Current News Releases - February 2004

The property to be sold consists of 16.10 acres of land, and includes all buildings on the property. This property was once the location for the department regional office, shop and game bird hatchery. The facilities are no longer needed for game and fish department operations.

The department's lake shore property on Spiritwood Lake is not being sold. It is being kept to provide public fishing access for the lake.

A minimum bid of $44,304 is determined by an appraised value of $37,000, and cost of preparing the land for sale: survey and platting of $4,954, appraisal of $1,750, and abstract preparation of $600.

Written bids may be made by submission in a sealed envelope and accompanied by earnest money, payable to North Dakota Game and Fish Department, consisting of 10 percent of the total amount bid. The department must receive all written bids by March 24. Written bids should be sent to North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Attn: Paul Schadewald, 100 North Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095.

Written bids will be opened at 11 a.m. on March 25 at the start of the auction. It is not necessary to submit a written bid to be able to bid at the auction. The successful bidder must pay 10 percent earnest money at the time of the auction, and will have 60 days after the date of the sale to make payment in full. The successful bidder will also have to sign a purchase agreement immediately after the auction. A copy of this agreement is available from the department.

Possession of the property will be given upon payment in full. Closing to be arranged and must be within 60 days after the date of the sale. Game and fish will convey to the successful bidder by quitclaim deed upon receipt of full consideration.

The department reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Questions concerning this sale, or to obtain a copy of the purchase agreement, should be addressed to Schadewald at 701-328-6328.

Interested parties may inspect the property prior to the sale date by calling the department's Jamestown office at 701-253-6480 to set up an appointment.

State law requires permanent fish houses to be removed from North Dakota waters by midnight March 15. However, access on some lakes could be restricted because of the snow. "People need to be aware of conditions and plan accordingly," Boldt said, "because trying to get a vehicle on the ice to remove fish houses could be difficult."

Also, warm weather and high winds this late in the winter can rapidly deteriorate ice conditions, Boldt mentioned, causing shorelines to weaken. "Ice thickness not only varies statewide, but can even fluctuate on the same body of water," she said.

The fine for failure to have permanent fish houses off the ice by midnight, March 15 is $325. Portable fish houses may be used after March 15 if they are removed daily, Boldt mentioned.

The hotline will be updated periodically during the week. "Hunters are able to get generalized locations of bird sightings once light geese enter the state," Johnson said. "It is not intended to give pinpoint information of exact locations, but to provide bird arrival and migration routes."

Weather conditions and availability of open water and food will dictate when snow geese arrive and how long they stay, Johnson said. Present conditions aren't right for snow geese to move into North Dakota, he added, but the migration is on its way north, and as of Feb. 23 had reached the Platte River in Nebraska.

Last year, snow geese were in the state primarily the last week in March and first two weeks in April.

The spring migration tends to be farther east than in the fall. Snow geese generally arrive in the southeastern corner of the state with flocks spreading north and northwest through the Valley City, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Rugby and Kenmare areas. However, scattered flocks may be found anywhere in the state during spring.

Species identification is extremely important because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The season is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds.

Hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting. Those purchasing a license from the department's office or website (gf.nd.gov/), as well as the 1-800-406-6409 licensing number, can easily get a HIP number at that time. Others may do so by calling toll free, 1 888 634 4798. The HIP number is good for the fall season as well, so spring hunters should save it to record on their fall license.

The spring light goose season opened Feb. 21 and continues through May 11. Regulations are available at county auditors, game and fish offices and license vendors. A waterfowl identification booklet can be obtained by contacting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 or call 328-6300.

North Dakota has auctioned a bighorn sheep license each year since 1986 to fund sheep projects in the state, raising $547,000. Last year's license, which sold for $35,000, was the fifth time it was auctioned at the Minnesota-Wisconsin chapter meeting. Prior to that, the license was sold at the national FNAWS convention.

In 1999 the North Dakota Game and Fish Department entered into a five-year agreement with the Minnesota-Wisconsin conservation group. In 2003, due to the success of the partnership, the agreement was extended an additional five years. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the license, along with an additional annual grant of $25,000, will be used to enhance management of North Dakota's bighorn sheep.

Written bids should be sent to: MN-WI Chapter FNAWS, Hunt Auction Permit, PO Box 892, Hudson, WI 54016. For more information contact John Coulter, auction chairman, 507-629-4755.

Hunting Guide and Outfitter Test Set for March 13 021804
The date for the next guide and outfitter written examination is Saturday, March 13 at 1 p.m., and interested individuals are required to pre-register by calling a North Dakota Game and Fish Department regional office.

The test will be given at game and fish offices in Devils Lake (662-3617), Dickinson (227-7431), Bismarck (328-6604), Williston (774-4320), Jamestown (253-6480), and Riverdale (654-7475).

The 2003 North Dakota state legislature established licensing requirements for hunting guides and outfitters in the state. The requirements must be completed prior to obtaining a license.

In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations; certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid; and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter.

Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the guide qualifications, as well as an individual must have held a hunting guide license for two years; and must have proof of liability insurance.

Over the past several months more than 300 individuals have taken the exam.

The North Dakota State Legislature passed a law in 1981 requiring youngsters to take a boating safety course prior to operating motorboats. Since then more than 11,300 graduates have become better boaters, with 1,050 water enthusiasts passing the course last year.

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 premium discount on boat insurance.

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.

Spearers are reminded the state's darkhouse spearfishing season closes Feb. 28. Interested individuals who would still like to get out for the first time can find darkhouse spearing regulations in the 2002-2004 North Dakota Fishing Guide.

"We haven't experienced a winter like this in a number of years, and it has caused some concern over the welfare of our wildlife species," said Greg Link, department assistant wildlife chief. "Running snowmobiles near, through, or around winter habitat such as thickets, cattails, and wooded areas may inadvertently scare wintering wildlife, causing them additional stress or injury."

Riders are reminded to observe state laws that protect wildlife and its habitat. Thoughtless harassing or chasing of wildlife not only stresses animals, but is also illegal.

"We want people to understand that pursuing and chasing wildlife with snowmobiles is harassment and it's illegal," Link said. "We just hope that snowmobilers take this into consideration, and give wildlife a little comfort space when out enjoying their recreation."

Daryl Kleyer, district game warden supervisor, Williston, said he has received a number of calls this winter involving people on snowmobiles chasing wildlife, particularly coyotes. "Snowmobiles can be used off an established trail while fox or coyote hunting, but people need to understand they cannot be used to flush, chase or pursue them," he said. "They see a coyote in a distance and then decide to go through cover in pursuit. This is illegal, and they can lose their snowmobile over this."

Observers witnessing harassment or chasing of wildlife are encouraged to call the Report All Poachers hotline at 1-800-472-2121. "This activity should not be tolerated," Kleyer said, "and we need people to report this."

Riders are encouraged to use snowmobile trails and avoid situations that could disturb wildlife. Information on the North Dakota trail system is available at the Snowmobile North Dakota web site at www.snowmobilend.com.

"Obviously, weather conditions aren't conducive for geese to be here on opening day," said Mike Johnson, waterfowl biologist for the State Game and Fish Department. "But it does give hunters time to get prepared before geese do arrive."

Hunters are reminded they must first register with the Harvest Information Program before venturing out into the field. Those purchasing a license from the department's office or website, as well as the 1-800-406-6409 licensing number, can easily get a HIP number at that time. Others may do so by calling toll free, 1 888 634 4798. The HIP number is good for the fall season as well, so spring hunters should save it to record on their fall license.

Residents can hunt during the spring season by having last fall's 2003-2004 bird license. Otherwise, hunters will need to purchase either a 2004-2005 sportsmen's license; or a small game and general game and habitat license. Licenses are available only from the game and fish department's Bismarck office, the department's website at gf.nd.gov/, or by calling 1-800-406-6409.

Nonresidents need a 2004 spring light goose season license. The cost is $50 and the license is good statewide (zones do not apply to the spring season). Licenses are available at the department's Bismarck office or website, and by calling 1-800-406-6409. Nonresidents who hunt the spring season remain eligible to buy a fall season license. The spring season does not count against the 14-day fall hunting season regulation.

A federal duck stamp is not required of either residents or nonresidents.

The spring season is only open to light geese - snows, blues, and Ross's. Species identification is important because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The season is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds.

Game and fish will again provide hunters with migration updates. Hunters can call 701-328-3697 to hear recorded information 24 hours a day until the season ends or geese have left the state. "Hunters are able to get generalized locations of bird sightings once light geese enter the state," Johnson said. "It is not intended to give specific information of exact locations, but to provide general information on bird arrival and migration routes."

The statewide season is open through May 9. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit. Electronic and recorded calls as well as shotguns capable of holding more than three shells may be used to take light geese during this season.

There are no waterfowl rest areas designated for the spring season. Hunters should note that private land within the waterfowl rest areas closed last fall may be posted closed to hunting.

Non-toxic shot is required for hunting all light geese statewide. Driving off established roads and trails is strongly discouraged during this hunt because of the likelihood of soft, muddy conditions. To maintain good landowner-sportsman relations, hunters are advised to seek permission before hunting on private lands or attempting any off-road travel during this season.

All regular hunting season regulations that are not addressed above apply to the spring season. For more information on regulations refer to the 2003 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide.

Volunteers are an extension of the department's full-time staff, helping teach people about wildlife, habitat, conservation issues, safety and other skills for enjoying the outdoors. More than 800 game and fish volunteers instruct in a variety of subjects, from fishing to hunter education to bird identification.

Department outreach staff will open the sessions with information about the volunteer program, including training, equipment, requirements and the award and recognition program. The training courses will focus on two curriculums, "Birds of North Dakota" and "Wildlife of North Dakota."

"Birds of North Dakota" is a slide presentation on the habitats in which North Dakota bird species live, and the importance of those habitats to all wildlife species. "Wildlife of North Dakota" incorporates a box of hands-on wildlife materials and color images, highlighting habitats and adaptations of North Dakota Wildlife.

Trained volunteers are eligible to receive a game and fish volunteer shirt and equipment, such as binoculars, field guides and wildlife trunks, to help teach others about wildlife.

The free training sessions, held from 6-9 p.m., are open to the public, and dinner will be served. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate. Pre-registration is required by calling 328-6615.

The training sessions are scheduled for: Feb. 26 - Jamestown, Eagles Club; March 3 - Dickinson, Elks Sodbuster Room; March 4 - Mandan, Seven Seas Executive Room IV; March 10 - Grand Forks, Royal Fork Restaurant; March 11 - Devils Lake, Pizza Ranch Restaurant; March 16 - Williston, El Rancho Motel; March 17 - Minot, Comfort Inn Motel; and March 25 - Fargo, Royal Fork Restaurant.

Years of service and instructor of the year awards were presented to volunteers at the annual hunter education workshop and awards banquet held in Bismarck. The instructor of the year award is based on years of service, classes taught, in-service training, and involvement in the community with firearms safety.

Mark Walsh from Williston, Rod O'Clair from Jamestown, and Rolla instructors Darwin Bucholz, Scott Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, and Lynn Lawler were named instructors of the year. Walsh has been teaching for 20 years, and O'Clair has been instructing for 22 years. The Mitchells, Bucholz and Lawler have combined for 50 years of service.

Volunteer hunter education instructors were also recognized for years of service.

Ronald Klein of Stanley and Lyle Rose from Grand Forks received the lifetime combination hunting and fishing license for 30 years of active service to the hunter education program.

Receiving 25 year service awards were Ron Arneson, Bottineau; James Balsdon, Osnabrock; Rodney Berg, Nortonville; Karl Broeren, Northwood; Melvin Bruhn, Elgin; John Buresh, Towner; Lawrence Candrian, Regent; Richard Cheatley, Parshall; Ken Fischer, Park River; Marlowe Grindler, Rogers; Chris Hansen, Napoleon; Colin Hoffart, Harvey; Orville Hoger, New Salem; Ronald Hunsberger, Larimore; Ronald Koenig, Elgin; Noel Podoll, Velva; Robert Ross, Hebron; Clarence Sauer, Langdon; Myron Schell, Underwood; Mike Voglewede, Northwood.

Honored for 20 years of service were Dale Brewster, Stanley; Donald Brewster, Bowbells; Clyde Grosz, Hazen; Donald Meyer, Devils Lake; Mark Montgomery, Center; David Rensch, Garrison; John Roering, Bowbells; Leo Stull, St. Thomas; Rick Suckut, Bowdon; Ronald Wanner, Golden Valley.

Presented with 15 year service awards were Norman Amundson, Harvey; Rene Arnold, Cavalier; Orrin Berg, Max; James Boley, Minot; Richard Brewster, Washburn; Douglas Crosby, Williston; Ralph Danuser, Marion; Duane Demars, Williston; Keith Domke, Jamestown; Todd Foss, Fargo; James Halden, Parshall; Richard Jorgenson, Devils Lake; Patrick Lorge, Amidon; Dale Marks, Ypsilanti; Michael McEnroe, Bismarck; Edgar Schwagler, New Salem; Rodney Stark, Kennedy; Conrad Steinhaus, Lisbon; Ronald Trulson, Parshall; Al Ulmer, LaMoure; Lloyd Waldahl Jr., Casselton.

Recognized for 10 years of service were Kent Alderin, McClusky; Frank Beaver, Grand Forks; Kevin Bishop, Kathryn; Shawn Brink, Bismarck; Terry Buechler, Dickinson; Patsy Crooke, Mandan; Darwin Gebhardt, Oakes; Garry Hillier, Thompson; Rick Hutchens, Dickinson; Tim Johnson, Rolette; Francis Miller, Mandan; Gregory Odden, Rugby; Rick Olson, Underwood; Duane Reinisch, Valley City; Randel Sand, Tuttle; John Schlieman, Grand Forks; Terry Tinnes, Ray; Patricia Weber, Fargo; Brent Zavalney, Langdon.

Five-year service awards were presented to Adnan Aldayel, New Rockford; Monte Billadeau, Parshall; Leland Bratlie, Drayton; Keith Brodie, Arvilla; Jack Carlson, Wyndmere; Randy Christensen, Hettinger; Paul Drechsel, Grand Forks; Mark Engen, Anamoose; Mark Entzi, Watford City; Sheila Francis, Sawyer; Vincent Grant Sr., Belcourt; Gary Grosz, Kulm; Gerry Henriksen, Hazen; Matthew Herman, Ashley; Leon Hiltner, Wales; Michael Hinrichs, Carrington; Morris Hummel, Washburn; Julie Ingman, South Heart; Brent Jacobson, Garrison; Steven Kilwein, Hettinger; Sidney Lavallie, Dunseith; Jeffrey Lemer, Anamoose; Todd Lerol, Grafton; Barry McCleary, Napoleon; Curtis Miller, Tioga; Jerome Nelson, Lidgerwood; Marvin Neumiller, Washburn; Robert Olstad, Galesburg; Loran Palmer, West Fargo; Mark Pfeifer, Lidgerwood; Craig Roe, Kindred; Jarvis Sasse, Surrey; Gerald Schmidt, Devils Lake; Mike Schreiner, West Fargo; Clayton Thompson, West Fargo; Matthew Veith, Bismarck; Gerald Walsh, Fargo; David Wilkie, Dickinson; Jason Zins, Fargo.

Two-year active instructors recognized were Jerod Basol, Portland; Richard Brown, Minot Air Force Base; Charles Campbell, Fairmount; Ronald Cloninger, Grand Forks; Kenneth Clouston, Mandan; Robert Concannon Jr., Grand Forks; Ranaye Conrow, Grand Forks Air Force Base; Wesley Crosby, Williston; Robert Engen, Tolna; Walter Helfrich, Fargo; Tim Hendrickson, Bisbee; Roger Hoffman, Portland; Justin Houghton, Steele; Casey Hoverson, Manvel; Jackie Martin, Anamoose; Kevin Mattson, Kindred; Terry Meester, West Fargo; Robert Miller, Oakes; Michelle Monreal, Grand Forks; Roger Norton, Fargo; Jon Oksendahl, Bottineau; Kenneth Peterson, Velva; Kent Reierson, Williston; Scot Schara, Gladstone; Joseph Schirado, Bismarck; Jason Scott, Fargo; Richard Simon Sr., Grand Forks; Noelle Solseng, Grand Forks; Bruce Storhoff, Adams; Ronald Swenson, Williston; Alex Thompson, Hettinger; Sharon Titus, Lincoln; Lavern Vance, Ray; Vicki Walker, Grand Forks; Robert Wolf, Fargo.

The game and fish department provides 250 hunter education courses statewide each year. More than 152,000 students have taken hunter education since it was first offered in North Dakota in 1972. In 2003, 700 volunteer instructors taught 5,500 students. North Dakota law requires persons born after 1961 to pass a certified hunter education course to hunt in the state.

Conservation Education Volunteers Recognized 020403
Volunteers contributed more than 9,900 hours to several North Dakota Game and Fish Department education programs last year. In all, 528 events were conducted, helping more than 30,000 people learn about boat safety, fishing, and environmental education.

The game and fish department recently recognized the efforts of the many volunteers who make the agency's conservation education projects successful. These projects include: Birds of North Dakota, Wildlife of North Dakota, Hooked on Fishing, Outdoor Wildlife Learning Sites, Boat and Water Safety, and Fur Harvester.

Following is a summary of instructor of the year and service awards for 2003, presented at the annual volunteer workshop held in Fargo, Jan. 24:

Project WILD Instructor of the Year - John Brauner, Jamestown. Brauner has volunteered more than 200 hours and 18 events since he started with Project WILD in 1987.

Boating Instructor of the Year - Joe Neuenschwander, Bismarck. Neuenschwander has taught 534 hours of boating education. He has been a boating basics instructor for six years.

Fishing Instructor of the Year - Bill Moffett, Jamestown. Moffett has volunteered with more than 100 activities totaling 930 hours. He has been a fishing instructor for four years.

Aquatic Instructor of the Year - Carolyn Brauner, Jamestown. Brauner has conducted 46 events while recording 577 volunteer hours. She has been a volunteer since 1987.

OWLS Site of the Year - Kensal School, Susan Vinamen - committee member. This one acre OWLS site includes native grass, shrubs, trees, bat and bird houses, walking trail, wildlife tracks, butterfly garden, and a pond. This area provides a wonderful outdoor learning site for several classes each year, said Dave Jensen, department education coordinator.

In addition to instructors of the year, volunteers received awards for long-term service.

Recognized for 15 years of service were Walter Darr, Williston; Warren Larson, Williston; Larry Nagel, Shields; Wilmer Pich, Menoken.

Ten-year service recipients were Beth Darr, Williston; Nanci Fennern, Bismarck; Janelle Montgomery, Center; Tim Phalen, Wyndmere.

Recognized for five years of service were Kim Belgarde, Horace; James Boley, Minot; Stanley Bruggeman, Grand Forks Air Force Base; Beth Campbell, Bismarck; Stanley Cox, Jamestown; Don Ferguson, Jamestown; Kerry Fines, Garrison; Tricia Gegelman, Valley City; Fred Heer, Bismarck; Mike Miller, Moorhead, MN; Jim Nagel, Bismarck; Richard Peterson, Bismarck; Jerald Ronningen, Minot; Bernard Schaefer, Minot; Karen Thompson, Wilton; Susan Vaniman, Pingree.

Two year service recipients were Gwen Dinkins, Beulah; Randy Ehni, Wahpeton; Steve Hall, Moorhead, MN; Glen Hornung, Jamestown; Kathy King, Bismarck; Guy McCommon, Jamestown; Janice Nelsen, Riverdale; Glen Nelson, Steele; Arlene Norberg, Minot; Justin Otto, Bismarck; Ronald Reum, New Town; Brian Sailer, Garrison; Ned Strand, Minot; Judy Ziegler, Minot.

Prospective hunters can submit a lottery application online at the game and fish internet web site, gf.nd.gov/, or by calling 1-800-406-6409. Lottery and gratis applications are available at game and fish offices, county auditor offices and license vendors. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply.

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 Feb. 11 at midnight.

The 2004 spring turkey season opens April 10 and continues through May 9.

Applicants must register to take the exam by submitting a letter of intent to chief game warden Ray Goetz, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095. Letters of intent must be submitted before 5 p.m., Feb. 25.

Game warden applicants must be at least 21 years of age and in good physical condition. Work requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks involving lifting and carrying large heavy objects, walking and running over uneven terrain, and tolerating adverse weather and other environmental conditions.

Game wardens enforce game and fish laws and related regulations in an assigned district and other locations as determined by the department. Wardens normally work alone under varied conditions, at all hours of the day, night, and weekends. In addition to law enforcement duties, wardens assist with other programs such as hunter and boater safety education, as well as assisting other divisions in the department.

The position requires a bachelor's degree, preferably in criminal justice or one of the biological sciences. Applicants must be a licensed North Dakota peace officer, or be eligible to be licensed, and must possess a valid driver's license.

Highest scoring applicants on the exam will be selected for interview. Selection procedures include an evaluation of the application, a structured oral interview and reference checks, and psychological and medical examinations. Successful applicants are then placed on the list for future game warden openings.

The salary range for beginning game wardens is $2,623-4,371 per month upon completion of training. Travel allowance, uniforms, and other equipment are provided.

An estimated 6,870 hunters harvested 20,500 Canada geese during the 2003 season, compared to 6,490 hunters and a harvest of 25,600 birds in 2002.

Early goose season regulations in 2000-2002 allowed for an experimental extra week after Sept. 15, but that extra week was not available in 2003 due to high harvest of migrant Canada geese in previous years, Johnson said. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines allowed for hunting beyond Sept. 15 if a state could demonstrate that migrant Canadas did not comprise more than 10 percent of the harvest, Johnson added, but North Dakota's take exceeded that level.

Surveys for the Sept. 1-15 season showed hunters spent 2.48 days afield, averaging 2.99 birds each. Geese were harvested in 45 counties, with the highest number of birds bagged in Stutsman County. Other top counties were Nelson, Barnes, Benson and Sargent.

Last year was the fifth year North Dakota has had an early Canada goose management season. The 1999 experimental season was open only in Richland and Sargent counties, while in 2000 it was open statewide. Since the first management season in 1999 more than 122,000 Canada geese have been harvested.

The purpose of the management season is to maintain or reduce resident Canada goose numbers. By holding the season in early September, the harvest consists of primarily local Canada geese, as migrants have not yet started to arrive in significant numbers.