News Release Archives - February 2006

The purpose of this four-year-old regulation, according to Emil Berard, fisheries biologist for the state Game and Fish Department, is to provide better control against unintentional introduction of aquatic nuisance species. "These species are becoming more of a threat," Berard said. "We are especially concerned about shipments of leeches, crawlers or live baitfish coming into North Dakota from points east and south of the state."

In the past, bait moved rather freely between states and provinces, Berard said, as there was little control. "However, it is now illegal for this indiscriminant movement of bait to occur," Berard said.

Nonresidents who want to bring live bait to North Dakota, or residents who want to buy live bait out-of-state and bring it back into North Dakota, need to buy a North Dakota bait vendor's license. Otherwise, anglers simply need to buy bait from a licensed North Dakota bait vendor.

Monitoring 250 bait vendors, Berard said, is much easier than making sure some 162,000 licensed anglers, including 34,000 nonresident anglers who fish in the state, possess legal bait that is free of exotic species such as zebra mussel.

In 2004, North Dakota bait volume exceeded 36 million units, including more than 8 million nightcrawlers, leeches and wax worms. All live insects and invertebrates brought into the state are illegal without the appropriate license or permit from the Game and Fish Department.

The Wednesday night presentations, at the Holiday Inn at the intersection of Gateway Drive and Interstate 29, begin at 7 p.m. and last about 90 minutes.

All four presentations are intended for fourth-graders to adults. Written materials and handouts will be available where applicable. For more information, contact Marty E. Egeland, outreach biologist, at 795-3811.

* March 8 - Raptors of North Dakota - Hawks, owls, eagles and falcons belong to a group of predatory birds called raptors. Learn the birds' habitats, eating habits and identifying characteristics through a presentation of colorful photographs. Take a more in-depth look at two of North Dakota's raptors as Greg Brooks presents his educational program with a live bald eagle and great-horned owl.

* March 15 - Furbearers of North Dakota - Touch the furs, identify the habitats and learn the biology of a group of wildlife called furbearers. This group includes mink, fox, muskrat and raccoon. Learn how these species are used for their fur and how their populations affect other wildlife.

* March 22 - Fishing the Red River - Join area anglers from the Red River Hookers and learn the secrets to fishing the Red River. This river running through our back yard is an excellent fishing resource. Let these experts teach you about equipment, techniques, and fish species.

* March 29 - Mountain Lions in North Dakota - Learn all about this large and mysterious predator including its historic and current status, preferred habitat, track identification, food requirements, and other interesting biological facts. Get a chance see a mountain lion pelt, skull, scat and actual impressions taken from a mountain lion track.

North Dakota has auctioned a bighorn sheep license each year since 1986 to fund sheep projects in the state, raising $633,650. Last year's license, which sold for $43,000, was the sixth 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, are 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.

Last year, 3,766 deer-vehicle incidents were tallied, down from 4,252 in 2004. According to DOT statistics, this was the first time a decline has occurred since 1996.

"This tells us a couple things," said Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. "In some areas the deer population is declining to management goals, and motorists are probably exercising more caution, especially during months and times of day when deer are most active."

The Game and Fish Department has been aggressive in its approach to deer management by issuing a record number of deer licenses the past five years. Also, reminders are issued each spring and fall cautioning drivers to be aware of deer, especially in areas where deer crossing signs are posted.

"We're always glad to see a reduction in the number of crashes," said Dawn Olson, manager, NDDOT Office of Traffic Safety. "Any reduction in crashes helps to proportionately reduce instances of bodily injuries and/or fatalities. This is a step in the right direction toward the department's goal of 'Toward Zero Deaths,' as any disabling injury or death is one too many."

Olson commented that defensive driving techniques can also help to prevent deer-vehicle crashes. Drivers should slow down during deer migration seasons, be especially watchful in areas where roadways border fields, thickets and places where deer may feed or take cover, and during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk when it is especially difficult to see deer emerging onto the roadway.

Hunters are able to call 701-328-3697 to hear recorded information 24 hours a day. Migration reports are also posted on the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Updates will be provided periodically during the week until the season ends or geese have left the state.

Snow geese tend to move through North Dakota fairly quickly in the spring, with arrival and duration in the state dependent on weather conditions.

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.

The spring light goose season opens Feb. 18 and continues through May 7. Hunters must obtain a Harvest Information Program number for 2006 before hunting in the spring season. Hunters who have yet to obtain a HIP number may do so by calling 888-634-4798.

Licensing requirements and regulations are also available by accessing the Game and Fish website.

Interested individuals who would still like to get out for the first time must first register with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Registration is available through the department's website, gf.nd.gov, or through any Game and Fish Department office.

Two bighorn sheep units were open in 2005. One license was issued south of Interstate 94 for Unit B1, two licenses were issued north of Interstate 94 in Unit B4, and one additional auction license holder was able to hunt both open areas. All four hunters tagged adult rams.

The department issued 128 moose licenses last year. Of that total, 115 hunters were successful, harvesting 76 bulls and 39 cows/calves. Harvest for each unit follows:

The department issued 216 elk licenses last year. Of that total, 107 hunters were successful, harvesting 61 bulls and 46 cows/calves. Harvest for each unit follows:

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.

Todd Foss from Fargo, Joe Solseng from Grand Forks, and Crosby instructors Toby Placek, Lauren Throntveit and Errol Thvedt were named instructors of the year.

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

James Linnertz from West Fargo was honored for 30 years of service.

Receiving 25 year service awards were Allen Aufforth, Bottineau; Dale Bakkum, Mayville; Ronald Brilz, Tioga; James Buchweitz, Bottineau; Ronald Grinde, Mayville; James Grubb, Tioga; Robert Herdt, St. John; Doyle Heupel, Elgin; Dale Kilwein, Dickinson; Allan Kville, Portland; Roy Laframboise, Towner; Ellary Liebelt, Lidgerwood; Thomas Linnertz, Harwood; Charles Paulson, Fargo; Ralph Peterson, Portland; Toby Placek, Crosby; Melvin Stark, Cavalier; Arlo Stevick, Minot; Walter Turbiville, Dickinson; Daryl Vance, Watford City.

Honored for 20 years of service were Melvin Birkholz, Garrison; David Colby, Kenmare; Bruce Fairbrother, Towner; Allen Giese, Wahpeton; Allan Goerger, Barney; Dwight Leier, Esmond; Gary Leslie, Burlington; Dwight Lies, Douglas; Gary Nilsson, Walhalla; Vernon Ostby, Garrison; Larrett Peterson, Bottineau; Larry Sinner, Hillsboro; Paul Stave, Grafton; Mark Walsh, Williston; Terry Week, Beach; Walter Zimbelman, Fullerton; James Zimmerman, Ellendale.

Presented with 15 year service awards were James Anderson, Dickinson; Ronald Bachmeier, Dickinson; Dwain Barondeau, Mott; Robert Blatherwick, Bottineau; Mike Cruff, Minot; Neil Dockter, Horace; Thomas Kelsh, Minot; Gene Kouba, Bismarck; Cory Lohse, Watford City; Robert Opp, Jamestown; Eugene Pederson, Valley City; Mark Pollert, LaMoure; Gerald Quintus, Richardton; Richard Sauer, Carpio; Paul Sinner, Wahpeton; Larry Thompson, Dickinson; Gary Wald, Maddock; Merle Weatherly, Jamestown; Curtis Wittmayer, Parshall.

Recognized for 10 years of service were Wayne Andersen, Bismarck; Darren Benneweis, Enderlin; William Byram, Devils Lake; Roger Dienert, Hankinson; Marty Egeland, Grand Forks; Gary Erickson, Upham; Glen Fuhrman, Enderlin; Darrell Hager, Sheyenne; Rick Haldorson, Enderlin; Robert Herding, Hankinson; Marvin Ingman, Dickinson; Mary Beth Ingman, Dickinson; Jackie Jacobson, Max; Ike Kuntz, Dickinson; Larry Leier, Hague; Pam Podoll, Velva; Edwin Rettig, Alexander; Harold Schnell, Dickinson; Thomas Simmons, Cavalier; Mark Volk, Bismarck.

Five-year service awards were presented to Randy Anderson, Hettinger; Bruce Baer, Belfield; Richard Bolton, Hazen; Dawn Brehmer, Fargo; Ryan Brehmer, Fargo; Stanley Bruggeman, Warren; Diane Dockter, Horace; James Dusek, Grafton; Corinne Engen, Anamoose; Merle Ferry, Finley; John Gorman, Larimore; Colleen Graue, Kenmare; Travis Gray, Valley City; Bradley Gregoire, Grand Forks; Jason Gullickson, Rugby; Jeremy Haugen, Washburn; Tim Holt, Mayville; Rodney Howatt, Langdon; Connie Jorgenson, Devils Lake; Darrell Kersting, Kindred; Nestor Kilber, Stanton; Kendich Krabseth, Alamo; Rick Laframboise, Grand Forks; Danaee Marquette, Rutland; Rodney Miller, Bismarck; Ryan Mitchell, Rolla; Scott Pedersen, Northwood; Tony Poupa, Emerado; Andrew Robinson, Minot Air Force Base; David Sardelli, Hebron; William Socwell, Sarles; Eric Tilton, Larimore; Wallace Titus, Bismarck; Brian Weninger, Edmore; Jodie Woroniecki, Hebron; Craig Zimprich, McClusky.

Two-year active instructors recognized were Kristian Aamundstad, Fargo; Peter Bair, Larimore; Donn Beck, Cando; Amanda Benneweis, Enderlin; Craig Bjur, Fargo; Karl Blake, Park River; Joseph Dunn, Dickinson; Kurt Edwards, Stanley; Michael Gladue, Dunseith; Gary Hegland, Fargo; Karl Helland, Casselton; Brian Hillyard, Enderlin; Alan Howard, Minot; Joshua Ingman, Dickinson; Jason Isaak, Anamoose; Robert Jellberg, Bottineau; Kelly Johnson, Kindred; Michael Johnson, Fargo; Terry Kassian, Wilton; Brian Kietzman, Edgeley; Dennis Knudson, Hankinson; Curtis Konkler, Fargo; Steven Kukowski, Minot; Arlen Kurtti, Beulah; David Muhlbradt, Underwood; Dustin Neva, Hatton; Terry O'Brien, Dickinson; Charles Oien, Elgin; Levi Reese, Lakota; Heidi Robinson, Minot; Allen Rusch, Fargo; Leroy Schoffstall, Minot; Laurie Skibicki, Fordville; Scott Thorson, Towner; Matthew Van Thuyne, Devils Lake; Daniel Vollmer, Rolla; Matt Webster, Bottineau; Staci Wegleitner, Williston.

Deb and Kevin Burley, a husband and wife team from Jamestown with five years of volunteer service, were named Conservation Educators of the Year. "Deb and Kevin have been active in all of our education projects," said Jeff Long, Game and Fish Department education coordinator. "They volunteer for our major projects like Hooked on Fishing and Boat and Water safety, yet still find time for some of our lesser-known projects, including Birds of North Dakota and Wildlife of North Dakota. They are very deserving of this award."

Jack Messmer, a seven-year fishing instructor from Dickinson, was recognized as Hooked on Fishing Instructor of the Year for his commitment and dedication to the Hooked on Fishing Program. "Jack is always willing to participate and instruct at kids' fishing and aquatic education events," Long said. "His dedication shows by his hours of volunteer service, the number of events he has conducted, and the number of kids he has reached."

Wayne Beyer, a 15-year volunteer instructor from Wahpeton, was named Boating and Water Safety Instructor of the Year. "Wayne has delivered boat and water safety programs to thousands of participants," said Nancy Boldt, department boat and water safety coordinator. "He has been more than willing to teach the importance of boat and water safety, and has been a dedicated volunteer for a number of years."

In addition, volunteers were recognized for years of service.

Recognized for 20 years of service were Stanley Griffin, Oberon; Sherry Niesar, Bismarck.

Recognized for 15 years of service were Wayne Beyer, Wahpeton; Carolyn Brauner, Jamestown; Bruce Messmer, Dickinson; Mark Montgomery, Center; Karen Wardner, Bismarck.

Ten-year service recipients were Linda Renner, Jamestown; Duane Schatz, Elgin; Darold Walls, Jamestown.

Recognized for five years of service were Fred Abelseth, Minot; Larry Bartholomay, Mapleton; Jim Bennett, Minot; Kevin Burley, Jamestown; Jill Christensen, Valley City; Bonnie Etter, Jamestown; Jeff Kapaun, Valley City; Randy Knain, Rugby; Julie McLain, Stanton; Greg Schoneck, Minot; Tom Tracy, Kensal.

Two-year service recipients were Terry Auch, Minot; Dan Buchanan, Jamestown; Helen Bulzomi, Napoleon; Johnathan Campbell, Bismarck; Keith Corliss, West Fargo; Patsy Crooke, Mandan; Lonnie Feilmeier, Watford City; Sandra Hagen, Bismarck; Barbara Handy-Marchello, Argusville; Joy Kroh, Surrey; Mike Kroh, Surrey; Hank Labore, Bismarck; Martin Marchello, Argusville; Preston Persson, Williston; Tait Ronningen, Bismarck; Chris Sailer, Stanton; Freida Sailer, Stanton; Connie Schily, Carson; Nancy Schnabel, New Rockford; Richard Stark, Garrison; Angela Wetz, Dickinson.

Spring Turkey Season Set, Applications Available 020106
North Dakota 's wild turkey population continues to do well in much of the state, allowing the state Game and Fish Department to make available a record number of licenses for the spring hunting season, according to Stan Kohn, upland game bird biologist.

A total of 6,425 wild turkey licenses are available, an increase of 260 from last year. Nine units have more licenses available than last year, while only one unit has fewer.

This marks the third consecutive year the Game and Fish Department has set a record number of licenses for the spring season, Kohn said, due to a strong statewide population. "The only exception this year is in Dunn County," Kohn said, "and licenses reflect this."

Hunters can apply online, or print out an application to mail, at the department website, gf.nd.gov. Anyone who applies online and provides an email address will receive an email from the department with results once the drawing has been held.

Lottery and gratis applications are available at game and fish offices, county auditor offices and license vendors. Persons can also apply by calling 800-406-6409. A $4 service charge is added with this feature.

Applications for the spring season must be postmarked no later than Feb. 15. Only North Dakota re sidents are eligible to apply. The spring turkey season runs from April 8 through May 14.

Residents can hunt during the spring season by having last fall's 2005-06 bird licenses. Otherwise, hunters will need to purchase either a 2006-07 combination license; or a small game, and genera l 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 800-406-6409.

Those purchasing a license are able to register with HIP at that time. Otherwise, hunters should call 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.

Nonresidents need a 2006 spring light goose season license. The cost is $50 and the license is good statewide. 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 re sidents or nonresidents.

The spring season is only open to light geese - snows, blues, and Ross'. 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.

The statewide season is open through May 7. 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 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 not addressed above apply to the spring season. For more information on regulations refer to the 2005 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide.