News Release Archives - July 2006

A second experimental mountain lion season will run statewide from Sept. 1 through March 11, 2007, or until a season quota of five lions has been met. If the quota is reached, the season will close immediately. The quota includes only one mountain lion per hunter per season.

"The number of confirmed mountain lion sightings in the state has grown significantly in the past two years, most likely as a result of increased immigration from South Dakota and Montana," Kreil said.

Any mountain lion other than kittens (lions with visible spots), or females accompanied by kittens, may be taken during the season. No hunting or pursuing with dogs will be allowed until Jan. 1, 2007.

The mountain lion season is open only to North Dakota residents. A furbearer or combination license is required. Any mountain lion that is taken must be reported to the Game and Fish Department within 12 hours, Kreil said, and the entire animal must be submitted for analysis. Legally taken animals will be returned to the hunter following analysis.

Small game and waterfowl licensing details are similar to last year.

Annually, the opening date of pheasant season is the second Saturday in October, which falls on Oct. 14 this year. "The calendar changes from year-to-year, and the second Saturday can range anywhere from Oct. 8-14," Kreil said.

The legislatively approved youth pheasant hunting season will continue for a second year. Legally licensed residents and nonresidents ages 12-16 may hunt pheasants statewide Oct. 7-8.

Only North Dakota residents are permitted to hunt waterfowl from Sept. 23-29. Nonresidents will be allowed to hunt waterfowl in North Dakota beginning Sept. 30. Other waterfowl season details will be finalized in mid-August in the waterfowl amendment to the small game and furbearer proclamation.

In accordance with state law, nonresidents are not allowed to hunt on Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas or conservation PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) areas from Oct. 14-20.

Hunters should refer to the North Dakota 2006-07 Small Game and Furbearer guides (available early August) for more details on small game and furbearer seasons. Waterfowl regulations will be available toward the end of August.

North Dakota residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. Interested hunters can print out an application for mailing, or submit a lottery application online at the state Game and Fish Department web site, gf.nd.gov. Regular license fees apply and no service charge is added.

Applications are also available from Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors, or by calling 800-406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.

The statewide tundra swan hunting season is Sept. 30 - Dec. 10. A total of 2,200 licenses are available. Successful applicants will be issued a tag to take one swan during the season. Since swans are classified as waterfowl, nonresidents may hunt them only during the period their nonresident waterfowl license is valid.

The 2005 season offered the most doe/fawn licenses ever in the state, Kreil said, which reduced pronghorn numbers toward management objectives. "The state's pronghorn population estimate increased from 4,000 in 1998 to nearly 15,000 in 2005," Kreil said. "Currently, the statewide population is estimated at 12,565, which is slightly above the objective."

A total of 1,955 any-pronghorn licenses and 1,855 doe/fawn licenses are available in 2006. Applicants should note that the second choice option should only be used for doe/kid licenses as all any-pronghorn licenses will be issued in the first choice drawing.

The number of pronghorn in areas east and north of the Missouri River is still below a point that would sustain a harvest, and these areas will remain closed to pronghorn hunting.

Prospective hunters are encouraged to apply online, or print out an application to mail, at the Game and Fish Department web site, gf.nd.gov. Regular license fees apply and no service charge is added.

Applications will also be available from Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors, or by calling 800-406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.

Deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, Aug. 9. Mailed applications must be postmarked before midnight. Hand-delivered applications are due at the department's Bismarck office by 5 p.m. Applications should be mailed early because some post offices use the following day's postmark if received after office hours.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible for pronghorn gun licenses. Archery season is open to residents and nonresidents. Gun season dates are Oct. 6 (noon) - Oct. 22. Pronghorn bow season runs Sept. 1 (noon) - Oct. 8.

While the corresponding total harvest was not anywhere near a record, it was still the highest in 60 years and nearly 40 percent higher than in 2004.

"Our pheasant population continues to increase because of good nesting habitat on the landscape as a result of the Conservation Reserve Program, and a series of mild winters," said Stan Kohn, Game and Fish Department upland game biologist.

Prospects for 2006 are promising as well, Kohn added, though biologists are concerned about how hot, dry conditions over much of the pheasant range will affect pheasant reproduction.

In 2005, North Dakota had 92,801 pheasant hunters, about a 9 percent increase over 2004. The number of resident hunters increased 9 percent and the number of nonresident hunters increased more than 8 percent.

The total bag was 809,775 roosters, compared to about 587,500 in 2004. In comparison, the pheasant harvest was about 135,000 in 1997, following a severe winter. The record harvest was 2.4 million in both 1944 and 1945.

Birds bagged per hunter increased from 6.8 to 8.7, and each hunter spent an average of 5.8 days afield last year. Annual pheasant harvest statistics are determined by a mail survey of resident and nonresident hunters.

Counties with the highest percentage of harvest of pheasants by resident hunters included McLean (9.7 percent), Burleigh (7.4 percent), Hettinger (5.8 percent), Emmons (5.2 percent), and Morton (4.9 percent). Top counties for nonresident hunters were Hettinger (19.5 percent), Dickey (9.1 percent), McIntosh (6.6 percent), Emmons (6.0 percent) and Bowman (5.6 percent).

"What we've experienced over the last several years is a nice expansion of the pheasant range in North Dakota," Kohn noted. "We're seeing hunters harvest good numbers of pheasants in counties that at one time barely registered on our surveys. Pheasant hunters have a lot more opportunities now, over a much larger area, than was the case 10 years ago."

Following a mild winter in 2005-06, with minimal winter mortality, Kohn said, the 2006 spring crowing count indicated a 39 percent increase statewide in the number of pheasants heard crowing compared to last year.

Pheasant crowing counts are conducted each spring by observers driving standardized 20-mile routes throughout North Dakota. The number of rooster pheasants heard crowing is recorded and compared to previous years' data. The index does not measure actual numbers or population density, but is an indicator of the population trend of breeding roosters in the state, Kohn explained.

Crowing counts were up about 50 percent in the northeast, southwest, and southeast districts, and essentially unchanged in the northwest.

While crowing counts identified an increase in spring numbers, the fall pheasant population largely depends on reproductive success and survival of young birds in June through mid-August, Kohn said.

"Presently, we have a large area of southwestern and south-central North Dakota experiencing severe drought conditions," Kohn said, "and we do not know what effect this condition may have on the survival of pheasant chicks.

"Although the present outlook looks promising for this fall's season, we will have more information regarding fall pheasant numbers after completion of production surveys in August."

Licenses remain for the following units: Unit 03, portions of Benson, Towner, Pierce and Ramsey counties, 167 licenses; Unit 04, portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties south of Interstate 94, 153; Unit 06, Bowman County, 50; Unit 13, Dunn County, 438; Unit 15, Emmons County, 83; Unit 17, portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties north of Interstate 94, 786; Unit 19, Grant and Sioux counties and a portion of Morton County, 40; Unit 25, McHenry County and portions of Pierce and Ward counties, 268; Unit 27, McKenzie County, 338; Unit 30, portion of Morton County, 146; Unit 31, Mountrail County, 37; Unit 44, Slope County, 69; Unit 45, Stark County, 74; Unit 51, Burke County and portions of Renville, Bottineau and Ward counties, 107; and Unit 99, Mercer and Oliver counties, 223.

The prairie grouse hunting season - good for either sharp-tailed grouse or prairie chickens - will be held Oct. 14-22 in two hunting units, one in Grand Forks County (north unit) and the other in southeastern North Dakota (south unit). Fifty licenses will be awarded to resident hunters in each unit.

Applications for the 2006 season must be in the mail and postmarked no later than Aug. 9. To apply for the prairie grouse season, hunters need to send a 3x5 postcard containing their name, address, phone number and choice of hunting unit (north or south) to Prairie Chicken Application, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, N.D. 58501.

Only one application per postcard and one application per hunter is permitted. Successful applicants will be notified through the mail.

A total of 45 prairie chickens and 127 sharp-tailed grouse were taken during the state's 2005 prairie chicken hunting season. Forty-two hunters bagged 25 prairie chickens and 15 sharptails in the north unit, while 45 hunters took 20 prairie chickens and 112 sharptails in the south unit.

The department received 390 applications in 2005 - 229 for the north unit and 154 for the south unit.

Spring Duck Index Remains Above Long-Term Average 071706
The number of breeding ducks in North Dakota continues to remain above the long-term average, according to the state Game and Fish Department recent spring breeding duck survey.

The 59th annual spring survey, conducted May 8-11, showed an index of nearly 3.7 million birds, 11 percent lower than last year but still 76 percent above the 1948-2005 average, according to Mike Johnson, migratory game bird management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Duck indices were up from 2005 for mallards (10 percent), and pintail (7 percent). Indices for all other species were unchanged or below 2005. The most significant decreases were for scaup (48 percent), and a category labeled "other" species comprised mostly of ring-necked ducks (31 percent).

All species except pintail remained above the 1948-2005 average. The index for mallards was 137 percent above the long-term average. Although scaup declined significantly from the record high of 2005, they remained 136 percent above the long-term average. Pintails, which have declined to low numbers continentally, were down 13 percent.

While the 2006 water index was down from last year, it still remained 3 percent above the 1948-2005 average. However, according to Johnson, the remarkable wet cycle which began in 1993 appears to be waning. "Changes in water indices were highly variable across the state, as water conditions were at or below average on all transects except in the Red River Valley," Johnson said. "Although the departure from average water conditions on the seven western transects is rather modest, wetland conditions are considered to be much worse than indicated.

"This is because the survey counts water areas, not the amount of water contained in the wetland," he continued. "Thus, wetlands with even a trace of water contribute as much to the index as those that are full. Many seasonal wetlands contained only minimal water and water levels in most semi-permanent wetlands were well below the highs we have experienced since the wet period began in 1993."

The July brood survey will provide a better idea of duck production, and a better insight into what to expect this fall, Johnson said. "Our observations to date indicate that production may be lower in much of the state due to extreme dry conditions and reduced wetland availability for brood production," he added. "Despite the large populations of ducks and prospects for at least an average production year, fall weather always has a big impact on the success of the hunting season."

Transporting Packaged Fish Must be Done Properly 071706
Anglers in North Dakota should be aware of regulations regarding packaging and transporting of fish.

"Too often anglers are just freezing a bunch of fish together instead of packaging each fish individually," said Robert Timian, chief of enforcement for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

North Dakota fishing regulations state that any dressed fish to be transported, if frozen, must be packaged individually. Two fillets are counted as one fish.

"There is a need to be able to reasonably count the number of fish," Timian said, "and if they are all frozen into one large block, it cannot be done. When we have to take the frozen block and thaw it, it is not very convenient for the angler or the warden."

Timian also says it is important that anglers properly interpret daily and possession limit regulations. The daily limit is a limit of fish taken from midnight to midnight, and no person may possess more than one day's limit of fish while on the water or actively engaged in fishing.

The possession limit is the maximum number of fish that an angler may have in his or her possession during a fishing trip of more than one day. "If you are fishing at a lake for four consecutive days, it is still considered a single fishing trip," Timian said, "and therefore you could only have a possession limit with you on your return drive home."

Hunting Guide and Outfitter Test Set for Aug. 12 071706
The next guide and outfitter written examination is Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. The test is given periodically to anyone interested in becoming a hunting guide or outfitter in the state.

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.

Interested individuals are required to pre-register by calling the Game and Fish Department's enforcement office at 328-6604.

According to Schwan, the rancher heard a commotion involving his dogs and went to investigate, saw a mountain lion treed about 50 yards from his house, went in the house to get a rifle, and upon returning the lion was on the ground in a confrontation with his dogs. The lion was then shot.

The rancher immediately contacted Schwan, who was on the scene an hour later. Schwan retrieved the carcass and transported it to Dickinson where it is being stored in a freezer until a full examination can occur.

The lion appeared to be a young female weighing approximately 80 pounds. The Game and Fish Department will be doing an analysis of the carcass later this week to obtain all pertinent biological information.

Schwan said the rancher was well within the law in killing the lion. State law specifically allows the killing of mountain lions to protect individuals or their property. The law also requires the Game and Fish Department must be notified - which the rancher did.

The Game and Fish Department implemented the first experimental mountain lion season in North Dakota last fall to learn more about the current status of these animals in North Dakota, and to gather biological information on mountain lions in the state. The season opened Sept. 2, 2005 and ended Jan. 15 after a predetermined quota of five cats was reached.

A second experimental season will be held this year. The season is tentatively set to open Sept. 1 and continue through March 11, 2007, or until a predetermined quota of five cats has been filled. The animal taken this weekend near Watford City will not be included in the quota for the upcoming season.

Unsuccessful applicants in the first drawing will be mailed a blue application form with a July 26 deadline. Hunters who have not yet applied, or who want to apply for a second, third or fourth license, have to submit a third lottery ivory-colored application by Aug. 2.

The 2006 deer hunting proclamation allows hunters to purchase an unrestricted number of additional antlerless licenses in specific units as long as licenses are available. After the third lottery application procedure, any remaining licenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis for hunters who want more than four deer gun licenses.

Hunters can use additional doe licenses during the archery 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. These licenses must be used for antlerless deer only, and hunters must stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.

Interested hunters can print out an application, or submit a lottery application online at the Game and Fish Department web site, gf.nd.gov. Applications will also be available from Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors.

Mailed applications must be postmarked by midnight of the respective deadline. Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply in the third lottery. The regular deer gun season starts at noon Nov. 10 and runs through Nov. 26.

The lottery drawing for persons who have not yet received a 2006 deer gun license will take place prior to the lottery for hunters seeking additional licenses.