Buffaloberry Patch

Spring Mule Deer Survey

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual spring mule deer survey indicated that western North Dakota’s mule deer population is similar to last year, and 45 percent above the long-term average.

Biologists counted 2,540 mule deer in 245.8 square miles during this year’s survey. Overall mule deer density in the badlands was 10.3 deer per square mile, compared to 10.9 in 2017.

Bruce Stillings, Department big game management supervisor, said mule deer in the badlands have recovered nicely following the winters of 2009-11, which led to record low fawn production and a population index low of 4.6 mule deer per square mile in 2012.

“The population recovery is due to no antlerless harvest for four years, combined with milder winter conditions during 2012-16, which led to good fawn production since 2013,” Stillings said. “However, the long-term health of the population will depend on maintaining high quality habitat.”

The 2018 survey results show that hunting opportunities, according to Stillings, can increase slightly in all badlands units except 4A, which has been slower to recover than the rest of the badlands units.

“There are localized areas that have very high mule deer densities and have exceeded landowner tolerance levels,” Stillings said.

The spring mule deer survey is used to assess mule deer abundance in the badlands. Biologists have completed aerial surveys of the same 24 study areas since the 1950s.

Catchable Trout Stocked

More than 50 local fisheries throughout North Dakota received a fresh supply of catchable trout in spring, thanks to Game and Fish Department trout stocking efforts.

Jerry Weigel, Department fisheries production and development section leader, said while the number of fisheries statewide is at a historic high, many are not as easily accessible to youngsters, older adults and disabled anglers.

“The majority of these recently stocked waters are community fisheries that have fishing piers, and provide a great opportunity for first-time anglers to catch fish,” Weigel said. “These stockings put catchable fish in waters that are accessible.”

The trout were larger this year, with many averaging more than one-half pound, Weigel said. More than 60,000 11-inch rainbow trout were stocked, along with 1,000 1- to 3-pound cutthroat and rainbow trout.

• Adams – North Lemmon
• Barnes – Blumers Pond, Hatchery Kids Pond
• Bottineau – Strawberry Lake
• Bowman – Lutz Dam
• Burleigh – McDowell Dam, OWLS Pond, Wilton City Pond
• Burke – Northgate Dam
• Cass – Brooks Harbor, Casselton Pond, North Woodhaven Pond
• Cavalier – Langdon City Pond
• Divide – Baukol-Noonan Dam, Baukol-Noonan East Mine
• Golden Valley – Beach City Pond, Camels Hump Lake
• Grand Forks – Ryan Park Pond, Turtle River
• Grant – Sheep Creek Dam
• Hettinger – Castle Rock Dam, Mott Watershed Dam
• McIntosh – Blumhardt Dam
• McKenzie – Watford City Park Pond
• McLean – Custer Mine, Lightning Lake, Riverdale City Pond
• Mercer – Harmony Lake, Hazen Creek
• Morton – Gaebe Pond, Harmon Lake, Krieg’s Pond, Little Heart Pond, Nygren Dam, Porsborg Dam
• Mountrail – Stanley Pond
• Oliver – Oliver County Sportsmen’s Pond
• Ransom – Mooringstone Pond
• Renville – Glenburn Pond
• Richland – Mooreton Pond
• Rolette – Hooker Lake
• Slope – Davis Dam
• Stark – Belfield Pond, Dickinson Dike
• Stutsman – Streeter Lake
• Ward – State Fair Pond, Velva Sportsmen’s Pond
• Williams – Kettle Lake, Kota-Ray Dam, McGregor Dam, West Spring Lake Pond.

Spring Pheasant Count Down From 2017

North Dakota’s spring pheasant population index is down 30 percent from the same time last year, according to the state Game and Fish Department’s 2018 spring crowing count survey.

R.J. Gross, Department upland game management biologist, said the number of roosters heard crowing in spring was down statewide, with decreases ranging from 15 to 38 percent in the primary regions holding pheasants.

“We entered spring with a lower than average number of adult birds,” Gross said. “Last year’s production was far below average due to the statewide drought conditions.”

However, Gross said the past winter was good for bird survival, so hens should be in good physical shape for the nesting season. In addition, most of the state received much-needed precipitation in spring.

“If the trend continues, a good hatch should be expected, but it will take a few years of good reproduction to get the population back to where it was before the drought,” Gross said.

While the spring number is an indicator, Gross said it does not predict what the fall population will look like. Brood surveys, which begin in late July and are completed by September, provide a much better estimate of summer pheasant production and what hunters might expect for a fall pheasant population.

Pheasant crowing counts are conducted each spring throughout North Dakota. Observers drive specified 20-mile routes, stop at predetermined intervals and count the number of roosters heard crowing over a two-minute period during the stop.

The number of pheasant crows heard is compared to previous years’ data, providing a trend summary.

 

Spring Breeding Duck Numbers Tallied

 

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 71st annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of 2.8 million birds, down 5 percent from last year.

Mike Szymanski, Department migratory game bird supervisor, said even though the index is below 3 million for the second consecutive year, it still stands 16 percent above the long-term average (1948-2017) and is the 25th highest on record.

“Duck numbers are still hanging on, but are certainly better in some local areas,” Szymanski said.

Survey results indicate only shovelers (up 10 percent) and wigeon (up 7 percent) increased from their 2017 estimates. Mallards were stable (down 1 percent), while green-winged teal showed the largest decrease (down 20 percent). All other ducks were 3-17 percent below last year’s numbers. However, most species, with the exception of pintails, blue-winged teal and ruddy ducks, were well-above the 70-year average.

An interesting observation during the survey, Szymanski noted, was the lack of breeding effort for Canada geese. “We can attribute that to the late spring and overall dry conditions,” he said.

The number of temporary and seasonal wetlands was down from last year, as figures show the spring water index was down 34 percent.

“That was mostly felt in the shallow waters,” Szymanski said. “Similar to last year, there were a lot of wetlands that weren’t in good shape and were close to drying up.”

However, Szymanski said spring rains since the survey improved wetland conditions in some regions, making those waters conducive to raising broods.

Szymanski said concerns about habitat remain, as overall conditions weren’t very good with expiring Conservation Reserve Program acres, and habitat conversion to other uses.

The water index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands or the type of wetlands represented.

The July brood survey provides a better idea of duck production and insight into expectations for this fall, Szymanski said, though hunting success is also influenced by bird movements before and during hunting seasons, and weather patterns during the fall migration.

 

Anglers May Not Bring Aquatic Bait into North Dakota

Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to import all forms of live aquatic bait into North Dakota. This includes minnows, suckers, leeches, waterdogs (salamanders) and frogs.

 

Anglers should buy bait from a licensed North Dakota retail bait vendor. Bait vendors can properly identify species and have taken steps to ensure all bait is clean of any aquatic nuisance species.

For more information, refer to the 2018-20 North Dakota Fishing Guide, available at license vendors or online.

 

CRP Enrollment Open

For the first time since last fall, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program. Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local USDA Farm Service Agency office until August 17.

 

For this year’s signup, limited priority practices are available for continuous enrollment. They include grassed waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, wetland restoration and others.

Approximately 30,000 acres are available in these various practices in North Dakota.

In addition to the continuous CRP enrollment, producers in portions of Adams, Billings, Bowman, Burleigh, Dunn, Emmons, Grant, Golden Valley, Hettinger, McKenzie, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sioux, Slope and Stark counties have an opportunity to enroll eligible cropland along riparian areas into the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Producers enrolling land into CREP will receive annual rental payments with incentives and cost share from FSA. Game and Fish can work with producers on other lands not eligible for CREP.

Approximately 20,000 acres are allocated for CREP.

Kevin Kading, North Dakota Game and Fish Department private land section leader, said landowners interested in either of these programs could also qualify for additional financial incentives and cost-share from Game and Fish.

“These practices in the right spots can improve the bottom line for a landowner,” Kading said. “Anyone who’s interested in seeing how Game and Fish can help add to that, can contact a private land biologist in their area.”

 

• Bismarck – Levi Jacobson – 527-3764 (Burleigh, Emmons, Kidder, Morton, Oliver)
• Devils Lake – Andrew Ahrens – 204-5227 (Bottineau, Cavalier, Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Rolette, Towner, Walsh)
• Dickinson – Jaden Honeyman – 260-3546 (Adams, Grant, Hettinger, Sioux)
• Dickinson – Curtis Francis – 227-7431 (Bowman, Golden Valley, Slope, Stark)
• Harvey – Terry Oswald, Jr., – 399-9958 (Benson, Eddy, Foster, Pierce, Sheridan, Wells)
• Jamestown – Renae Schultz, Jamestown – 320-4695 (Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Griggs, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, Traill)
• Riverdale – Ryan Huber – 527-8963 (McHenry, McLean, Mercer, Renville, Ward)
• Williston – Todd Buckley – 770-3815 (Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, Williams)

Be Courteous at Boat Ramps

North Dakota boaters are reminded to exercise patience and plan accordingly when heading to a lake or river this summer.

 

The state Game and Fish Department receives a number of complaints every year about overly aggressive behavior at boat ramps. A few simple reminders will help ensure a fluent transition when launching and loading a boat.

Launching

• Don't pull onto the ramp until your boat is ready to launch.
• Prepare for launching in the parking area. Remove covers, load equipment, remove tie downs, attach lines and put in drain plug, before backing onto the ramp.
• When ready, pull into line to launch. Wait your turn. Be courteous.
• It takes at least two people to efficiently and courteously launch a boat: one to handle the boat and one to take care of the tow vehicle.

Loading

• Don't block the loading area with your boat until your tow vehicle is ready to load. Wait until you are clear of the launch area to unload gear.
• As soon as your trailer is in the water, load and secure your boat to the trailer.
• Remove boat and trailer from the water as quickly as possible.
• Get clear of the ramp. Pull into the parking area to finish securing your boat, unloading gear, draining all water and inspecting for and removing any vegetation. Remember to leave plugs out when transporting boat.

Walleye Fingerlings Stocked

North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries personnel stocked nearly 10 million walleye fingerlings earlier this summer in more than 140 waters across the state.

“Considering not many went into Lake Sakakawea, this was one of the largest stockings of more than 8 million fingerlings into the smaller fishing waters across the state,” said Jerry Weigel, Department fisheries production and development supervisor.

With more than 50 new walleye lakes in North Dakota, Weigel said the demand to stock these waters, along with the larger, traditional fisheries, has greatly increased the demand from the hatcheries.

“Valley City and Garrison Dam national fish hatcheries contributed to make this happen,” Weigel said. “Both hatcheries have been outstanding in helping address our demand for walleye fingerlings.”

The unusual spring and progression into summer caused variable fish sizes. “We had some of the largest and smallest fish ever shipped, even though all were about the same age,” Weigel said.

Conditions at the lakes were very good with cool water temperatures and in some cases, Weigel said, newly flooded vegetation from rainfall.

“They should find lots of food and good survival conditions, which bodes well for future fishing opportunities,” Weigel added.

Later this fall, fisheries personal will sample walleye lakes to assess success of this year’s walleye stocking, as well as what Mother Nature provided.

“It’s a great time to fish for walleye,” he added. “Statewide, there are a lot of opportunities, and a good chance of success.”

A complete list of all fish stockings can be found here.

Hunting Guide and Outfitter Test Set

The next guide and outfitter written examination is August 18 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 preregister by calling the Game and Fish Department’s enforcement office at 701-328-6604.

Put Garbage Where It Belongs

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds outdoor recreationists to keep it clean this summer by packing out all trash.

All garbage should be placed in a proper trash receptacle. If trash cans aren’t available, or are full, take the trash and dispose of it at home.

It is not uncommon to see garbage piling up around full trash containers. Styrofoam containers are not biodegradable, but yet are often found wedged in cattails, drifting or washed up on shore.

Tires, mattresses and kitchen appliances have found their way to public use areas. This illegal dumping is costly to clean up and takes a significant toll on the environment. Not only does it spoil the beauty of the land, it destroys habitat, has the potential to pollute North Dakota waters and can injure wildlife.

Littering violations should be reported by calling the Report All Poachers hotline at 701-328-9921.

Drain Water from Boats

North Dakota anglers and water recreationists are reminded that all water must be drained from boats before leaving a water body.

This regulation, intended to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species, includes all watercraft and associated bilges, livewells, baitwells and motors. However, anglers can transport fish on ice in a separate container.

In addition, all drain plugs that may hold back water must be removed, and water draining devices must be open on all watercraft and recreational, commercial and construction equipment bilges and confined spaces, during any out-of-water transport.

Other ANS regulations require:

• All aquatic vegetation must be removed from boats, personal watercraft, trailers and fishing equipment such as fishing rods, bait buckets, lures and waders before leaving a body of water. That means "vegetation free" when transporting watercraft and/or equipment away from a boat ramp, landing area or shoreline. Time out of the water needed to remove aquatic vegetation at the immediate water access area is allowed.
• All legal live aquatic organisms used by anglers, including legal baitfish (fathead minnows), amphibians (salamanders and frogs), invertebrates (crayfish and leeches) and insects must be purchased and/or trapped in North Dakota. Anglers can transport live bait in water in containers of five gallons or less in volume. The only exception is that anglers may not transport live bait in water away from the Red River (Class I ANS infested waters). At Class I ANS infested waters, all water must be drained from bait buckets as anglers leave the shore, or remove their boat from the water. Anglers must properly dispose of unused bait away from the river, as dumping bait in the water or on shore is illegal.
• Transportation of live white suckers, other than within Richland, Cass, Traill, Grand Forks, Walsh and Pembina counties, is illegal.

New Combination Guide for 2018-19

The state’s waterfowl, small game and furbearer regulations will have a new look this fall.

No longer printed as separate documents, North Dakota’s 2018-19 Hunting and Trapping Guide includes three main sections – upland game, migratory game birds and furbearers/trapping.

The 52-page document offers much of the same information hunters and trappers rely on, but in a much more user-friendly format. In addition, the guide also features a four-page colored duck identification guide, aquatic nuisance species information, boating safety for hunters and Tom Roster’s Nontoxic Shot Lethality Table.

Hunters and trappers can find the guide in mid-August by visiting the Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, Game and Fish district offices and at the usual vendor locations.

Agency Pays $621,000 in Property Taxes

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recently paid more than $621,000 in taxes to counties in which the Department owns or leases land. The 2017 in-lieu-of-tax payments are the same as property taxes paid by private landowners.

Game and Fish manages more than 200,000 acres for wildlife habitat and public hunting in 51 counties. The Department does not own or manage any land in Traill or Renville counties.

Following is a list of counties and the tax payments received.

Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest is open, and the deadline for submissions is October 1.

The contest has categories for nongame and game species, as well as plants/insects. An overall winning photograph will be chosen, with the number of place winners in each category determined by the number of qualified entries.

Contest entries are limited to digital files submitted via email only. Contestants are limited to no more than five entries. Photos must have been taken in North Dakota.

By submitting an entry, photographers grant permission to Game and Fish to publish winning photographs in North Dakota OUTDOORS, and on the Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

Photographers can send emailed digital photos to photocontest@nd.gov, with individual photo file sizes limited to 5 MB or less. Game and Fish may contact photographers for original full resolution images if needed for publication.

All entries must be accompanied by the photographer’s name, address, phone number and email address. Other information such as photo site location and month taken are also useful.

For more information contact contest coordinator Patrick Isaakson at 701-328-6300, or email Pat at ndgf@nd.gov .

WAFWA Recognizes Howie

The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies recently honored conservation professionals from several western states with awards commending their work to conserve fish and wildlife resources, including Doug Howie, North Dakota Game and Fish Department assistant private land coordinator.

Howie was recognized with WAFWA’s 2018 Professional of the Year Award for his consistent professionalism and resourcefulness in administering North Dakota’s Private Lands Open To Sportsmen program. PLOTS is one of the Department’s highest profile programs, and Howie is a critical player in its success. PLOTS is widely recognized as one of the most successful access programs in the country, and Howie’s dedication has impacted thousands of sportsmen and women.