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Behind the Badge

Duck decoys in water

Lessons Not Learned

While the majority of violations wardens deal with are wildlife related, as licensed peace officers they sometimes must address violations outside of their typical purview.

Duck hunter with decoys

Daily Limits and Possession Limits

While most hunters are fully aware of how many and what species of ducks they may shoot in a day, a few are unaware how many they may have in possession. Learn more in this post from District Game Warden Erik Schmidt.

Dead moose with fetuses cut out

Moose Poaching - Case Resolution (08/2021)

After a months-long investigation, two individuals have been sentenced to jail for killing five moose near Dunseith in May of 2020. Learn more in this post from District Game Warden Jonathan Tofteland.

Three people kayaking

PFDs and Paddlecraft

Insufficient PFDs is one of the most-cited violations each year, especially paddlecraft related violations. Learn more in this post from District Game Warden Courtney Sprenger.

ANS sign at boat dock

ANS - A Game Warden's Perspective

Department Game Wardens are tasked with enforcing the rules protecting the state's waters from ANS. Learn more in this article from District Game Warden Andrew Dahlgren.

Warden truck on road

Stories From the Old-Timer

Back in 1987 when Game Warden Tim Phalen started his career, field training wasn’t a thing, which made starting out a bit more rocky.

Kayak Paddles

Kayak Found

Kayak found on Lake Sakakawea Saturday, July 24. If you have information on its owner please call the Department at 701-328-6604.

Litter

Pack It In, Pack It Out

With an increase in visitation to WMAs this summer has come an increase in litter and abandon property. District Game Warden Jayson Lee pulled the pictured litter out of one WMA in a morning. 

Drawing of tent and fishing dock

Sainthood

Some days in the life of a game warden are more entertaining than others as you'll see in this tale by Game Warden Art Cox.

Operation Dry Water - 2021

Operation Dry Water is part of a nationally coordinated effort to increase knowledge about the dangers of boating under the influence. 

Pinocchio rendering

Tall Tales

Most people game wardens encounter are honest and up-front, but sometimes…well…not so much, as you can read in this “Tall Tale” from Game Warden Alan Howard.

Game Warden Training

Department game wardens recently completed annual training that included skills like emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics and de-escalation. Learn more in this North Dakota Outdoors.

Warden checking hunting licenses in the field

Game Warden Testing Announcement

The Department has scheduled an examination to select district game warden candidates. The test will be July 16, 2021. The application deadline is July 14.

Poached deer with antlers removed

Poaching Case Resolution

A months-long investigation into the poaching of about 10, and possibly more, whitetail bucks in Barnes County beginning in 2019 ended in the conviction of four men.

Dead elk

Request for Tips in Elk Poaching Case

Game and Fish officials are looking for information in connection to an elk poaching case near Keene. Two bull elk were shot and left in a field near the intersection of 40th St. NW and 109th Ave. NW, north of Keene.