News Release Archives - December 2005

With that in mind, riders are reminded to observe state laws that protect wildlife and its habitat, so animals do not suffer additional stress that already arrives with winter weather conditions. Thoughtless harassing or chasing of wildlife not only stresses animals, but is also illegal.

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 urged to use trails to avoid situations that could disturb wildlife. State parks, Snowmobile North Dakota and local clubs maintain hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails across the state. Information on the North Dakota trail system is available at the SND website, snowmobilend.com.

Observers witnessing harassment or chasing of wildlife are encouraged to call the Report All Poachers hotline at 800-472-2121.

"Anglers are reminded it is illegal to discard Christmas trees on the ice," Power said. "For various reasons, new tree reef projects are limited in North Dakota and there is no need for more trees."

The new address, www.gf.nd.gov, is short, straight-forward and easy to work with, said Craig Bihrle, communications supervisor for the department.

The old department web addresses will still work, Bihrle said. Internet users will simply be redirected to the new site.

The Game and Fish Department website offers a diverse menu for the state's outdoor enthusiast, including online licensing/applications, regulations, maps, and general hunting, fishing and boating information.

The high plains unit boundary is detailed in the 2005 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide.

Q: Does the Game and Fish Department have a fishing or ice thickness hotline?
A: No.  The department does not issue official fishing reports. Ice thickness can vary considerably within a lake and cannot be predicted. A local bait shop might be the best source for information on ice thickness and fishing opportunities on a favorite lake.

Q: When is ice con sidered safe?
A: Ice is never completely safe, and caution is always advised when venturing on ice. However, a general rule of thumb is four inches will support a group of people walking single file; six inches for a snowmobile or ATV; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup truck.

Q: How many poles can I use while ice fishing?
A: While fishing through the ice a maximum of four poles can be used in all waters where ice fishing is open.

Q: Can I use dead minnows on "no-live-baitfish" lakes?
A: Yes, but they must be preserved by freezing, salting or otherwise treated to inactivate sexual products. You cannot possess live baitfish on lakes where it is prohibited.

Q: Is there a size restriction for a fish hole in the ice while fishing with hook and line?
A: Yes, a hole in the ice can be no larger than 12 inches in diameter.

Q: Is it legal to leave litter or waste material on the ice?
A: No. Depositing or leaving any litter, refuse, rubbish, bottles, cans or other waste material on the ice is illegal.

Q: Is there a size restriction for a hole while spearfishing from a darkhouse?
A: There are no size restrictions for the hole in the ice while spearfishing from a darkhouse.

Q: What are the season dates for darkhouse spearfishing?
A: Darkhouse spearfishing is legal from December 1 through February 28 of each fishing year.

Q: While spearfishing from a darkhouse, does my spear count as one of my four poles?
A: Yes.

Q: Are all fish species legal for darkhouse spearfishing?
A: No, the only legal species are northern pike and nongame species, such as bullhead, buffalo and carp.

Q: While I am spearfishing from a darkhouse, can I fish with hook-and-line in the same hole?
A: No, in order to use hook and line the hole must be smaller than 12 inches in diameter.

Q: Do the fish I catch while spearfishing from a darkhouse count toward my daily limit with fish caught by hook and line, or are the limits separate?
A: The daily limit combines fish you spear with fish caught by hook and line.

Q: Do I have to register before going darkhouse spearfishing?
A: Yes, the department develops an address base for a survey to determine use and harvest.

Q: Where do I register for darkhouse spearfishing?
A: Registration is available at the department website, gf.nd.gov, or at any North Dakota Game and Fish Department office.

Q: Does my child under 16 still have to register for darkhouse spearfishing?
A: Yes, all persons, regardless of age, must register.

Q: Where should I write the registration number for my child who is under 16 years old?
A: Write your child's registration number on your fishing license.

Q: I am making my own spear for spearfishing.  Is there a size restriction for a spear?
A: No.

Q: Does a fish house need to be licensed?
A: No, fish houses no longer need to be licensed in North Dakota.

Q: Does my fish house need to have identification?
A: Occupied structures do not require identification. However, any unoccupied fish house must have displayed on its outside in readily distinguishable characters at least three inches high, the owner's name, and either address or telephone number.

Q: How close can my fish house be to another one?
A: Fish houses may be placed no closer than 50 feet in any direction to each other.

Q: When does my fish house have to be removed from the ice?
A: Fish houses shall be removed from all waters by midnight, March 15, of each year.

Q: Can portable fish houses be used after March 15?
A: Yes, they can be used if they are removed daily.

Weigel Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year 121405
Jerry Weigel, fisheries production and development supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, received the Director's Award for 2005 during the department's annual meeting Dec. 8 in Bismarck.

Dean Hildebrand, department director, said Weigel has shown extraordinary energy and competency since he was first hired in 1986.

A Linton native and graduate of the University of North Dakota, Weigel has shown a great ability to coordinate with federal fish hatcheries to achieve increasing production demands on a statewide level, Hildebrand said. "He coordinates our fish production issues with the hatcheries, and works fish trades with hatchery coordinators from other states," Hildebrand added. "He also puts in hundreds of hours hauling fish."

In addition to his fish production and development obligations, Weigel coordinates the computer demands for the fisheries division. "He has written the database program for stocking and netting records," Hildebrand said. "He has also set up all division computers across the state, and has been working with global information systems and how that technology will enhance the fisheries division."

In a nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Robert Timian noted Lundstrom's district in central North Dakota is one of the busiest and most populated areas in the state. "Warden Lundstrom's patrol duties include waterfowl, upland game, big game and fishing activities, and enforcement of a number of public lands owned or managed by the Game and Fish Department," Timian said. "These public areas in her district receive heavy use, most of which is not related to hunting or fishing. The department has put a high emphasis on preventing illegal activity in this area, and Warden Lundstrom has played a significant role in this effort."

Lundstrom's district also includes a section of the Missouri River, one of the most heavily used waterways in the state. "She spends many hours monitoring boat traffic on the river, and has issued numerous citations for prohibited operations of personal watercraft and other general boat safety violations," Timian said.

In addition, Lundstrom is active in hunter and boat safety education, Timian mentioned, and takes advantage of all public educational opportunities. "Her organizational skills, her dedication to natural resource enforcement and her abilities to serve the public make her a valuable asset to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department," he added.

Lundstrom is a Devils Lake native, and graduate of North Dakota State University.

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 Department director make the final selection.

Mike McKenna, conservation and communications division chief, Bismarck, was presented with a Meritorious Service award for his efforts in revitalizing and energizing the department's planning process. "Mike's creative and unique approach to the planning process has been necessary and effective," Hildebrand said. "Planning is very difficult, and the department is better off because of his efforts. He has brought a more condensed and efficient approach to planning, and the completion of the strategic, operational and evaluative phases will serve as the department's template for the future."

Dan Halstead, wildlife resource management supervisor, Riverdale, received the Special Projects award, given to a staff member for completing a new project which is on its way to being highly successful. Halstead was recognized for his work in completing the Mallard Island Wetland Development Project. "Dan quietly and independently worked to secure the necessary funding, and led the coordination effort necessary to complete the project," Hildebrand said. "Through his steady and confident approach, he managed to assemble a large and diverse partnership that resulted in full funding and a functional project. Because of this, Mallard Island will significantly add to waterfowl production in North Dakota."

The entire fisheries division field staff was presented with the Innovations award, recognizing staff for implementing a process to improve department goals and objectives. "Our fisheries division initiated a project to determine how successful our walleye stocking program has been, and where we likely need to put further resources to improve either stocking success or aquatic habitat," Hildebrand said. "Every fingerling walleye stocked in the state is marked through the ear bone with a common antibiotic. During fall sampling young-of-the-year walleye are gathered, sent to a lab and analyzed to determine the proportion of marked fish to unmarked fish. This determines the success of our stocking efforts and natural reproduction. Our fisheries field staff has put in an extraordinary amount of work and hours to take proper care of the fish prior to stocking, and while gathering young-of-the-year."

Janel Kolar, administrative assistant, Dickinson, received the Solid Foundation award, presented to an employee or group of individuals who demonstrated exemplary work in the administrative, technical or support field. According to Hildebrand, Kolar has developed and maintained statewide computer programs for enforcement, wildlife and fisheries divisions. "In addition to the number of tasks she performs as the administrative assistant at the Dickinson office, Janel has been instrumental in streamlining and updating computer programs," Hildebrand said. "She leads office staff through the multitude of software updates with expertise and patience. She offers great insight and an unparalleled interest in her work."

Dorothy Fecske, furbearer and wildlife disease biologist, Bismarck, received the Public Outreach award, presented to an employee for showing a significant effort, ability, or accomplishment in interacting with the public while promoting the department's programs. Fecske was noted for her efforts in working with the public and media on issues related to mountain lion management. "Within the first two weeks of her employment with the department Dorothy was thrust into the spotlight resulting from an expanding number of issues related to mountain lions," Hildebrand said. "These issues were highly charged, controversial and difficult. Dorothy's positive attitude, exceptional skill and knowledge of the issue have drawn accolades from the public, other agencies and department staff."

James Myhre, district game warden, Steele, received the 2005 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 in regards to law enforcement, education, search and rescue, outreach and training. Myhre was recognized for his outstanding public service, and his professionalism and personal commitment to promoting safe and enjoyable recreational boating, according to Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator. "Warden Myhre's district includes some of the most congested waters of the state, and his presence has done much to create a safer environment for boaters," Boldt said. "He is active in boating education in the community, has worked with other law enforcement agencies to encourage their officers to become involved with boating enforcement, and has been instrumental in forming a local sportsmen's organization."

Hunters are reminded the season for Canada geese closes Dec. 22, while high plains duck hunting opportunities continue through Jan. 1, 2006.

Archery deer, sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, partridge, pheasant and tree squirrel hunting seasons continue through Jan. 8, 2006.

The fall wild turkey season is open until Jan. 15, 2006.

Bobcat, mink and weasel hunting and trapping seasons, as well as muskrat trapping, are open through March 12, 2006. Muskrat hunting season closes May 7, 2006.

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

"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, as it can vary significantly 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 they venture 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."

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

Boldt also suggests wearing a personal flotation device and carrying a cell phone while on the ice. Also, an ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around, and ice picks or a set of screwdrivers should be carried to pull yourself back on the ice in case you fall through.

If someone falls through the ice, act quickly by calling 911. Attempt to reach the victim with a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that isn't possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as the last resort. Should this be necessary, a human chain, in which rescuers lie on the ice with each person grasping the feet of the person in front, is an effective technique.

Treat a hypothermia victim by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry clothing. An effective treatment is to place the victim in a sleeping bag, if available, with another person. Immediately transport the victim to a hospital.

The owner's name, and either address or telephone number must be displayed on the outside with letters or numbers of at least three inches high. Any unoccupied fish house left on the ice without having proper identification may be removed or destroyed by the department, Timian said, and the owner could be cited for a class 2 noncriminal offense.

"Most people know that identification is required," Timian said, "but some who are using houses for the first time aren't aware of the regulation."

A number of years ago the state legislature repealed the law requiring licensing of fish houses in North Dakota. Because of that, Timian said, a few people think no identification is necessary. "We see a few houses each year that aren't identified and the owner is nowhere around," he said. "Citations are issued to the owner when unoccupied fish houses are left on the ice."

The program's annual winter bird survey takes place the third week of December, January and February, according to Jeb Williams, outreach biologist.

Any citizen can participate, Williams said, by just watching their feeders. "This survey involves a winter census to determine overall trends in North Dakota's wintering songbird population for different areas of the state," he said.

The state is divided into four regions: northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast. Participants are asked to monitor their bird feeders for a minimum of 30 minutes per day during the two-day period each month, recording the number and type of birds at the feeder.

Individuals who want to help with the winter bird survey should call the Game and Fish Department in Bismarck at 701-328-6300. The statewide surveys are tallied and returned to each participant, Williams said, depicting unique trends from across North Dakota.