The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reported 24 deer from the 2022 hunting season tested positive for chronic wasting disease.
Eight deer were from hunting unit 3F2; eight from unit 3A1; two from unit 4B; and one from units 3B1 and 3E2. Single positive deer were also found in four new units — 3A3, 3E1, 3F1 and 4F — where the disease had not been previously detected.
Casey Anderson, Department wildlife division chief, said the Department is encouraged the number of cases was on par with results from the 2021 hunting season when 26 cases were found.
“While we certainly wish the number was zero, this stable trend is a good thing and supports our current management approach,” he said.
CWD is a fatal disease of deer, moose and elk that remains on the landscape and can cause long-term population impacts as infection rates climb.
CWD forces Game and Fish to make tough decisions that leave some folks unhappy, Anderson said.
“That said, the Department is charged with protecting the health of the deer herd for current and future use,” he said. “It’d be irresponsible of us to ignore the serious threat CWD poses, and we hope to have every tool available to do our job. Unfortunately, with CWD, we don’t get a redo.”
Confirmed cases included 22 hunter harvested mule deer; one harvested white-tailed deer; and one mule deer hit by a vehicle. The estimated infection rates among mule deer were 4.9% in unit 3F2 and 9.8% in unit 3A1. Only 4.4% of hunters submitted heads for testing in units where the Department focused its surveillance efforts.
Game and Fish will use its 2022 surveillance data to guide its CWD management strategy moving forward.
More CWD Information
North Dakota anglers, trappers and hunters are reminded that new licenses are required beginning April 1.
Licenses can be purchased online. Once the license is processed, hunters and anglers will have the option to print a hard copy and/or download the license to a smartphone or mobile device, which is helpful when asked to show proof while hunting or fishing in rural areas that lack cellular service.
The 2023-24 small game, fishing and furbearer licenses are effective until March 31, 2024.
Hunters and landowners interested in a 2023 deer licenses must apply online. The deadline for applying is June 7.
Gratis applicants who have previously applied online will automatically have their land description forwarded to this year’s application. However, any changes with land descriptions from last year’s application must be made prior to submitting the 2023 application.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 2022 bighorn sheep survey, completed by recounting lambs in March, revealed a record 347 bighorn sheep in the grasslands of western North Dakota, up 4% from 2021 and 15% above the five-year average. The count surpassed the previous record of 335 bighorns in 2021.
Altogether, biologists counted 96 rams, 206 ewes and 45 lambs. Not included are approximately 40 bighorn sheep in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and bighorns introduced to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in 2020.
Big game biologist Brett Wiedmann was pleased to see an increase in the survey for the fifth consecutive year.
The northern badlands population increased 4% from 2021 and was the highest count on record. The southern badlands population was unchanged at the lowest level since bighorns were reintroduced there in 1966.
“We were encouraged to see the count of adult rams down just slightly from last year, and adult ewes were at record numbers,” Wiedmann said. “Unfortunately, following a record summer count of lambs, winter survival was only 54%, the lowest level on record and well below the long-term average. The lamb recruitment rate was also near a record low. Nearly six months of harsh winter conditions was the likely cause of poor winter survival of lambs.”
Department biologists count and classify all bighorn sheep in late summer, and then recount lambs the following March as they approach 1 year of age to determine recruitment.
Department staff, in conjunction with biologists from the Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Division, also reported the bighorn sheep translocated in January 2020 from Rocky Boy’s Reservation in Montana to the Fort Berthold Reservation performed exceptionally well their third year in the state, as the population has nearly tripled.
There are currently about 470 bighorn sheep in the populations managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, National Park Service and the Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Division. Wiedmann said the next benchmark is 500 bighorns in the state, which seemed improbable just a few years ago.
“Considering how severe last winter was, we were very encouraged by the results of the 2022 survey,” Wiedmann said.
A bighorn sheep hunting season is tentatively scheduled to open in 2023. The status of the season will be determined Sept. 1, following the summer population survey.
Game and Fish issued five licenses in 2022 and all hunters were successful in harvesting a ram.
North Dakota watercraft owners should note that 2023 is the first year of a new three-year registration period.
Watercraft registrations must be renewed online. A credit card is required.
The price to register motorboats in North Dakota under 16 feet in length, and all canoes, is $18; motorboats from 16 feet to less than 20 feet in length is $36; and motorboats at least 20 feet in length is $45. Fees are prorated.
In addition, state law requires an ANS fee of $15 for each motorized watercraft registered in North Dakota to run concurrent with the three-year watercraft registration period.
The 2023-25 watercraft registration cycle runs through Dec. 31, 2025.
New watercraft owners can attach the required documentation, such as the bill of sale or proof of taxes paid, with the online purchase, or send in the required documentation via standard mail. A 10-day temporary permit will be issued to allow for processing and delivery of registration and decals. For timely processing, Game and Fish encourages watercraft owners to submit attachments online.
Boaters with watercraft registered outside the state must have a 2023 aquatic nuisance species sticker before operating watercraft in North Dakota.
State law requires a $15 ANS fee for motorized watercraft not licensed in North Dakota to be paid for each calendar year, and the ANS sticker must be displayed on the watercraft.
In addition, Minnesota anglers launching boats on the North Dakota side of the Red River must have a current ANS sticker displayed on the watercraft.
The ANS sticker can only be purchased online.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is asking for help locating active bald eagle nests.
Sandra Johnson, Department conservation biologist, said the Department is looking for locations of nests with eagles present, not individual eagle sightings.
Eagles lay eggs in early to mid-March, which hatch about a month later. Johnson said it’s easy to distinguish an eagle nest because of its enormous size.
Nearly 350 active bald eagle nests can be found in 47 of the 53 counties in the state.
Historically, Johnson said nests were found along river corridors, but that’s not the case today, as bald eagles will nest in trees in the middle of pastures, fields or anywhere near a food source.
Nest observations should be reported online. Observers are asked not to disturb the nest, and to stay a safe distance away. Johnson said foot traffic may disturb the bird, likely causing the eagle to leave her eggs or young unattended.
A total of 47,590 North Dakota deer hunters took approximately 25,093 deer during the 2022 deer gun hunting season, according to a post-season survey conducted by the state Game and Fish Department.
Game and Fish made available 64,200 deer gun licenses last year. Overall hunter success was 53%, with each hunter spending an average of 4.4 days in the field.
“The lower success was due, in part, to deteriorating weather conditions during the beginning of the season,” said Casey Anderson, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. “We were met with high winds immediately followed by blizzard conditions, producing measurable snow amounts and below normal temperatures for most of the season.”
Hunter success for antlered white-tailed deer was 43% and 40% for antlerless whitetails.
Mule deer buck success was 64%, and 70% for antlerless mule deer.
Hunters with any-antlered or any-antlerless licenses generally harvest white-tailed deer, as these licenses are predominantly in units with mostly whitetails. Buck hunters had a success rate of 54%, while doe hunters had a success rate of 56%.
Game and Fish issued 10,822 gratis licenses in 2022, and 8,301 hunters harvested 3,578 deer, for a success rate of 43%.
A total of 1,168 muzzleloader licenses were issued, and 1,018 hunters harvested 461 white-tailed deer (223 antlered, 238 antlerless). Hunter success was 45%.
A total of 27,720 archery licenses (24,414 resident, 3,306 nonresident) were issued in 2022. In total, 22,985 bowhunters harvested 7,780 deer (6,491 whitetails, 1,289 mule deer), for a success rate of 34%.
The Department is in the process of determining recommendations for licenses in 2023. In addition to harvest rates and winter aerial surveys, Game and Fish staff monitor other population indices to determine license numbers, including depredation reports, hunter observations, input at advisory board meetings, and comments from the public, landowners and Department field staff.
Overall Winner - Brooke Livingston
Brooke Livingston
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced the winners of the 2023 Earth Day Patch Contest. Over 2,000 students from 116 schools entered this year’s contest.
Winners in three age categories are Ella Fernandez, Fessenden Bowdon Elementary, (K-4); Brooke Livingston, Kenmare Public School (5-8); and Alex Dodgen, Minot High School Central Campus (9-12). Livingston’s design was chosen as the overall winner and will be made into the 2023 Earth Day patch.
Youth and adults who participate in cleaning up public lands receive the 2023 patch to celebrate Earth Day and their service. Projects that qualify for the Earth Day patch include refuse pick-up on local, state or federal properties and landscaping on public property including planting trees, bushes and pollinator plants.
Groups participating in the service projects are encouraged to take the following precautions to ensure their safety: keep young people away from highways, lakes and rivers and only allow older participants to pick up broken glass or sharp objects.
Participants are asked to contact Sherry Niesar at 701-527-3714 to receive a patch.
Best of Show by Ayden McPartland
Runner-up Best of Show Claire Powell
A tranquil colored-pencil rendition of a pair of tundra swans standing in icy waters earned Best of Show honors in this year’s North Dakota Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
Ayden McPartland, a junior at Valley City High School, found inspiration for this year’s artwork after viewing the behaviors and interactions of tundra swans as part of a school biology project.
A Runner-up Best of Show was selected in case the Best of Show winner was not able to advance to the national contest. Claire Powell received the Runner-up Best of Show award this year with her acrylic painting of a drake wood duck stretching its wings over calm water. Powell, a junior, also attends Valley City High School.
In addition to the art contest, students are encouraged to write a conservation message. This portion of the contest is judged anonymously by U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff from across the state. Savanah McKay, a sophomore from Devils Lake, wrote this year’s winning message: “Conservation is to honor those in an environment before you, and to protect those who will be there after you.” McKay’s art entry of an American wigeon descending toward rough water amidst a dark grey sky earned honorable mention in this year’s contest.
The Junior Duck Stamp program is a dynamic science and art-based program open to all K-12 students. Artwork is judged in four separate age categories. This year 763 students participated from across the state.
All North Dakota winning artwork will be exhibited across the state throughout the year at national wildlife refuges, events, zoos, shopping malls, schools and other locations.
Jeb Williams (left), Department director, and Scott Peterson (far right), Department deputy director, congratulate Justin Hughes, Harold Capaci and Jon Hughes.
Jeb Williams (left), Department director, and Scott Peterson (far right), Department deputy director, congratulate Gary Knotts.
Volunteer instructors for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department were recognized in March at the annual banquet in Bismarck.
Gary Knotts, Fargo, was recognized as Hunter Education Instructor of the Year and Heather Retzer, Wahpeton, was named Volunteer of the Year. Minot instructors Jon Hughes, Justin Hughes and Harold Capaci were recognized as Team of the Year.
Longtime volunteers were also recognized for their service:
• 30 years – Richard Bahm, Mandan; James Borkowski, Bottineau; Myron Brager, Finley; Joseph Haas, Lidgerwood; Robert Haglund, Minot; Doyle Roeder, Bismarck; Dale Veselka, Tower City; Curtis Walen, Carrington; and Merle Weatherly, Jamestown.
• 25 years – Burns Bailey, Moffit; Mark Berg, Nortonville; Matthew Evans, Stanley; William Gauslow, Wahpeton; Larry Leier, Hague; Mike Marquette, Cogswell; Bradley Moser, Medina; Scott Sigette, Devils Lake; Melisa Toepke-Peterson, Fargo; Beverly Turbiville, Dickinson; and Leonard Wysocki Jr., Grafton.
• 20 years – Janice Bishop, Kathryn; Doug Hintzman, Kulm; Justin Houghton, Steele; Peggy Knotts, Fargo; Joe Lautenschlager, Berthold; Jeffrey Lemer, Anamoose; Robert Miller, Oakes; Mark Pfeifer, Lidgerwood; and Scott Wagner, Casselton.
• 15 years – Roger Decker, Belfield; Michael Feener, Fargo; Mike Graue, Devils Lake; Terry Huwe, Menoken; Casey Martin, Bismarck; Michael Myers, Dickinson; Timothy Nelson, Harvey; John Paulson, Bismarck; Randy Schock, Bismarck; Penny Slagle, Williston; and Joe Tuchscherer, Rugby.
• 10 years – Lena Bohm, Mohall; Kaya Engen, Bismarck; Jose Figueroa-Diaz, Fargo; David Hammond, Abercrombie; Clint Johnson, Carrington; Nicholas Krump, Grand Forks; Jason Sauer, Glen Ullin; Kristofer Schmidt, Velva; and Eric Viall, Ray.
• 5 years – Charles Betts, Minot; James Decker, Bismarck; Michael Deville, New Town; Seth Engelstad, Walhalla; Bernard Ficek, Bismarck; Clarence Gilstad, Ashley; Michael Goroski, Wahpeton; Michael Hamling, Hankinson; Katrina Haugen, Minto; Wayne Henderson, Edgeley; Isaac Hendrickson, Agate; Nathan Hill, Wahpeton; Jesse Kalberer, Bismarck; Jeanette Kieper, Bismarck; Trevor Larsen, Bowdon; Howdy Lawlar, Watford City; Bruce Leiseth, Jamestown; Arlyce Malarkey, Bismarck; Michael Malarkey, Bismarck; Brian Miller, Heaton; Jeremy Mohl, Williston; Dustin Newman, Watford City; Albert Olson, Bismarck; Frank Rohloff, Grand Forks; Scott Rupert, Des Lacs; Ethan Shulind, Grand Forks; Danielle Siverhus-Dinger, Oakes; Timothy Smith, Burlington; and Lori Wertz, Fargo.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recognized the Lehr Wildlife Club with a certificate of appreciation for the difference the club has made at its local fisheries.
“Over the years, the club has been active and cooperated with the Game and Fish Department on development and maintenance of a wide variety of public use facilities on area lakes and recreation areas,” said Wes Erdle, Department fisheries development project manager. “Activities include partnering with Game and Fish on boat ramps, courtesy docks, fishing piers, roads, vault toilets and parking areas at sites such as Lehr WMA, Mundt Lake and most recently Railroad Lake.”
The Lehr Wildlife Club, Erdle added, has also been very supportive in providing the all-important role of ongoing maintenance on the facilities at their local fisheries.
“As we all know, maintaining anything is as important as the initial construction and the club does an outstanding job in performing this task,” Erdle said. “The club was selected from a long list of candidates throughout the state and is a very worthy recipient of this award.”
Kevin Kading, Game and Fish Department private land section leader, was awarded the North Dakota Wildlife Society’s Wildlife Habitat Award in February at the chapter’s annual meeting.
The award is presented to an individual, or group that has made an outstanding contribution toward preserving, improving and/or establishing high quality wildlife habitat on the lands of North Dakota.
“Kevin has been steadfastly dedicated to developing and improving wildlife habitat in our state for over 25 years. As the private land section leader, Kevin oversees a multi-million-dollar annual budget and 12 staff who implement wildlife habitat and access programs across North Dakota,” said Robert Newman, Wildlife Society chapter president. “Under his leadership, our state has benefited from tens of thousands of acres of grass and CRP plantings, the development and growth of one of the largest habitat-based hunter access programs in the nation, and millions of dollars in financial support paid out annually to landowners for wildlife habitat improvements on private lands.”
Russ Kinzler, longtime Game and Fish Department fisheries biologist, was promoted to Missouri River System supervisor in Riverdale. B
Bryan Sea, who had been working for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Detroit Lakes, Minn., was hired in February to the Missouri River Systems fisheries biologist position vacated by Kinzler.
Jacob Heyer was hired earlier this spring as a fisheries development specialist for the Game and Fish Department.
Prior to moving to the fisheries division, Heyer, a University of North Dakota graduate in fisheries and wildlife biology, worked with the Department’s private land section.
Mason Ryckman was hired in February as the wildlife health biologist for the Game and Fish Department.
Ryckman was a fisheries development specialist prior to his move to the Department’s wildlife division.
