Matters of Opinion

This issue of North Dakota OUTDOORS is different. Thumb through the magazine’s 30-plus pages and you’ll quickly realize that.

While I certainly agree with the magazine staff’s hook for publishing this special digital issue, which they explain on page 2, I’d counter that it’s never a bad time to pause and closely examine what, in large part, makes North Dakota so special.

Many of the photographs that follow I remember. Yet, some of the photographs look new to me. Whatever the case, many of the images say so much about North Dakota and what makes it such a special place to live.

I would argue that if someone from somewhere else were to pick up this June issue of North Dakota OUTDOORS, they’d be surprised by the wild mix of plants and animals that are native to the state or just passing through.

From moose that can weigh up to 1,200 pounds, to the endangered piping plover that would fit in your shirt pocket, North Dakota nearly features it all.

In past column’s I’ve written for this space, I’ve often encouraged people to simply get outdoors and enjoy what North Dakota offers. The plants, animals and scenic overlooks that are featured in these pages are the reasons why I’ve long cheered for readers to venture outside, no matter the time of year.

You just never know what you’ll see walking along the edges of a wetland, or hiking in upland cover that looks uninhabited from the road, but is far from it once you get out of the vehicle and explore.

Of course, it’s great to see photographs in this issue of people hunting and fishing. Many of us who work at the Game and Fish Department understand their want and need to shoulder a shotgun and cast over open water. We feel the same way and work hard at making sure these rich traditions are passed on to future generations.

I hope all readers sit back and enjoy this generous serving of photographs that tell something of a story about North Dakota’s great outdoors.