Wildlife Stressed, Snowmobile Riders Stay Clear

Fri, 12/30/2016

With significant snow storms dropping record to near-record snowfall on much of the state the past several weeks, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds snowmobile enthusiasts to stay clear of wildlife and its habitat so animals do not suffer additional stress.

Wildlife chief Jeb Williams said North Dakota’s wildlife population has already suffered significantly this winter.

“Any undue stress makes it worse,” Williams said.

Snowmobiles cannot be used to flush, chase or pursue wildlife. Running snowmobiles near, through or around winter habitat such as thickets, cattails and wooded areas may inadvertently scare wintering wildlife, causing them additional stress or injury.

Snowmobiles can be used off an established trail while fox or coyote hunting, but chasing a coyote through cover or across an open field on a snowmobile is illegal.

Williams said Game and Fish is concerned about the state’s wildlife, especially since it is still early in winter.

“Pheasants seem to be doing okay in some areas, but no doubt suffered losses in other areas,” Williams said. “What this winter will mean in terms of pheasant hunting opportunities next fall is hard to tell. The rest of the winter will be very telling, and good nesting conditions in spring will be critical.”

Reports of dying or dead deer are not uncommon in tough winters, and this holds true this winter as well. Mostly fawns and older deer are affected by the cold and wind. In addition, heavy snow cover prevents deer from accessing their usual food sources, which can result in deer dying because of grain overload – a result of deer switching their natural diet to a diet comprised mostly of corn and/or other grains.

Observers witnessing harassment or chasing of wildlife are encouraged to call the Report All Poachers hotline at 800-472-2121.

Riders are encouraged to use snowmobile trails and avoid situations that could disturb wildlife. Information on the North Dakota trail system is available at the Snowmobile North Dakota website at snowmobilend.org. 

Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts

Tue, 12/27/2016

North Dakota Game and Fish Department Director Terry Steinwand recently honored a number of employees with performance-based awards. Steinwand presented the following awards at the department’s annual staff meeting Dec. 8.

John Mazur, hunter education coordinator, Bismarck, received the Special Projects award, given to an individual who implemented a successful new project. Mazur was recognized for his efforts with successfully refining the hunter education program. “John took the concept of a hunter education instructor academy and made it a reality,” Steinwand said. “He created a volunteer instructor academy team, field days and a pilot mentoring program. He was able to accomplish this because of our well-trained and dedicated volunteer staff.”

Bill Jensen, big game biologist, Bismarck, received the Solid Foundation award, presented to staff who demonstrate exemplary work in their field. Jensen was recognized for his passion for wildlife conservation. “Bill’s professionalism, integrity, attitude and work ethic serves as an exemplary model for all employees,” Steinwand said. “He continually strives to use the best available science to help guide wildlife management, and is a go-to source for big game management in North Dakota.”

Stephanie Tucker, game management section leader, Bismarck, received the Public Outreach award, presented to an employee for showing a significant effort, ability or accomplishment in interacting with the public while promoting the Department’s programs. Tucker was recognized for her work involved with furbearer issues. “Stephanie does an outstanding job in communicating with all entities in a professional manner,” Steinwand said. “She is well spoken, highly informed and extremely courteous while working with landowners, legislators, hunters and trappers.”

Jerry Weigel, fisheries production and development section leader, Bismarck, was presented with the Innovations award, which recognizes staff for implementing a process to improve Department goals and objectives. Weigel was recognized for his statewide efforts in fish distribution. “One of Jerry’s career accomplishments has been his ability to integrate improvements to our existing program, and it’s because of his innovation, extreme interest and dedication to our overall fish culture program,” Steinwand said.

Greg Hastings, district game warden, Jamestown, was named North Dakota’s Boating Officer of the Year. Chief warden Robert Timian said Hasting’s district boasts several man-made and natural lakes that are home to many anglers and recreational boat operators. “Warden Hastings is skilled in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of boaters who are operating while operating under the influence,” Timian said. “He is dedicated to making sure his boaters are operating in a safe manner while still enjoying the outdoors.”

Jim Job Named Wildlife Officer of the Year

Tue, 12/27/2016

Jim Job, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden stationed in Devils Lake, is the state’s 2016 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Job was honored recently by the Shikar-Safari Club International, a private conservation organization that annually recognizes outstanding wildlife officers in each state.

In a nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Robert Timian said Job’s district is home to some of the most renowned fishing and hunting opportunities in the nation.

“Warden Job’s hard working efforts do not go unnoticed throughout his district,” Timian said. “Whether he is on patrol by vehicle, boat, all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile, his dedication and enthusiasm for his chosen profession as a game warden serves as an excellent example to others. He is most deserving of this recognition.” 

Doug Howie Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year

Tue, 12/27/2016

Doug Howie, assistant private land coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, received the agency’s Director’s Award for professional excellence during the Department’s annual meeting Dec. 8 in Bismarck.

Terry Steinwand, Game and Fish director, said Howie is known for his professionalism and resourcefulness. “Doug’s commitment to the Department’s private lands program has been exemplary for 30 years,” Steinwand said.

Howie was recognized for his role in administering the Private Land Open to Sportsmen program. “He has developed policies and procedures, manages statewide and district budgets and issues landowner payments,” Steinwand added. “Doug’s knowledge helps steer the direction of the program, and his dedication has helped it become one of the most successful access programs in the country.”

Game and Fish Seeks Information

Wed, 12/21/2016

North Dakota Game and Fish Department law enforcement officers are searching for information related to the likely illegal possession and taking of a mule deer buck and an antlerless whitetail pictured recently on social media at a location that appears to be in or near the pipeline protest camp in southern Morton County.

Anyone with information should contact the Game and Fish enforcement office in Bismarck at 701-328-6604.

Boats Need 2017-19 Registration

Mon, 12/19/2016

North Dakota boat owners are reminded that 2017 is the first year of a new three-year registration period.

Boat registrations can be renewed online by clicking on “buy and apply” at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. In addition, boat owners should receive their registration mailing in early January.

The price to register motorboats 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.

The new boat registration cycle begins Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2019.

Also, anyone buying a new or used watercraft can generate a 10-day temporary permit online that is valid until the registration is processed.

Boat owners purchasing watercraft from private individuals this winter are reminded to register it in their name. Registering a used watercraft purchased from an individual must include proof of transfer of ownership, such as a photocopy of the previous owner’s registration card, a canceled check or a signed note from the previous owner stating transfer of ownership.

Regulations require the boat number to be in contrasting color to the hull in plain vertical block letters at least 3 inches in height, excluding any border, trim, outlining or shading, and must be maintained in a legible condition so the number is clearly visible in daylight hours. The number must read from left to right, and groups of numbers and letters must be separated by a space or hyphen equivalent in width to the letter “M.”

In addition, a validation sticker issued by the Game and Fish Department must be displayed on the boat within 6 inches of the number toward the rear of the boat. No other numbers should be displayed in this area.

Boat owners who do not receive a renewal notice by the end of January should contact the Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6335, or email ndgf@nd.gov. Many renewals are likely to be returned because some owners who moved within the last three years did not notify the Department with their new address.

Free Ice Fishing Weekend

Mon, 12/19/2016

North Dakota’s free ice fishing weekend is Dec. 31, 2016 and Jan. 1, 2017.

Resident anglers may fish that weekend without a license. All other ice fishing regulations apply.

Those interested in darkhouse spearfishing that weekend must register with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department prior to participating. Registration is available by visiting the Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, or through any Game and Fish office. Legal fish are northern pike and nongame species.

Coyote Catalog Available for Hunters, Landowners

Thu, 12/15/2016

The Coyote Catalog, a statewide effort designed to connect coyote hunters and trappers with landowners who are dealing with coyotes in their areas, is open for the winter.

A partnership between the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the Coyote Catalog can be a good way for hunters and trappers to locate new places to go, according to Game and Fish Director Terry Steinwand.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encourages landowners, especially farmers and ranchers who have problems with coyotes, to sign up for the Coyote Catalog. “Hunting and trapping are some of the many tools available to mitigate predator risk,” Goehring said.

This past season, nearly 40 landowners participated in the Coyote Catalog, along with more than 200 hunters and trappers.

Landowners can sign up on the NDDA website at www.nd.gov/ndda/coyote-catalog. County and contact information is required.

Hunters and trappers can sign up at the NDGF website, gf.nd.gov.

Anyone who registered for the Coyote Catalog in the past must register again to activate their names on the database.

Throughout the winter, hunters or trappers may receive information on participating landowners, and they should contact landowners to make arrangements.

Goehring and Steinwand said landowners experiencing coyote depredation of livestock should first contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services.

The Coyote Catalog will remain active through March 31, 2017.

For more information, contact Stephanie Tucker, NDGF, at 701-220-1871; or Jamie Good, NDDA, at 701-328-2659.

Advisory Board Meeting in Watford City is Set for Dec. 19, Cando Dec. 20

Mon, 12/12/2016

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s district 1 advisory board meeting in Watford City that was originally scheduled for Dec. 5 is now set for Monday, Dec. 19.

In addition, the district 3 advisory board meeting in Cando that was previously rescheduled for Thursday, Dec. 15 is now set for Tuesday, Dec. 20. 

District 1 – Counties: Divide, McKenzie and Williams
Date: Dec. 19 – 7 p.m.
Location: Rough Rider Center, 2209 Wolves Den Parkway, Watford City
Host: Mule Deer Foundation
Advisory board member: Jason Leiseth, Arnegard, 586-3714 

District 3 – Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner
Date: Dec. 20 – 7 p.m.
Location: Armory, Cando
Host: Cando Gun Club
Advisory board member: Tom Rost, Devils Lake, 350-1424

Fordville, Cando Advisory Board Meetings Postponed

Mon, 12/05/2016

Fordville, Cando Game and Fish Advisory Meetings Postponed

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s advisory board meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6 in Cando and Fordville have been postponed until Dec. 14 and 20 due to forecasted inclement weather.

Meetings set for tonight in Dickinson and Watford City will go on as scheduled.

The meeting in Fordville is rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 14, and Cando is rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 20.

District 4 – Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh
Date: Dec. 14 – 7 p.m.
Location: American Legion Club, 208 N. Main St., Fordville
Host: Dakota Prairie Wildlife Club
Contact: Lynn Baier, 331-1074
Advisory board member: Joe Solseng, 317-5009 

District 3 – Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner
Date: Dec. 20 – 7 p.m.
Location: Armory, Cando
Host: Cando Gun Club
Advisory board member: Tom Rost, Devils Lake, 350-1424

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

Other scheduled meetings are as follows.

District 8 – Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark
Date: Dec. 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: La Quinta Inn & Suites, Dickinson
Host: Mule Deer Foundation
Contact: Arnold Karsky, 290-9754
Advisory board member: Dwight Hecker, Fairfield, 575-4952

District 1 – Counties: Divide, McKenzie and Williams
Date: Dec. 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Rough Rider Center, 2209 Wolves Den Parkway, Watford City
Host: Mule Deer Foundation
Advisory board member: Jason Leiseth, Arnegard, 586-3714

District 2 – Counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward
Date: Dec. 12 – 7 p.m.
Location: Berthold Sportsmen Club, 210 Main St., Berthold
Host: Berthold Sportsmen Club
Contact: Joe Lautenschlager, 721-1882
Advisory board member: Robert Gjellstad, Voltaire, 338-2281

District 5 – Counties: Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill
Date: Dec. 12 – 7 p.m.
Location: American Legion (south of Lake Elsie), Hankinson
Host: Hankinson American Legion
Contact: Terry Puetz, 640-3294
Advisory board member: Duane Hanson, West Fargo, 367-4249

District 6 – Counties: Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells
Date: Dec. 13 – 7 p.m.
Location: The Bunker, 1520 3rd St. SE, Jamestown
Host: United Sportsmen
Contact: Larry Kukla, 320-4182
Advisory board member: Joel Christoferson, Litchville, 973-4981

District 7 – Counties: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux
Date: Dec. 13 – 7 p.m.
Location: North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Bismarck         
Host: North Dakota Natural Resources Trust
Contact: Keith Trego, 220-0978
Advisory board member: Dave Nehring, Bismarck, 214-3184

Fish House Regulations

Mon, 12/05/2016

Winter anglers are reminded that any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made out of materials that will allow it to float.

A popular question this time of year is if campers qualify as legal fish houses. The answer is the same for any structure taken on the ice – if it’s left unattended, it must be able to float; if it’s not able to float, it must be removed when the angler leaves the ice.

Other fish house regulations include:

• Fish houses do not require a license.
• Occupied structures do not require identification. However, any unoccupied fish house must have the owner’s name, and either address or telephone number, displayed on its outside in readily distinguishable characters at least three inches high.
• Fish houses may not be placed closer than 50 feet in any direction to another house without consent of the occupant of the other fish house.
• All unoccupied fish houses must be removed from all waters after midnight, March 15.

Anglers should refer to the 2016-18 North Dakota Fishing Guide for other winter fishing regulations.

Tentative 2017 Season Opening Dates

Mon, 12/05/2016

To help North Dakota hunters prepare for hunting seasons in 2017, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department annually provides its best estimate for opening dates for the coming year.

Dates become official when approved by governor’s proclamation. Tentative opening dates for 2017 include:

Spring Turkey - April 8

Deer and Pronghorn Bow, Dove, Mountain Lion - September 1

Sharptail, Hun, Ruffed Grouse, Squirrel - September 9

Youth Deer - September 15

Youth Waterfowl - September 16

Early Resident Waterfowl - September 23

Regular Waterfowl - September 30

Pronghorn Gun - October 6

Youth Pheasant - October 7

Pheasant, Fall Turkey - October 14

Mink, Muskrat, Weasel Trapping - October 28

Deer Gun - November 10

Deer Muzzleloader - December 1