Matters of Opinion

Here at the Game and Fish Department, we often work under the unpredictable ways of Mother Nature.

Last year, for example, drought conditions not only hurt farmers and ranchers, but wildlife, too. Most noticeable, maybe, was the influence drought had on pheasants. With little nesting cover and a decline in insects, which are critical in the survival of young birds, the population of the state’s most popular upland game bird suffered.

This year, we were all beginning to wonder when Mother Nature would loosen her grip on winter and usher in spring. As you’ll read in this issue of North Dakota OUTDOORS, Game and Fish Department fisheries personnel set trap nets to catch spawning northern pike later than typical.

There were questions going into the spawn because of the late start, but as you’ll learn, the pike egg goal was not only quickly met, but easily surpassed. This is good news as collection, and hatching, of these eggs play a large role in managing pike in many waters across the state.

While I think it’s appropriate to applaud Game and Fish Department fisheries crews for their work this spring, we also should take time to thank all waters users in the state for what I hope is a collective, conscious decision to help in the fight against the spread and introduction of aquatic nuisance species in the state.

According to an article in this issue of OUTDOORS, “States and provinces all around North Dakota have seen ANS infestations crop up with alarming regularity, but new infestations are rare here. Since ANS regulations were first enacted 10 years ago, the number of new discoveries of invasive species in state waters is few, but the challenge of keeping them out is greater than ever.”

Compared to other states, North Dakota’s issues with aquatic nuisance species are few, and I hope that all anglers and other water users continue in their efforts to make sure this is the case another 10 years from now.

Here at Game and Fish, we’ve worked hard for years to inform the public about the fallout of aquatic nuisance species. While this message is likely sometimes viewed as tiresome, we understand its importance. And, considering the few ANS issues around the state, anglers and others must understand the importance of the message, too.

While I have no interest in hustling what remains of spring and the coming summer down the road, I want to briefly mention, in a roundabout way, the fall deer gun season.

The deer gun season opens on November 9. That’s an important date to remember, one that few who live for that time of year forget. One date that could slip through the cracks of busy lives is the June 6 deer gun and muzzleloader application deadline.

And remember, for the first time, all hunters applying for deer gun and muzzleloader licenses will have to do so electronically.

In the meantime, before it’s time to pull out the blaze orange hunting gear, venture outside and take advantage of North Dakota’s great outdoors.