2024 Upland Game Seasons Summarized

Thu, 05/01/2025

North Dakota’s 2024 pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse harvests were up, while gray partridge was similar to 2023, according to the state Game and Fish Department.

Upland game biologist RJ Gross said the overall harvest was likely a result of more hunters, more trips and more birds in the population.

“The winter of 2023-24 was mild, and no die-offs were reported. In 2024, we observed an increase in pheasant crows heard during our spring crowing counts and sharptails during spring lek surveys,” Gross said. “Although chick production was decreased by the wet and cold nesting season, the increase in adult density added more broods to the population.”

Last year, 55,401 pheasant hunters (up 3%) harvested 357,018 roosters (up 12%), compared to 53,819 hunters and 319,287 roosters in 2023.

Counties with the highest percentage of pheasants taken were Hettinger, Divide, Burleigh, Williams and McLean.

A total of 21,660 grouse hunters (up 1%) harvested 73,010 sharp-tailed grouse (up 8%), compared to 21,512 hunters and 67,710 sharptails in 2023.

Counties with the highest percentage of sharptails taken were Divide, Hettinger, Williams, Morton and Bowman.

Last year, 21,887 hunters (up 8%) harvested 67,465 gray partridge. In 2023, 20,313 hunters harvested 67,481 partridge.

Counties with the highest percentage of gray partridge taken were Stark, McLean, Hettinger, Williams and Divide.

Fish Challenge Open

Thu, 05/01/2025

Anglers are once again invited to participate in the North Dakota Fish Challenge. The challenges, which started in 2022, encourage exploration of North Dakota's many fisheries, and this year, promote active stewardship of the resource.

This year anglers can choose to complete the Total Catch Challenge by coaching a new angler, cleaning up a local water body, cooking a catch and casting a story.

In addition, anglers can complete the Rough Fish Challenge by catching a bullhead, carp and sucker; the Sportfish Challenge by catching a bluegill, walleye, bass and trout; or the inaugural Classic Challenge requiring a northern pike, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and channel catfish.

Either way, the process is simple – snap a photo of each and submit your entry on the North Dakota Game and Fish website through Aug. 15.

Anglers who complete a challenge will receive a decal and certificate.

Agency Volunteers Recognized

Mon, 04/14/2025

Volunteer instructors for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department were recently recognized at the annual banquet in Bismarck.

Mark Weyrauch, Ray, was recognized as Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, while the Hunter Education Team of the Year honor went to Cody Hirschfeld and Kenny Dvorak, both of Dickinson. James Decker, Bismarck, was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award.

Longtime volunteers were also recognized for their service:

30 Years – Clinton Baxter, Minot; Kevin Bishop, Kathryn; Roger Dienert, Hankinson; Karla Meikle, Bismarck; Gregory Odden, Rugby; Rick Olson, Garrison; Brad Pierce, Hatton; and Mark Weyrauch, Ray.

25 Years – Adnan Aldayel, New Rockford; Lynn Baltrusch, Fessenden; Stanley Cox, Jamestown; Don Ferguson, Jamestown; Donn Hancock, Emerado; Doyle Johannes, Underwood; Mitchell Kallias, Minot; Gary Knotts, Fargo; Rodney Parrill, Bottineau; Richard Petersen, Bismarck; Pam Podell, Velva; and Rickie Theurer, Mandan.

20 Years – Nathan Fitzgerald, Sterling, Colo.; Walter Helfrich, Lincoln; Michael Melaas, Minot; Dustin Neva, Hatton; Jean Oster, Lisbon; Joseph Schirado, Bismarck; Dallas Schmidt, Velva; Dan Spellerberg, Wahpeton; and Gary Wilz, Killdeer.

15 Years – Mathew Deal, Sutton; Jason Heinz, Rolette; Petrina Krenzel, Harvey; Richard Lehmann, Towner; Kellen Leier, Bismarck; and Corey Wysocki, Grafton.

10 Years – Kendall Bauer, Bismarck; Justin Campbell, Hannaford; Alan Haut, Fargo; Beaufort Joe, New Town; Joel Johnson, Mooreton; Shannon Johnson, Fargo; Leah Vantilborg, Mandan; and Priscilla Sauer, Glen Ullin.

5 Years – Bryton Allard, Williston; Dave Broadwell, Valley City; Cory Geiszler, Rugby; Nicholas Gustafson, Stanley; Daniel Hamman, Fairmount; Karna Johnson, Fargo; Brandon Laddusaw, Wyndmere; Samantha Mahn, Kulm; John Mazur, Pingree; David McCleary, Leeds; Jordan Mead, Casselton; Adam Miller, Bismarck; Todd Paintner, Valley City; Kirk Sather, Minot; and Robert Zafke, Thompson.

Paddlefish Snagging Season Opens May 1

Mon, 04/14/2025

North Dakota’s paddlefish season opens May 1 and is scheduled to continue through May 21. However, depending on the overall harvest, an early in-season closure may occur with a 24-hour notice issued by the state Game and Fish Department.

Paddlefish tags are available for purchase online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, and during business hours at Game and Fish Department offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Lonetree (Harvey) and Williston. Snaggers buying tags online have the option to have the tag mailed or can stop at a Game and Fish office and pick it up during business hours. Those having a tag mailed should plan accordingly and allow for a few days for delivery.

All paddlefish snaggers must possess a paddlefish tag, in addition to a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. Lost or destroyed tags will not be replaced.

The Game and Fish Department will allow camping during the open paddlefish season at Lewis and Clark Wildlife Management Area Pumphouse and at Neu’s Point WMA. However, no roads or gates will be open at Neu’s Point, therefore camping is allowed in the small Neu’s Point parking lot, and the rest of the WMA for walk-in access. All other WMA regulations apply.

Snaggers are urged to be aware of the current fire index. Information, including restrictions, on current fire danger indexes is available at NDResponse.gov.

For more information on the paddlefish snagging season, snaggers should refer to the Game and Fish website.

Lake LaMoure Association Recognized

Mon, 04/14/2025

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recognized Lake LaMoure Association with the 2025 certificate of appreciation for its involvement in public use areas and facilities for more than 40 years.

Each year the Department cooperates in the development and enhancement of public boating and fishing related facilities throughout the state. Almost always, these activities and efforts would not be possible without the assistance and support of a local entity of some form. While most park boards, wildlife clubs, or water resource boards play a role, there are always a few boards or groups, like Lake LaMoure Association, that stand out above the others.

A few examples of the association’s accomplishments include maintaining the parking lot area at the boat ramp; caring for several public use docks, access sites, and fishing piers; constructing a fish cleaning station; and updating camping facilities for visiting recreators.

Caution Urged Near Bridge Project on Missouri River

Mon, 04/14/2025

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, under U.S. Coast Guard authority, has created an idle speed only and navigational safety zone near an ongoing bridge construction project on the Missouri River.

This summer will mark the start of an idle speed only area and a navigation channel around the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad bridge project. The navigational channel will be marked with green and red floating buoys to direct the public to the navigable area through the construction zone. 

Additionally, the project area will be marked with multiple types of lighted floating buoys and encloses an area from the west bank north of the project staging area, to the east bank, and then following the east bank south approximately 1,500 feet and back to the river’s west bank.

The “No Boats” buoys are located north and south of the active construction barges and have yellow flashing lights for nighttime visibility. The solid, white light “Idle Speed Only” buoys indicate where the idle speed zone starts and operate day and night.

The cautions are in place to protect people and boat traffic during the construction project and operate during the open water months on the Missouri River near Bismarck-Mandan. Also, river users operating paddlecraft, such as canoes and kayaks, are encouraged to exit the river upstream or downstream of the navigational safety zone.

A violation of the regulatory buoys is subject to a fine under North Dakota Administrative Code.

Wildfire Potential High in Spring

Thu, 04/10/2025

Outdoor enthusiasts need to be aware of ground conditions while enjoying spring activities.

Increased human activity outdoors in spring, combined with dead ground vegetation and high winds, make this time of year highly susceptible to wildfires.

Because of highly variable weather patterns, North Dakota experiences a distinct spring fire season every year. With that in mind, it’s important to pay attention to the fire danger index, and to follow the appropriate measures.

Hunters and anglers are urged to keep up with the daily rural fire danger index, issued by the National Weather Service, to alert the public to conditions that may be conducive to the accidental starting or spread of fires.

In addition, county governments have the authority to adopt penalties for violations of county restrictions related to burning bans. These restrictions apply regardless of the daily fire danger index and remain in place until each county’s commission rescinds the ban.

Information, including restrictions, on current fire danger indexes is available at NDResponse.gov.

Earth Day Patch Contest Winners

Mon, 04/07/2025

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced the winners of the 2025 Earth Day Patch Contest. Over 1,600 students from 100 schools entered this year’s contest.

Winners in four age categories are Tryg Klindworth, Beulah (K-3); Mariah Achtenberg, White Shield (4-6); Jazmin Vasquez, Minot Bishop Ryan (7-9), and Brielle Volk, Mohall (10-12). Achtenberg’s design was chosen as the overall winner and will be made into the 2025 Earth Day patch. 

Youth and adults who participate in cleaning up public lands receive the 2025 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 or sniesar@nd.gov to receive a patch.

Summer Workshop for Educators

Mon, 04/07/2025

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is sponsoring Pollinators in the Classroom, a professional development workshop for educators. 

Pollinators in the Classroom will be held June 10-11 at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. The workshop will explore pollinators, what they are, where they live, life cycles, importance, and how you can make a difference. It will be fun and fast paced with many hands-on activities educators can use in their classrooms, and incorporate discussion of classroom and curriculum integration.

Students will receive a copy of the Urban Pollinator Program Curriculum, and should be prepared for walking field trips in the area. All materials are included.

The course is suitable for k-12 educators. 

For more information contact curriculum specialist Sherry Niesar at 701-527-3714 or sniesar@nd.gov. Register by clicking on the link.

Advisory Board Meetings Announced

Thu, 04/03/2025

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department Advisory Board will host public meetings this spring at eight locations across the state. 

These public meetings provide citizens with an opportunity to discuss fish and wildlife issues and ask questions of their district advisors and agency personnel.

The district 7 meeting in Bismarck will be streamed live on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. 

District 2 – Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward counties

Date: April 14 – 7 p.m.

Location: Wildlife Club, 1901 U.S. Highway 52, Velva

Host: North Dakota Fur Hunters and Trappers Association

Contact: Rick Tischaefer, 701-460-1055

Advisory board member: Travis Leier, Velva

District 8 – Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark counties

Date: April 14 – 7 p.m.

Location: Eagles Club, 31 First Ave. E., Dickinson

Host: Roughrider Archers

Contact and advisory board member: Rob Brooks, Rhame, 701-440-8952

District 1 – Divide, McKenzie and Williams counties

Date: April 15 – 7 p.m.

Location: McKenzie County Sportsman’s Club, 2306 121X Ave. NW, Watford City

Host: Watford City Droptine Chapter of Mule Deer Foundation

Contact and advisory board member: Beau Wisness, Keene, 701-421-8814

District 3 – Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner counties

Date: April 15 – 7 p.m.

Location: Memorial Building, 408 Fifth Ave., Cando

Host: Dakota Rifle and Pistol Club

Contact: Duane Holien, 701-303-0798

Advisory board member: Edward Dosch, Devils Lake

District 5 – Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill counties

Date: April 21 – 7 p.m.

Location: Hughes Shelter, 820 RJ Hughes Dr., Chahinkapa Park, Wahpeton

Host: Red River Area Sportsman Club

Contact: Greg Gerou, 701-840-0188

Advisory board member: Doug Madsen, Harwood

District 6 – Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells counties

Date: April 21 – 7 p.m.

Location: North Dakota Farmers Union, 1415 12th Ave. SE (north door), Jamestown 

Host: Stutsman County Wildlife Club

Contact and advisory board member: Cody Sand, Ashley, 701-535-1071

District 4 – Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh counties

Date: April 22 – 7 p.m.

Location: Fire Department, 305 Elizabeth St. W., Cavalier

Host: Pembina County and Area Sportsman’s Club

Contact: Roger Furstenau, 701-265-2960

Advisory board member: Karissa Daws, Michigan

District 7 – Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties

Date: April 22 – 7 p.m.

Location: Game and Fish Main Office, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck 

Host: North Dakota Bowhunters Association 

Contact: Steve Goroski, 701-391-2665

Advisory board member: Jody Sommer, Mandan 

Spring Mule Deer Survey Begins

Tue, 04/01/2025

The state Game and Fish Department’s annual spring aerial mule deer survey is set to begin in early April in western North Dakota. Weather permitting, the survey takes about two weeks to complete.

During the survey period, people could notice low-flying small airplanes over some parts of the badlands.

Game and Fish biologists have completed aerial surveys of the same 24 badlands study areas since the 1950s. The purpose of the survey is to determine a population index to assess mule deer abundance in the badlands. 

Gratis Application Process Improved

Tue, 04/01/2025

North Dakota landowners applying for deer gratis licenses will notice improvements to the online application process.

The new system simplifies land selection by allowing users to click on property descriptions rather than manually entering lengthy details.

During the first year, applicants need to search and select their lands. In subsequent years, a convenient renewal button will speed up future applications. An additional link is available to reference previous years records.

These changes help validate eligible records more efficiently, ultimately reducing the time required to process the deer lottery. By improving accuracy and preventing errors, the system ensures a smoother experience for applicants and a timely lottery for those eager to receive their results.

Step-by-step guidance is available on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website by visiting gf.nd.gov/buy-apply/help/gratis-application.

General deer and muzzleloader lottery applications will be online in early May. The deadline to apply is June 4.