News Release Archives - October 2005

Hunters are encouraged to provide samples from their deer by stopping at any of the department's district offices and three participating national wildlife refuges - Tewaukon NWR at Cayuga, Arrowwood NWR at Pingree, and Devils Lake Wetland Management District.

Department personnel will also operate two collection sites opening weekend in Belfield at the Tesoro truck stop, and Conoco convenience store, both at the intersection of Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 85. In addition, Game and Fish is relying heavily on cooperating meat processors, fur buyers and wildlife clubs in the 2005 surveillance units.

Meat processors participating in surveillance efforts are Aneta Meats Service, Aneta; B's Catering, Beach; West Dakota Meats, M&M Sausage and Meats, Bismarck; K&E Meats, Cando; Barton Meats, Barlow Meat, Carrington; Double R Meats, Carson; Casselton Cold Storage, Casselton; Schmitty's Deer Processing, Davenport; Skyberg's Meats Inc., Devils Lake; Dean's Meat Market, Dickinson; Karey's Custom Meats, Dunn Center; Edgeley Meat Processing Plant, Edgeley; Ellingson Meats, Edinburg; Maple Valley Lockers, Enderlin; Prime Cut Meats, Fargo; Kuntz Butcher Shop, Glen Ullin; Manock Meats, Great Bend; Hazen Meats, Hazen; Dakota Packing, Hettinger; Mike & Vi's Custom Sausage, Dakota Country Meats, Jamestown; LaMoure Lockers, LaMoure; Hickory Hut, Langdon; Butcher Block Meats, Mandan; Milnor Locker, Milnor; Larry's Meat Processing, Mott; New Salem Butcher Shop, New Salem; Weber's Meats, Reynolds; Wolf's Processing, Scranton; Brenno Meats, Sheyenne; Valley Meat Supply, Valley City; Sagebrush Smokehouse, Watford City.

Heads will be removed on site, or hunters may drop off heads at one of the sites. Tags will remain on the ear or antler, and carcass tags will remain with the deer. Hunters will be given a temporary tag for transportation purposes.

Samples from hunter-harvested deer will be taken from animals this fall in 25 deer hunting units: 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F1, 2F2, 2G, 2G1, 2G2, 2L, 3B2, 3D1, 3D2, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 3F2, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F.

Heads can be dropped off through November at Game and Fish offices in Williston, Dickinson, Bismarck, Riverdale, Devils Lake, Harvey (Lonetree) and Jamestown.

To date, CWD has not been diagnosed in wild or farmed deer or elk in North Dakota. Test results for CWD on more than 4,000 wild deer and 80 elk harvested during the 2002-04 hunting seasons were negative.

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

Based upon aerial observations during the recent fall reproduction survey, two primary indicators - ratio of fawns per doe, and bucks-per-doe - were at or above long-term averages, Stillings said. The fawn-to-doe ratio was 0.93 fawns per doe, and the buck-to-doe ratio was 0.42 bucks per doe.

Observers, who accompanied pilots in fixed-wing planes, counted 2,203 mule deer during the October survey, which encompassed 22 study areas and 278 square miles in western North Dakota.

 "Our surveys continue to indicate a population with stable recruitment and good numbers of adult bucks," Stillings said. "Relatively mild winters and sound management decisions have the badlands mule deer population moving in the right direction."

There are eight Game and Fish Department advisors, each representing a multi-county section of the state. The governor appoints them to four-year terms to serve as a liaison between the department and public.

Any person who requires an auxiliary aid or service must notify the contact person at least five days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

District 7 - Counties: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux
Date: November 17 - 7 p.m.
Location: Game and Fish Auditorium, Bismarck
Host: Lewis & Clark Wildlife Club
Contact: Mike Donahue, 222-3899
Advisory board member: Frank Kartch, Bismarck, 222-4544

District 1 - Counties: Divide, McKenzie and Williams
Date: November 21 - 7 p.m.
Location: Sportsman's Cafe, Tioga
Host: Tioga Area Sportsmen's Club
Contact: Herm Backhaus, 641-1124
Advisory board member: Merle Jost, Grassy Butte, 863-6727

District 8 - Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark
Date: November 22 - 7 p.m. MT
Location: Legion Club, Beach
Host: Pheasants Forever
Contact and advisory board member: Wayne Gerbig, Amidon, 879-6353

District 4 - Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh
Date: November 28 - 7 p.m.
Location: American Legion Club, Fordville
Host: Dakota Prairie Wildlife Club
Contact: Perry Brintnell, 229-3267
Advisory board member: Ronald Houdek, Tolna, 262-4724

District 5 - Counties: Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill
Date: November 29 - 7 p.m.
Location: American Legion Building, Hankinson
Host: Richland County Wildlife Club
Contact: Gary Gabbert, 242-7263
Advisory board member: Loran Palmer, West Fargo, 282-8479

District 6 - Counties: Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells
Date: November 30 - 7 p.m.
Location: National Guard Armory, Edgeley
Host: Spencer Brandt
Contact and advisory board member: Rita Greer, Marion, 669-2315  

District 3 - Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner
Date: December 1 - 7 p.m.
Location: Memorial Building, Devils Lake
Host: Lake Region Anglers
Contact: Bruce Hagen, 662-6500
Advisory board member: Tracy Gardner, Devils Lake, 662-5639

District 2 - Counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward
Date: December 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: Senior Citizens Center, Makoti
Host: Hiddenwood Wildlife Club
Contact: Erik Rensch, 726-5660
Advisory board member: Richard Anderson, Willow City, 366-4625

Licenses are available in most areas of the state, and there is no limit on the number of licenses a hunter can purchase. "We have made it very easy for someone to get multiple licenses," said Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. "Deer hunting opportunities will not always be this plentiful, so hunters should take advantage of the current situation."

The department has a management goal of a statewide deer population that will support issuing about 100,000 deer licenses per year. Several mild winters, and a corresponding increase in reproductive success, have raised the state's white-tailed deer population above management objectives in many units. Because of this, the Game and Fish Department made available 145,600 licenses this year, with about 130,000 already sold. More than 100,000 licenses have been issued each year since 2001.

"We have taken an aggressive approach to reduce deer numbers to unit management goals by dramatically increasing doe licenses," Kreil said. "We are moving in the right direction, as progress toward reducing or stabilizing deer numbers was evident this past year."

Antlerless licenses are available in units 1, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F1, 2G, 2G2, 2H, 2J2, 2K2, 2L, 3A2, 3A4, 3B1, 3B2, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 3F2, 4E and 4F. Hunters should purchase their licenses early to ensure delivery prior to opening day.

These remaining licenses - and doe licenses that have already been issued and are printed with second, third or additional concurrent season designations - can be used during any open season: bow season with a bow; the deer gun season with a bow, rifle, or muzzle-loader; or during the muzzle-loader season with a muzzle-loader. Hunters must stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.

Licenses are available to hunters who don't already have a license, or for those who want additional licenses.

Hunters can apply online from the Game and Fish Department's website, gf.nd.gov/. Paper applications are available from Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors. Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply, and licenses may be purchased throughout the season as long as they are available.

The archery season is open through Jan. 8, 2006; the regular deer gun season opens at noon Nov. 4 and continues through Nov. 20; and the muzzle-loader season opens at noon Nov. 25 and continues through Dec. 11.

"Motorists are advised to slow down and exercise caution after dark to reduce the likelihood of encounters with deer along roadways," said Bill Jensen, big game biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Most deer-vehicle accidents occur primarily at dawn and dusk when deer are most active, Jensen said. "Deer-vehicle accidents are at times unavoidable," he added. "However, motorists should be aware of warning signs signaling deer are in the area."

When you see one deer cross the road, Jensen cautioned, look for a second or third deer to follow. Also, motorists are urged to pay attention on roadways posted with Deer Crossing Area caution signs. "Obviously, deer are known to be crossing the road in this area," he said, "that is why the sign is there."

While motorists are especially attentive to deer movement this time of the year, accidents do happen, and a local law enforcement agency should be contacted. "We do get calls from motorists wondering if they can keep the carcass, or at least the antlers," said Robert Timian, law enforcement chief for the Game and Fish Department. "A permit is required if someone wants to take possession, or parts, of a road killed animal."

Permits to possess road killed deer are free and available from game wardens and local law enforcement offices.

American Family Insurance provides a few precautions that can minimize your chances of injury or property damage in a deer-vehicle crash.

• Always wear your seat belt.
• Don't swerve or take the ditch to avoid hitting a deer. Try to brake as much as possible and stay on the roadway. Don't lose control of your vehicle or slam into something else to miss the deer. You lower your risk of injury by hitting the deer.
• If you spot deer ahead, slow down immediately and honk your horn.
• No published research supports the effectiveness of deer whistles on vehicles. Deer can't hear ultrasonic frequencies.

For the past several weeks, the state Game and Fish Department has been compiling a list of landowners who want to reduce the deer population in their areas, and have requested help in attracting hunters who have one or more doe licenses.

So far, the list includes landowners from 10 different hunting units and has potential for both whitetail and mule deer doe hunters. Currently, landowners looking to host whitetail doe hunters are located in units 2C, 2F1, 2G2, 2K2, 3A2, 3A3, 3B3 and 4A.

Landowners looking to host mule deer doe hunters are located in units 3B1, 4D and 4E.

Hunters with doe licenses for these units, who are interested in contacting landowners, can call the Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300 for information on landowner names, locations, phone numbers and any potential restrictions such as hunting after opening weekend or after the first week.

"Hunters should not consider this listing as an open invitation to hunt deer," said Bill Jensen, big game biologist. "Hunters must contact the landowners and make the appropriate arrangements."

Other landowners who are interested in hosting doe hunters at some time during the deer gun season are encouraged to contact Jensen at 701-328-6637.

Game and Fish staff will update the landowner list frequently until the deer gun season is over, and issue periodic reminders. Note:  Hunters will have to call the Bismarck office, or any of the six district Game and Fish offices, for landowner contact information.

"This is a great option for us to be able to direct hunters into areas where the local landowners feel an increased harvest of does in needed," said Greg Link, assistant wildlife chief. "We appreciate the efforts of these landowners, and hope hunters will take advantage of the opportunities."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implemented a conservative approach on both species due to their low population levels. The daily limit for pintails and canvasbacks is one each.

"High deer populations, if combined with severe winter conditions, can result in wildlife depredation to livestock feed supplies," Kading said.

The Game and Fish Department will provide technical assistance to producers looking for help on how to protect hay and stored feed. For example, stacking bales rather than leaving them scattered across a field makes the bales easier to protect. "Stacking bales inside a fence, if possible, can prevent wildlife from gaining access to them," Kading added. "Ranchers have also used a protective barrier of round straw bales surrounding their more valuable bales to prevent wildlife damage."

Producers can also reduce or minimize wildlife depredation by allowing hunters access to land to ensure a proper harvest. "Planning early is the best way to reduce problems," Kading said. "If producers wait too long, snow and deteriorating weather conditions could make it difficult to store hay and feed supplies properly."

Game and Fish will assist producers with wildlife depredation problems, Kading said, but will not compensate producers for loss or damage to livestock feed supplies, trees or gardens. "The department also has temporary and permanent fencing options available for livestock producers experiencing chronic depredation problems," Kading added.

For help or more information on how to protect hay and winter feed supplies, contact the Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300.

A post-season survey indicated an estimated 2,500 (1,600 residents and 900 nonresidents) hunters actively participated during the statewide spring season, held Feb. 21 - May 8. Hunters spent an average of 2.95 days each in the field and harvested an estimated 11,170 light geese.

The number of hunters in 2005 was up 6 percent from last year. Nonresidents from 21 states participated in the spring season, and 65 percent were from Minnesota.

At least 36 counties had hunter activity, with 40 percent of hunter-days reported in Ramsey, Dickey, Stutsman, Sargent and Richland counties. The average seasonal bag was 4.4 light geese per hunter, with the highest seasonal bag reported at 450 birds.

Basic regulations for the spring season were the same as a regular waterfowl hunting season except hunting was allowed until one-half hour after sunset; electronic calls could be used; shotguns capable of holding more than three shells were permitted; there was no bag or possession limit; and a federal duck stamp was not required.

About 54 percent of hunters used unplugged shotguns, and 28 percent reported using electronic calls. More than 69 percent of hunters agreed that unplugged shotguns, jump shooting and pass shooting were effective techniques for harvest light geese in the spring.

The spring conservation order was established as part of the United States and Canada's effort to reduce the Mid-Continent Light Goose population. At this time, an eighth Conservation Order allowing a spring light goose season is anticipated for 2006.

The season extension applies only to unit 4A because the season there is split into an early and late season, according to Randy Kreil, wildlife chief. "Hunters in this unit have lost a major portion of their hunting opportunities as a result of the unprecedented early winter snow storm," Kreil said.

Hunters with either an early or late season 4A license can hunt during the extra week, beginning Monday, Oct. 17. Early season license holders cannot hunt from Oct. 10-16, which is during the regularly scheduled late season.

Allowing this extension, Kreil said, gives 4A pronghorn hunters the option to delay their hunt to avoid problems associated with the heavy snow and muddy roads.

The Game and Fish Department implemented a split season in 4A because of the large number of licenses that were issued in an effort to reduce the pronghorn population to management goals. "Pronghorn numbers in this area are well above our management goal," Kreil said, "and we need to ensure a good harvest."

Unlike past years, Hendrickson said, the salmon ladder will not be used because of low water levels and the lack of a good location for ladder. Instead, crews will be capturing salmon by electro-fishing.

"In some cases this may disrupt fishing for a minute as the boat passes," Hendrickson said, "but it is unavoidable."

The collection of salmon eggs is critical to the future of salmon in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. The public can observe salmon spawning activities near the main boat ramp at Lake Sakakawea State Park on most week days.

The egg goal for this year is approximately 1.8 million eggs, Hendrickson said, and spawning should be completed by about the third week in October.

"Hunters are always calling at the last minute because they can't find their deer license," Whitney said, "and when it happens right before the season starts, it's difficult to get a replacement license as quickly as one wants."

That is just one reason why hunters should look for their deer license now. Another one is to check it for accuracy.

"Sometimes the information on the license isn't what the hunter thought it should be," Whitney said. "Hunters need to double-check the license now to make sure the unit, species and deer sex doesn't lead to any surprises."

Deer hunters who can't find their license and are in need of a replacement can print out a duplicate (replacement) license application from the Game and Fish Department's website, gf.nd.gov/, or can call 701-328-6300 to have an application mailed or faxed.

The form must be completely filled out and notarized, and sent back in to the department with a fee. The application is processed the day it is received, Whitney said, and the license is mailed out the next business day.

The closing date for bow season printed in the 2005 North Dakota Deer Hunting Guide is Jan.1, 2006. The extra week has been added, via amendment to the Governor's Proclamation, to make the closing date consistent with closing dates for small game seasons.

The closing date is recent years has been the first Sunday in January, Kreil said, but that falls on Jan. 1 - New Year's Day - in 2006, and the official holiday is recognized Monday, Jan. 2. "We know that people look forward to hunting over the holidays," Kreil said, "and in order for that to happen this year we needed to make an adjustment."

In 2007, the bow and upland game seasons are scheduled to close Jan. 7.  

To order, send $3 for each, plus $1 postage, to: Calendar, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095. Be sure to include a three-line return address with your order, or the post office may not deliver our return mailing.

The calendar is the North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine's December issue, so current subscribers will automatically receive it in the mail.