My 2 Cents

If you’ve paid much attention to North Dakota’s outdoors lately, you’ve probably read a few headlines that aren’t exactly encouraging. An outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease has, again, created challenges for our white-tailed deer population, and the recent discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Sakakawea is another reminder of the challenges facing our aquatic resources.

Neither is particularly good news, and neither is something we take lightly.

The EHD outbreak is especially concerning given that our deer population was already working its way back from significant losses in recent years. We’ve made some difficult decisions, including restricting antlerless harvest in several hunting units to give those local populations an opportunity to recover. Those decisions aren’t easy, particularly when you understand how much deer hunting means to North Dakotans. But managing wildlife sometimes means looking beyond a single hunting season and making decisions with the future in mind.

The discovery of zebra mussels in Lake Sakakawea is another concern. While initial findings indicate the infestation is limited to the eastern end of the reservoir, additional surveys are necessary to better understand its extent. It’s a reminder that aquatic nuisance species remain a serious threat and that every water user has a role in protecting our waters. Clean, drain and dry should never become an afterthought.

But here’s where I want to shift gears a little. Despite these challenges, I don’t want anyone to lose sight of the tremendous outdoor opportunities North Dakota continues to offer. We’re fortunate to have outstanding hunting opportunities for pheasants, grouse, partridge and waterfowl, along with the chance to pursue many big game species for those who drew licenses. Our fishing opportunities spread across the landscape remain something to be proud of, with hundreds of managed lakes and the Missouri River System to explore. Add in wildlife watching, hiking, camping, boating and simply spending time outside, and there really is something for everyone.

Fish and wildlife management has never been a business of eliminating every challenge. Weather, disease, invasive species, habitat changes and other factors will always influence the resources we manage. What matters is how we respond, what we learn and how we work together to protect those resources for the next generation.

As we inch closer to the legislative session, we continue to hear from both agriculture and conservation folks that expanding the Governor’s Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program is a “must-have” for the session. We are excited about the opportunity to have those discussions and be able to expand a program that has so much support from all walks of life.

So, while we certainly have some challenges in front of us, I would encourage everyone to take advantage of what North Dakota has to offer. Get outside, take a kid hunting or fishing, explore a new piece of public land or spend an afternoon on the water.

There will always be something to work on, but there is also plenty to appreciate. For My 2 Cents, that’s a pretty good reason to head outdoors.