Anglers fishing North Dakota waters this winter are reminded of new regulations implemented since last year.
The statewide possession limit for bluegill, yellow perch and white bass has been reduced from 80 to 40 each.
Sweet Briar Dam and Braun Lake are now open to darkhouse spearfishing, while Larimore Dam and Wood Lake are closed to darkhouse spearers.
Materials used to mark holes must be in possession of anglers and spearers as soon as a hole greater than 10 inches in diameter is made in the ice. In the past, anglers could search for materials used for markers after making holes.
Fishing poles must be easily visible and within a maximum distance of 150 feet of a participating angler.
All unoccupied fish houses must be removed from all waters after midnight March 15.
North Dakota residents can fish for free during a free fishing weekend Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
North Dakota anglers are encouraged to refer to the 2016-18 North Dakota Fishing Guide or the State Game and Fish Department’s website for winter fishing regulations.
In addition, anglers can visit the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, for an extensive list of fishing questions and answers.
Berthold, Hankinson, Jamestown, Bismarck Advisory Board Meetings Postponed
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s advisory board meetings scheduled for tonight and tomorrow in Berthold, Hankinson, Jamestown and Bismarck have been postponed two weeks due to inclement weather.
The meetings in Berthold and Hankinson are rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 12; and Bismarck and Jamestown are rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13.
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
Register to Darkhouse Spearfish
All individuals who participate in darkhouse spearfishing must first register online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or through any Game and Fish Department office.
Two notable changes from last year related to spearing are that materials used to mark holes must be in possession of anglers and spearers as soon as a hole greater than 10 inches in diameter is made in the ice.
In addition, Sweet Briar Dam and Braun Lake are now open to darkhouse spearfishing, while Larimore Dam and Wood Lake are closed to darkhouse spearers.
North Dakota’s darkhouse spearfishing season opens on most state waters Dec. 1. The season extends through March 15. Legal fish are northern pike and nongame species.
Darkhouse spearing is allowed for all residents with a valid fishing license and for residents under age 16. Nonresidents may darkhouse spearfish in North Dakota if they are from states that offer the same privilege for North Dakota residents.
North Dakota residents who do not have a fishing license may spear during the winter free fishing weekend Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, but they still need to register to spear.
Last year, a record 4,328 participants registered to darkhouse spearfish, an increase of nearly 1,000 from 2014.
All waters open to hook and line fishing are open to darkhouse spearing except:
East Park Lake, West Park Lake, Lake Audubon – McLean County
Heckers Lake – Sheridan County
Larimore Dam – Grand Forks County
McClusky Canal
New Johns Lake – Burleigh County
Red Willow Lake – Griggs County
Wood Lake – Benson County
Anglers and spearers should refer to the 2016-18 North Dakota Fishing Guide for more information.
Late-Season Hunting Opportunities End Soon
North Dakota waterfowl hunters are reminded the statewide duck and white-fronted goose seasons close Dec. 4. However, duck hunting in the high plains unit reopens Dec. 10 and continues through Jan. 1, 2017.
In addition, the season for Canada geese closes Dec. 22, except for the Missouri River Zone, which closes Dec. 30. Light goose hunting closes statewide Jan. 1, 2017.
Archery deer, fall turkey, sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, partridge, pheasant and tree squirrel hunting seasons continue through Jan. 8, 2017.
Ice Awareness for Hunters, Anglers
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is urging winter anglers and late-season hunters to use extreme caution when venturing out on ice until the state has experienced a prolonged period of subfreezing temperatures.
Heavy snow and wind accompanying a late November snowstorm over parts of the state are creating slush in many lakes, which is typically not as solid when it freezes, compared to a water surface that freezes under calm conditions with no precipitation.
Ice thickness is never consistent, especially early in winter, and can vary significantly on the same body of water. Edges become firm before the center.
A few reminders include:
Snow insulates ice, which in turn inhibits solid ice formation, and hides cracks, weak and open water areas.
Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal thinner ice. The same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged trees, brush, embankments or other structures.
Ice thickness is not consistent and can vary significantly even in a small area. Ice shouldn’t be judged by appearance alone. Anglers should drill test holes as they make their way out on the lake, and an ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around.
Daily temperature changes cause ice to expand and contract, affecting its strength.
The following minimums are recommended for travel on clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the winter it’s a good idea to double these figures to be safe: 4 inches for a group walking single file; 6 inches for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup/truck.
These tips could help save a life:
Wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone.
Carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers to pull yourself back on the ice if you fall through.
If someone breaks through the ice, call 911 immediately. Rescue attempts should employ a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that’s not possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as a last resort, but do this by forming a human chain where rescuers lie on the ice with each person holding the feet of the person in front.
To treat hypothermia, replace wet clothing with dry clothing and immediately transport victim to a hospital.
Hunter Education Classes
Most hunter education courses have wrapped up for 2016.
However, individuals or parents with children who will need to take a course in 2017 should monitor the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, as classes that begin in January will be added to the Buy and Apply link as soon as times and locations are finalized.
After accessing the Buy and Apply link, click on the hunter ed enrollment link and “list of hunter education courses.” Classes are listed by city, and can also be sorted by start date. To register for a class, click on “enroll” next to the specific class, and follow the simple instructions. Personal information is required.
Individuals interested in receiving a notice by email when each hunter education class is added can click on the “subscribe to news and alerts” link found below the news section on the Game and Fish home page. Check the box labeled “hunter education” under the education program updates.
In addition, SMS text notifications of new classes can be sent directly to a cell phone. Simply text “NDGF HunterClass” to 468311 to subscribe to this feature.
State law requires anyone born after December 31, 1961 to pass a certified hunter education course to hunt in the state. Hunter education is mandatory for youth who are turning 12 years old, and children can take the class at age 11.
Mountain Lion Zone 1 Early Season Ends, Late Season Opens
North Dakota’s early mountain lion season in Zone 1 closed Sunday, Nov. 20, and the late season, when hunters can pursue lions with dogs, is now open.
During the early season, hunters took three cats from a harvest limit of eight. Under a new season structure this year, a conditional season could open five days after the late season closes, for hunters to pursue the additional five mountain lions that were not taken.
The late season in Zone 1 opened Monday, Nov. 21 and is scheduled to run through March 31, 2017, or until the harvest limit is reached. The late season harvest limit is seven total lions or three female lions, whichever comes first.
The late season harvest limit in Zone 1 filled early last year, so hunters are advised to check for updates by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
Zone 1 includes land in western North Dakota south of ND Highway 1804 from the Montana border to the point where ND Highway 1804 lies directly across Lake Sakakawea from ND Highway 8, crossing Lake Sakakawea then south along ND Highway 8 to ND Highway 200, then west on ND Highway 200 to U.S. Highway 85, then south on U.S. Highway 85 to the South Dakota border.
The mountain lion season in Zone 2, which is the rest of the state outside Zone 1, has no harvest limit and is open through March 31, 2017.
The mountain lion season is open only to North Dakota residents. Hunters need a furbearer or combination license to participate.
Fishing Tournaments Require Notice
Organizers planning fishing tournaments, including ice fishing contests this winter, are reminded to submit an application along with fishing tournament regulations to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at least 30 days prior to the start of the event.
The 30-day advance notice allows for review by agency staff to ensure the proposed tournament will not have negative consequences or conflicts with other proposed tournaments for the same location and/or time.
Tournaments may not occur without first obtaining a valid permit from the department.
In addition, the number of open-water tournaments on lakes Sakakawea and Oahe, the Missouri River and Devils Lake are capped each year, depending on the time of the year and location.
Advisory Board Meetings Announced
Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to attend a North Dakota Game and Fish Department fall advisory board meeting in their area.
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.
The governor appoints eight Game and Fish Department advisors, each representing a multi-county section of the state, to serve as a liaison between the department and public.
Any person who requires an auxiliary aid or service must notify the contact person at least five days prior to the scheduled meeting date.
District 2 – Counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward
Date: Nov. 28 – 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: Nov. 28 – 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: Nov. 29 – 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: Nov. 29 – 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
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 8 – Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark
District 3 – Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner
Date: Dec. 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: Armory, Cando
Host: Cando Gun Club
Advisory board member: Tom Rost, Devils Lake, 350-1424
District 4 – Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh
Date: Dec. 6 – 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
Salmon Spawn Completed
Fisheries crews have completed their annual salmon spawning operation on the Missouri River System after collecting roughly 2 million eggs.
Dave Fryda, North Dakota Game and Fish Department Missouri River System supervisor, said the salmon spawning season was extremely productive and crews easily collected enough eggs to stock the 400,000 smolts planned for Lake Sakakawea in 2017.
“The majority of eggs were collected from Lake Sakakawea, but the Missouri River below Garrison Dam also contributed,” Fryda said. “In addition to meeting North Dakota’s own egg goals, additional surplus eggs were provided to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to help with their Lake Oahe salmon program.”
Fryda said the average size of Lake Sakakawea female salmon was 7.6 pounds, about 3 pounds smaller than 2015. “The average size was smaller than the record we saw in 2015, but the overall number of salmon in the spawning run was exceptional,” he added. “Montana also had a very strong spawning run and a good egg take, but South Dakota had challenges collecting eggs this year.”
Fryda said the abundance of young male salmon, also called jacks, was again high in 2016. “Jacks are 1-year-old male salmon that become sexually mature, and typically a high abundance of these young males will forecast a good run over the next couple years,” he said.
Chinook salmon begin their spawning run in October. Since salmon cannot naturally reproduce in North Dakota, Game and Fish Department and Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery personnel collect eggs and transport them to the hatchery.
Once the eggs hatch, young salmon spend several months in the hatchery before being stocked in Lake Sakakawea.
Some Refuges Open to Late-Season Upland Game
Hunters are reminded that several North Dakota national wildlife refuges open to late-season upland game bird hunting the day after the deer gun season closes.
Arrowwood, Audubon, Des Lacs, J. Clark Salyer, Lake Alice, Lake Zahl, Long Lake, Lostwood, Tewaukon (pheasants only), and Upper Souris NWRs open Nov. 21.
However, portions of each refuge are closed to hunting. Hunters should contact refuge headquarters for information on closed areas and other restrictions: Arrowwood 701-285-3341; Audubon 701-442-5474; Des Lacs 701-385-4046; J. Clark Salyer 701-768-2548; Lake Alice 701-662-8611; Lake Zahl 701-965-6488; Long Lake 701-387-4397; Lostwood 701-848-2722; Tewaukon 701-724-3598; and Upper Souris 701-468-5467; or visit www.fws.gov and click on “National Wildlife Refuges” for details on each individual refuge.
National wildlife refuges are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hunters are reminded that use of nontoxic shot is required on all USFWS lands. State regulations found in the North Dakota 2016-17 Small Game Guide apply. Seasons for pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge and ruffed grouse close statewide on Jan. 8, 2017.
Fall Mule Deer Survey Completed
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s fall mule deer survey indicates that mule deer had another good year of fawn production.
Biologists counted 3,003 (2,157 in 2015) mule deer in the annual aerial survey in October. The buck-to-doe ratio of 0.48 (0.42 in 2015) is higher than the long-term average of 0.43 bucks per doe, while the fawn-to-doe ratio of 0.90 (0.84 in 2015) is the same as the long-term average.
Big game management supervisor Bruce Stillings said the mule deer population continues to recover nicely following the devastating winters of 2008-10, with its third consecutive year of fawn production near or above the long-term average.
“This year’s good fawn production has the potential to result in a nice population increase next spring, depending on the severity of the winter,” Stillings said.
The fall aerial survey, conducted specifically to study demographics, covers 24 study areas and 306.3 square miles in western North Dakota. Biologists also survey the same study areas in the spring of each year to determine population abundance.
North Dakota Game and Fish Department