Matters of Opinion
We are, for a number of good reasons, proud of North Dakota’s natural resources.
From the nongame bird species that migrate through the state and those that nest here, to coveted big game animals, furbearers, upland game birds, ducks, geese and a variety of fish species that swim in a record number of waters, there is much to celebrate.
As I’ve often said, no matter the season – winter, spring, summer or fall – it’s difficult to find time to enjoy much of what North Dakota offers because the list is sometimes too long.
With that in mind, I offer that the state’s outdoor enthusiasts try something new. Deviate from whatever their go-to activity, or species, is just to mix things up. To sample a slice of North Dakota that they’ve yet to taste.
My suggestion, simply because it’s the open water fishing season and the circumstances surrounding the species, is bluegill fishing.
I understand that the walleye fishing can be pretty darn good this time of year, and North Dakota is blessed with some incredible walleye fishing opportunities on the bigger waters that everybody knows the names of, and some newer prairie lakes that are not yet as familiar.
Even so, as you’ll read in this issue of North Dakota OUTDOORS, we are, in terms of quantity and quality, in the heart of some of the best bluegill fishing in the last 30-plus years in the state.
Even some of our most diehard walleye anglers can appreciate this, as I’m betting that many got their start in fishing by catching a mess of bluegills with an adult baiting their hook.
That’s what is special about this species as they are so willing to bite any number of baits, especially this time of year as males are guarding nests from anything they suspect might try and steal eggs. Understanding this, bluegill are the perfect fish to help a youngster get hooked on such a wonderful outdoor pursuit.
I encourage you to take a kid bluegill fishing, or invite someone from the neighborhood, no matter their age, and try something a little different.
I’ve addressed the importance of wildlife habitat on this page many times over the years, and readers understand the significance of habitat in our mission to “protect, conserve and enhance wildlife populations” in the state.
Our mission applies to all creatures, big and small. In this issue, our editorial staff features a story on monarch butterflies and the importance of safeguarding the milkweed habitat that is critical to the survival of this species.
Considering that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received petitions to list the monarch under the Endangered Species Act, it’s important that our agency, partners and citizens of North Dakota do what’s necessary to keep this species off the list.
As is stated in the Game and Fish Department’s North Dakota Monarch and Native Pollinator Strategy, “the cost of protection or restoration of a listed species is often far greater than preventing or stemming the decline in the first place.”
With summer in full swing, get out and enjoy what this great state has to offer. And, once again, try something different. Take a kid bluegill fishing.