HIP, Federal Duck Stamp Requirements

Mon, 08/08/2016

Harvest Information Program registration for all migratory game bird hunters, regardless of age, and a federal duck stamp for waterfowl hunters age 16 and older, are required beginning Sept. 1.

Migratory game birds include ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, cranes, snipe, doves and woodcock. Waterfowl includes ducks, geese, swans, mergansers and coots.

Hunters can HIP certify when they buy a North Dakota license, or add it later through the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov, or by calling 888-634-4798 and recording the HIP number on their printed license.

Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season or early Canada goose season in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required only once per year. However, hunters must HIP register in each state for which they are licensed before hunting migratory game birds.

This year’s 2016-17 federal duck stamp is available for electronic purchase through the department’s website and instant licensing telephone number, or at license vendors registered with the department’s licensing system. Physical stamps are not available at North Dakota license vendors, but they can still be purchased at many U.S. Postal Service offices.

The electronic stamp is a purchase item like any other hunting or fishing license. When the purchase is completed the electronic stamp is valid immediately. The words ‘Federal Duck Stamp’ will be printed on the license certificate, along with an expiration date 45 days from the date of purchase. The actual physical stamp will be sent by postal mail.

The physical stamp is processed and sent by the official duck stamp vendor in Texas, and should arrive to the individual buyer well before the expiration date printed on the electronic license. The physical stamp must remain in possession of the hunter after the 45-day electronic stamp has expired. Individuals who have questions regarding the status of their physical stamp can contact the federal duck stamp vendor customer service number at 800-852-4897.

The federal duck stamp has a fee of $25. In addition, there is another $1.50 added to cover shipping and handling costs of the actual physical stamp. 

Hunters Advised to Check Water Conditions

Mon, 08/08/2016

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department advises hunters to be cautious with their dogs around water this time of year, due to potential health hazards associated with blue-green algae.

Late summer and early fall offer prime conditions for blue-green algae growth in many state waters. Ingestion by a hunting dog while perhaps retrieving a bird during the early goose season, or just practicing retrieving, can lead to severe illness and potential death.

Potentially toxic algae blooms occur under conditions of hot, dry weather. Shallow, stagnant water with moderate to high nutrient content provides an optimum environment for algal growth. Water or wind movements often concentrate the algae, and eventually the bloom appears as a blue-green “scum” floating on the water’s surface. The threat diminishes once the weather turns colder.

Hunting dogs shouldn’t drink or swim in discolored water or where algal blooms are apparent. If dogs retrieve in these conditions, they should be rinsed off immediately and shouldn’t be allowed to lick their coat.

For additional information about the effects of blue-green algae blooms on hunting dogs, contact the Animal Health Division, North Dakota Department of Agriculture, at 701-328-2655; or a local veterinarian.

Early Canada Goose Season Announced

Mon, 08/01/2016

North Dakota’s early Canada goose season is set, and bag limits and licensing requirements are the same as last year.

The season will open Aug. 15 and continue through Sept. 15, except in the Missouri River Zone where the season ends Sept. 7. The early Canada goose season has a limit of 15 daily and 45 in possession.

Limits and shooting hours for the early season are different from the regular season. Shooting hours during the early season are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.

Residents need a $5 early Canada goose license and a general game and habitat license. Also, residents age 16 and older need a small game license. Nonresidents need only a $50 early Canada goose license, and the license is valid statewide without counting against the 14-day regular season license.

A federal duck stamp for hunters age 16 and older, and Harvest Information Program certification, are both required beginning Sept. 1.

Hunters who do not HIP certify when they buy a North Dakota license, can add it later through the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov, or by calling 888-634-4798 and recording the HIP number on their printed license. Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required in each state only once per year.

Waterfowl rest areas, closed to hunting during the regular season, are open during the early season. Most land in these rest areas is private, so hunters may need permission to hunt.

The early hunting season is intended to reduce local Canada goose numbers. Despite liberalized regulations the past several years, with longer seasons, large bag limits and expanded shooting hours, the statewide population remains high, with numbers well above population goals.

For additional information and regulations, hunters should refer to the Game and Fish Department website.

2016 Small Game and Furbearer Regulations Set

Mon, 08/01/2016

North Dakota’s 2016 small game and furbearer regulations are set and most season structures are similar to last year.

Notable changes include:

The overall harvest limit on mountain lions is reduced from 21 to 15, and the early season limit is reduced from 14 to eight. If the early season ends before the season limit is reached, the season could reopen if the late season limit is reached prior to March 25. The late season limit is seven total lions, or three female lions, whichever comes first.

Trappers are no longer required to register with the State Game and Fish Department prior to setting cable devices.

Night vision, electronically enhanced light gathering optics and thermal imaging equipment can be used during the portion of the red fox, gray fox and coyote seasons that is open to night hunting (Nov. 21 – March 15). Spotlights or any other artificial lights are still prohibited.

Prairie chicken and sage grouse seasons will remain closed due to low populations.

In accordance with state law, nonresidents are not allowed to hunt on Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas or conservation PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) areas from Oct. 8-14.

Hunters should refer to the North Dakota 2016-17 Small Game and Furbearer guides (available mid-August) for more details on small game and furbearer seasons. Printed waterfowl guides will be available in early September.

Swan Hunt Application Available Online

Mon, 08/01/2016

The online application for North Dakota’s 2016 tundra swan license lottery is available on the State Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. The deadline for applying is Aug. 17.

Applicants can also apply by calling 800-406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made by phone.

North Dakota residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. The resident swan license is $10, while the nonresident fee is $30.

The statewide tundra swan hunting season is Oct. 1 – Jan. 1, 2017. A total of 2,200 licenses are available. Successful applicants will receive a tag to take one swan during the season. Since swans are classified as waterfowl, nonresidents may hunt them only during the period their nonresident waterfowl license is valid.

2016 Waterfowl Regulations Set

Mon, 08/01/2016

North Dakota’s 2016 waterfowl season is set, with the season framework similar to last year.

Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 24 for ducks, geese, coots and mergansers. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Oct. 1. The season for swans opens Oct. 1 for both residents and nonresidents.

Hunters may take six ducks per day with the following restrictions: five mallards of which two may be hens, three wood ducks, three scaup, two redheads, two pintails and two canvasbacks. Similar to last year, hunters can take an additional two blue-winged teal from Sept. 24 through Oct. 9. The daily limit of five mergansers may include no more than two hooded mergansers. For ducks and mergansers, the possession limit is three times the daily limit.

The hunting season for Canada geese in the Missouri River zone will close Dec. 30, while the remainder of the state will close Dec. 22. The season for whitefronts closes Dec. 4, while the season on light geese is open through Jan. 1, 2017. Shooting hours for all geese are one-half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. each day through Nov. 5. Beginning Nov. 6, shooting hours are extended until 2 p.m. each day.

Extended shooting hours for all geese are permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset on Saturdays and Wednesdays through Nov. 23, and on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays from Nov. 24 through the end of each season.

The bag limit for Canada geese during the regular season is eight daily and 24 in possession, except in the Missouri River zone where the limit is five daily and 15 in possession.

The daily limit on whitefronts is three with nine in possession, and light goose is 50 daily, with no possession limit.

The early Canada goose season will open Aug. 15 and continue through Sept. 15, except in the Missouri River Zone where the season ends Sept. 7. The early Canada goose season has a limit of 15 daily and 45 in possession.

The special youth waterfowl hunting season is Sept. 17-18. Legally licensed residents and nonresidents 15 years of age or younger can hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and geese statewide. Youth hunters must have a general game and habitat license and a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. A licensed adult of at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter into the field.

Nonresidents have the option of buying either a statewide waterfowl license or one with zone restrictions. Nonresidents who designate zones 1 or 2 may hunt that zone for only one seven-day period during the season. Nonresident hunters who chose to hunt in zone 1 or 2 and wish to use the full 14 consecutive days allowed, must use the other seven days in zone 3. Hunters in zone 3 can hunt that zone the entire 14 days.

In accordance with state law, nonresidents are not allowed to hunt on North Dakota Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas or conservation PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) areas from Oct. 8-14.

Hunters who do not HIP certify when they buy a North Dakota license, can add it later through the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov, or by calling 888-634-4798 and recording the HIP number on their printed license. Those who registered to hunt North Dakota’s spring light goose season or early Canada goose season do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required in each state only once per year.

Hunters should refer to the 2016 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide for further details on the waterfowl season. Paper copies will be at license vendors in early September.

Pronghorn Applications Due Aug. 3

Mon, 07/25/2016

Prospective pronghorn hunters are reminded the deadline to apply for the 2016 hunting season is Aug. 3.

Applicants can apply online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or by calling 800-406-6409. Paper applications are available for printing off the website, and from license vendors.

A total of 730 licenses are available in seven open units – 1A, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4C. All licenses are valid for any pronghorn.

The bow-only portion of the season is from Sept 2 (noon) – Sept. 25. Anyone who draws a license can hunt pronghorn with a bow in the unit printed on the license.

From Sept. 30 (noon) – Oct.16, hunters who still have a valid license can use legal firearms or archery equipment, and again must stay in the assigned unit.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply for a 2016 pronghorn license. People who have accumulated bonus points and choose not to apply this year will not lose their points. 

Deer Lottery Held, Antlerless Licenses Remain

Mon, 07/25/2016

North Dakota’s deer gun lottery has been held and individual results are available online at the State Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

More than 1,600 antlerless deer gun licenses remain. Only resident applicants who were unsuccessful in the first lottery can apply for remaining licenses.

The first lottery application process – deer gun, muzzleloader, youth and landowner – had more than 102,000 applicants, and over 51,000 were unsuccessful.

An option for unsuccessful applicants to apply online for remaining licenses will be available Aug. 3. Paper applications for remaining licenses will be mailed to individuals the week of Aug. 1. The deadline for applying is Aug. 24.

Remaining Deer Gun Licenses

(B = Any Antlerless    D = Antlerless Whitetail   F = Antlerless Mule Deer)

Game Warden Exam Set for Aug. 5

Mon, 07/25/2016

Individuals interested in taking the district game warden exam scheduled for Aug. 5 are reminded to register no later than Aug. 1, by submitting an online application through the North Dakota State Job Openings website.

The test is at 10 a.m. at the department's main office in Bismarck.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a bachelor’s degree at time of hire (tentative hire date is Oct. 1), have a valid driver’s license and a current North Dakota peace officer license, or be eligible to be licensed. Candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills in communications and writing, and must not have a record of any felony convictions.

District game wardens enforce game and fish laws and related regulations in an assigned district and other locations as determined by the department. Wardens normally work alone under varied conditions, at all hours of the day, night and weekends. In addition to law enforcement duties, wardens assist in the areas of public relations, education programs, and hunter and boat safety education.

Salary through training for a district game warden is $3,800 per month. Upon successful completion of training, the monthly salary ranges are $4,260 - $7,100. Wardens also receive the state benefits package, including travel allowance. Uniforms and other equipment are provided. 

Anglers Asked to Look for Tagged Salmon

Mon, 07/25/2016

Anglers who catch a tagged salmon are reminded to turn in the heads and report information to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Anglers can identify a tagged salmon by looking at the adipose fin – a small fleshy lobe found on the back toward the tail. If the fin is missing it was likely removed by Game and Fish biologists and the salmon probably has a micro-tag embedded in its head. There is no external tag.

Micro-tags are inserted into a sample of young salmon before being stocked into Lake Sakakawea. This microscopic tag is implanted near the snout, and contains a code that identifies stocking information.

Heads can be turned into Game and Fish, or local bait shops in Riverdale and Pick City. Anglers will be provided information about the fish when tags are extracted and read by biologists.

Hunting Guide and Outfitter Test Set

Mon, 07/18/2016

The next guide and outfitter written examination is Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. The test is given periodically to anyone interested in becoming a hunting guide or outfitter in the state.

In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations; certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid; and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter.

Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the guide qualifications, as well as an individual must have held a hunting guide license for two years; and must have proof of liability insurance.

Interested individuals are required to preregister by calling the Game and Fish Department’s enforcement office at 328-6604.

Some Hunter Education Classes Available

Mon, 07/18/2016

Adults and children looking to take a hunter education class in 2016 are reminded to enroll at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website.

Hunter education coordinator John Mazur said the majority of classes were held by the end of May. However, he said classes will still be added throughout the year as they become finalized.

“Our volunteer instructors will be adding classes, but not nearly as many as we move toward the fall,” Mazur said. “That’s why it is important to monitor our website and to act quickly when a class suits your needs.”

To register, 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.

Those who do not have access to the Internet and want to sign up for a class can call the hunter education program in Bismarck at 701-328-6615.

Individuals interested in receiving a notice by email when each hunter education class is added can click on the “subscribe to news, email and text alerts” link found below the news section on the department’s home page. Check the box labeled “hunter education class notification” 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.