectations by being proactive and spending countless hours figuring out ways to keep the public informed."

Leier hosts a weekly hour long radio show that can be heard statewide each Saturday on the Clear Channel radio network, and recently designed and implemented a weekly audio news release which is heard on more than 40 radio markets across North Dakota. His weekly newspaper column can be found in 25 regional newspapers.

Working with the media is only a part of Leier's responsibilities, Hildebrand said. "He has numerous other projects as well," Hildebrand said, "including providing educational programs to schools, wildlife clubs, civic organizations and clubs that focus on topics such as wildlife viewing, and working with civic leaders and hunting and angling clubs."

Leier is a 1994 graduate of North Dakota State University. He was a district game warden in Bottineau and West Fargo prior to accepting the outreach position.

Paul Freeman Named Wildlife Officer of the Year 121703
Paul Freeman, North Dakota Game and Fish Department warden supervisor at Devils Lake, is the state's 2003 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Freeman was honored recently by the Shikar-Safari Club International, a private conservation organization that annually recognizes outstanding wildlife officers in each state.

In a nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Ray Goetz noted the northeast district is rich in moose, elk and white-tailed deer, and contains come of the most impressive woodland habitat in the state. "Warden Freeman has taken command of the needs and challenges of his area," Goetz added. "He has developed a high professional profile in his approach to law enforcement challenges, and has been very successful in solving difficult and important cases, including prosecution of moose and deer poaching incidents which draw a lot of attention from the public in this area of the state."

In addition, Freeman has been active in the Warden Outreach Program, a program that takes wardens into fifth grade classrooms to deliver conservation messages. "The percentage of schools in the area participating in the program is one of the highest in the state," Goetz said. "His dedication to his job, professional image and attitude toward public education are outstanding qualities that maintain his strong relationship with the public. He is a great asset for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department."

Freeman accepted the warden supervisor post for northeastern North Dakota in August. He had been a district game warden in Walhalla since 1996, after starting his career in Bismarck in 1991.

Each of North Dakota's four game warden supervisors annually nominates a warden for the Shikar-Safari award. Supervisors, the chief game warden, and the game and fish director make the final selection.

Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts 121703
North Dakota Game and Fish Department director Dean Hildebrand recently honored a number of employees with performance-based awards. Hildebrand presented the following awards at the department's annual staff meeting Dec. 11:

* Jason Lee, fisheries biologist, Riverdale, received the Special Projects award for his work with rainbow smelt in Lake Sakakawea. According to Hildebrand, Lee took it upon himself to attend workshops and become familiar with hydroacoustic equipment. "For the past four years Jason was given the responsibility of conducting the rainbow smelt biomass and population hydroacoustic survey on Lake Sakakawea, which includes one-to-two weeks of nighttime work and data analysis and interpretation followup," Hildebrand added. "His findings are scientifically sound and valid and have been very useful in supporting the State of North Dakota's contention regarding the Corps of Engineers water quality violations." The Special Projects award is given to a staff member for completing a new project which is on its way to being highly successful.

* Ray Parsons, wildlife technician, Bismarck, was presented with the Innovations award, recognizing staff for implementing a process to improve department goals and objectives. Parsons received the award for his work on constructing a mobile chronic wasting disease testing lab. When it became apparent the department needed a vehicle for CWD and other wildlife field work, Hildebrand said, Parsons launched into the project in a way that is uniquely his own. "The result is a state-of-the-art mobile lab that provides a safe and clean working environment for our staff," Hildebrand added. "The details and care that went into the design, construction and completion of the mobile lab was obvious. This is truly one of the most creative and innovative pieces of work ever done by a member of our department."

* Sally Sorensen, computer and network specialist, Bismarck, received the Solid Foundation award, presented for exemplary work in the administrative, technical, or support field. Sorensen's ability to understand changes in technology and still relate to the average system user is special, Hildebrand said. "Sally has been and continues to be the consummate professional," he added. "She is obviously a special talent, and has the calm and professional temperament to go along with her technical abilities. Her patience is unmatched, and her sense of humor and positive attitude are always at the forefront."

* Mike Johnson, migratory bird management supervisor, Bismarck, received the Public Outreach award, presented to an employee or group of individuals for showing a significant effort, ability, or accomplishment in interacting with the public while promoting the department's programs. Johnson was noted for his efforts in presenting the department's hunter pressure concept to the 58th Legislative Assembly. "In an unprecedented occurrence, Mike was specifically asked by the chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee to provide a detailed presentation addressing the contentious nonresident waterfowl hunting issue and the department's conceptual plan for managing nonresident hunting pressure, and was followed by the same request from the House Natural Resources Committee." Hildebrand said. "Mike's knowledge of the issues, his professionalism in dealing with questions and challenges, and the fact that he truly cared about the issue was evident."

* Jeff Violett, district game warden, Mandan, received the 2003 National Association of State Boating Law Administrators Officer of the Year award for North Dakota. Each state in NASBLA selects a person for a national award. Among the criteria for receiving the award is boating activity involving law enforcement, education, search and rescue, outreach and training. Violett's district is regarded as one of the most intensely used recreational boating area in the state, according to Game and Fish boat safety coordinator Nancy Boldt. "Within this environment Jeff continues to coordinate and work with other officers and agencies in maintaining an enforcement presence that provides for public safety," Boldt said. "He carries out his duty of enforcing state law in a fair and impartial manner using good judgment and common sense."

"We usually receive phone calls from people asking if we will be taking leftover Christmas trees for tree reef projects," Power said. "For various reasons, new tree reef projects are limited in North Dakota."

Although a couple of projects are scheduled this winter, arrangements for needed trees have already been made. Therefore, there is no need for more trees.

In the past, leftover Christmas trees have periodically been collected, consolidated and placed as new tree reefs in a few lakes throughout the state. Those lakes were selected because they lacked aquatic vegetation needed for fish spawning, Power said.

The season for white-fronted geese is open through Dec. 21, while hunters can pursue Canada geese through Dec. 25. High Plains duck hunters can hunt until Jan. 4, 2004.

Sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, partridge, pheasant and tree squirrel hunting seasons continue through Jan. 4, 2004.

The fall wild turkey season is open until Jan. 17, 2004.

Bobcat, mink and weasel hunting and trapping seasons, as well as muskrat trapping, are open through March 14, 2004. Muskrat hunting season closes May 9, 2004.

Fox, coyote, raccoon, badger and beaver hunting and trapping are open year-around.

"Before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it's important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice," Boldt said. "Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help in making a more informed decision."

Boldt cautions recreationists to be aware of snow-covered ice. Snow insulates ice, inhibiting solid ice formation, and makes it difficult to check thickness. Snow also hides cracked, weak and open water areas. "Stay away from cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signify thinner ice, and ice that forms around partially submerged objects, such as trees, brush, embankments or structures," Boldt said.

Ice thickness is not consistent, Boldt mentioned, and can change drastically within a few inches. "Ice shouldn't be judged strictly by appearance," she added. "It is always a good idea for anglers to drill test holes as one progresses out onto a lake."

Daily changes in temperature cause ice to expand and contract, Boldt said, which affects its strength. "It is always good to talk to people at local bait shops, or other anglers, if you are not familiar with a lake."

Boldt recommends the following minimums as safe for clear blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the winter she advises doubling these figures to be safe: four inches will support a group of people walking single file; five and one half to six inches are necessary for a snowmobile or all terrain vehicle; eight to 12 inches will support an automobile; and 12-15 inches will support a pickup/truck.

Always wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone while on the ice. If someone falls through the ice, act quickly by calling 911. "Do not go out onto the ice," Boldt said. "Many times would-be rescuers become victims themselves."

Northern Pike Receiving Interest from Ice Anglers 121003
North Dakota's state fish, the northern pike, is receiving considerable attention from anglers this winter, according to Greg Power, fisheries management and research supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Yellow perch are still the primary choice of anglers during winter, Power said, but northern pike attract their share of interest as well. "North Dakota's pike populations experienced excellent reproduction, perhaps record reproduction, during the 1990s," Power said. "This has translated into great fishable populations throughout much of the state."

Low water levels on some lakes have biologists encouraging anglers to get out early in the season. "Lower water levels won't necessarily hurt ice fishing, especially early," Power said. "But when oxygen levels drop, as they can do in shallower lakes, the fish become stressed and don't bite. We also run the increased risk of winterkill in the shallow lakes, as the snowpack often increases during the course of winter."

Anglers might want to take a look at the department's North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine's November issue, Power said. The magazine contains an article on winter northern pike fishing, which lists 57 pike lakes in the state, with details on location and size.

"The list does not include all North Dakota waters where pike are found," Power said, "but it does include waters where generally good pike fishing could be expected this winter and hopefully into next year."

In addition, stocking records can be accessed by logging onto the department's website at gf.nd.gov/. Click on the fishing tab and scroll down to "fish stocking lists" in the left column.

When referring to stocking records, Power suggests looking at records from two or three years ago. "The majority of fish stocked in the spring of 2003 won't be of catchable size for another two years," Power said. "Records from two or more years ago will give a better indication of what fishing might be like in a particular lake."

To order a copy of the November issue, send $2 to North Dakota OUTDOORS, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095. The article is also available on the department's website at gf.nd.gov//ndoutdoors/.

Congress Gives Boost to North Dakota's Wildlife Programs 120103
North Dakota will receive a federal apportionment of $615,000 as its 2004 share of state wildlife grants, the nation's core program for preventing wildlife from becoming endangered. The funding is within the Interior Appropriations Bill, signed by President Bush on Nov. 10, 2003.

"We're grateful for the efforts of our Congressional delegation and our many supporters in securing a victory for wildlife during these difficult budget times," said Steve Dyke, conservation supervisor for the State Game and Fish Department. "Putting these dollars to work now will save taxpayers money in the future. It's much cheaper and more successful to keep wildlife off the Endangered Species List."

Congress awarded $70 million to state wildlife grants, a $10 million increase above the President's budget request and $5 million above the 2003 allocation.

Seventy-three members of the House of Representatives and 33 Senators, including North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan, signed letters seeking a substantial increase in funding. Senator Dorgan, as the ranking Democrat on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, played a significant role in assuring this year's increase.

"I'm very happy that in these times of fiscal constraint we were able to continue funding the very important work done by the State Game and Fish Department," Dorgan said. "Keeping an eye on our wildlife before they become endangered is one of the most important things we can do to maintain a healthy ecosystem for years to come."

The primary goal of the program is to identify at-risk species, Dyke said, and to implement management practices that will assist in their recovery. "The funding provided by this program will significantly help conserve declining wildlife on a national level," he said.

This is the fourth year North Dakota has received federal money under this program. Funding has been used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, conducting 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 funding two temporary nongame wildlife positions within the department for the primary purpose of developing a comprehensive strategy for species at-risk within the state.

G&F Meets Goal of Collecting 1,500 Deer Samples for CWD Testing 120103
North Dakota hunters donated more than 1,500 deer heads that are currently in the process of being tested for chronic wasting disease, according to Jacquie Ermer, wildlife disease biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Riverdale.

The 2003 Hunter-Harvested Surveillance program established a goal of sampling 1,500 deer in the southern half of the state for CWD. Hunters were asked to assist by stopping at collection sites during the hunting season and provide samples from their deer.

"We need to express our gratitude to hunters and meat processors who cooperated in this effort," Ermer said. "They really stepped up and showed their concern in wanting to maintain a healthy deer population."

Samples for CWD testing were sent to the Wyoming State Veterinary Lab. Results should be available within three months, and hunters will be notified only if a sample tests positive.

The state is divided into eight CWD surveillance units. Samples from hunter-harvested deer were taken from animals this fall in five of those areas.

The goal is to obtain 458 samples from animals in each surveillance unit within a two year period, Ermer said. Two units have already filled that obligation. "We were fortunate enough to have collected the necessary samples in two surveillance units in the southeast," she added. "Since we won't need samples from those two units next year, we will be able to cover two new areas in the northern half of the state."

Even though this year's Hunter-Harvested Surveillance goal has been met, game and fish will continue to monitor and collect suspect deer and elk (Targeted Surveillance), including road-killed animals, Ermer said.

During the 2002 hunting season, samples were taken from 470 deer and 25 elk - all tested negative for CWD. To date, CWD has not been diagnosed in wild or farmed deer or elk 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.

According to the fishing proclamation, anglers must either release unwanted fish back into the water, unharmed, as soon as they are caught, or take them home. "Some anglers think it is okay to leave unwanted fish on the ice," said Jeff Hendrickson, fisheries biologist, Riverdale. "If people don't want the fish they catch, we urge them to return the fish to the water."

This is particularly true on upper Lake Sakakawea, Hendrickson mentioned, where it is not uncommon to find hundreds of discarded burbot and goldeye later in the ice fishing season. "These two species of fish are abundant in this area and are considered by many anglers to be a nuisance."

The needless waste of burbot is especially concerning, Hendrickson said, due to their population. "Burbot were once very common throughout much of the Missouri River system," he added. "In some parts of their historic range, they're no longer present or considered to be rare."

Although burbot are still fairly abundant in Lake Sakakawea, there is simply no valid justification for wasting the resource, Hendrickson said. "Fisheries managers and anglers have a responsibility to maintain a viable burbot population," he said. "They are good table fare, and are actively sought by many anglers."