Winter Wildlife at a Distance

Fri, 01/13/2023

Wildlife managers urge outdoor enthusiasts to consider where they recreate during North Dakota’s leanest months to spare already stressed animals simply trying to survive the elements.

While this advice is true during any Northern Plains winter, it hits this year with some significance considering winter arrived in mid-November with purpose and no sign of when it will end.

State Game and Fish Department managers understand North Dakotans want to get outdoors and have fun in winter. Even so, the tougher the winter is, it is important that people riding snowmobiles, shed hunting, cross-country skiing or doing whatever are cognizant about where wildlife are and to view them from a distance.

That means waiting to shed hunt until later in the spring so that you're not pushing deer in and out of thermal cover where they're trying to just conserve energy. Animals forced into the open are exposed to the elements a lot more, which adds further stress. Also, people need to realize that harassing wildlife from snowmobiles or other machines is illegal in North Dakota.

It’s common for snowmobilers and others to ride in areas where snow has accumulated, such as near shelterbelts and other wooded habitat because that's where the drifts are, but people also must realize there could be deer or other wildlife within those areas to get out of the weather. So, every time animals are pushed from those areas, it increases the amount of energy they expend to survive the next day.

These same warnings, for shed hunters, skiers and others, also apply on Game and Fish Department owned or operated wildlife management areas where many animals gather to weather the winter months.

Winter Anglers Be Aware of Parking Conditions

Mon, 01/09/2023

Anglers need to be mindful of where they park their vehicles while accessing local winter fisheries.

Due to a heavy snowpack throughout most of the state this winter, anglers often use the road rights-of-way to park vehicles and trailers. In some situations, parking has caused problems with traffic flow, especially farm equipment.

Parked vehicles should not obstruct traffic, interfere with snow removal and/or maintenance equipment, or create safety hazards.

Hunter Education Classes

Mon, 01/09/2023

If you were born after 1961, are 12 years or older, you must take a certified hunter education course before you can get a firearm or bowhunting license in North Dakota.

Understanding this, especially if you have your sights set on hunting this fall, now is not the time to drag your feet. Most in-person courses are from January through May.

Individuals interested in taking a hunter education class in 2023 must click on the education link at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. To register for a class, click on “enroll” next to the specific class, and follow the simple instructions. Personal information is required. Classes are listed by city and can also be sorted by start date. Classes will be added throughout the year as they become finalized.

Individuals interested in receiving a notice by email or SMS text message 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.

Children must turn 12 during the calendar year to take the home study course, and age 11 during the calendar year to take the traditional in-person class.

Hunting and Fishing Legislation

Sat, 01/07/2023

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will track hunting and fishing issues during the 2023 legislative session.

Outdoor enthusiasts can follow proposed outdoors-related bills by visiting the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. The webpage will be updated daily as legislation is introduced and bills progress through the session. 

A brief description of each bill will be included. To view the bill in its entirety, click on the linked bill number.

Wildlife Feeding Concerns

Tue, 12/27/2022

Tough winter conditions thus far in North Dakota have some citizens concerned about the stress on wildlife.

Kevin Kading, state Game and Fish Department private land section leader, said harsh winters often generate conversations and questions about feeding wildlife, particularly deer and pheasants.

“The department does not promote winter feeding and does not have a winter-feeding program,” Kading said. “We recognize that many people care deeply about wildlife, and it can be difficult to watch nature play out, but feeding operations, good intentions and all, can actually do more harm for wildlife than good.”

Supplemental winter feeding does not benefit entire populations. Individuals and smaller groups of animals may receive some benefit, but often there are negative impacts such as congregating animals, drawing animals from long distances and away from good winter cover, increased predation, disease concerns, spreading of noxious weeds and feeding costs.

A poorly conducted feeding operation can kill more animals than it helps. For example, feeding animals on or near roadways can lead to wildlife-vehicle collisions. Providing feed that is too “hot” for deer, such as corn, which is high in sugars and starch, can lead to acidosis, rumenitis and ultimately death. And even individuals with the best of intentions who start feeding wildlife early in the winter often stop due to the amount of time and expense required, leading to the loss of animals that have become dependent on the handouts.

While it’s not uncommon for wildlife to die from exposure to cold, they rarely die from starvation. Knowing this, the department promotes habitat development that can provide critical winter thermal cover. Food plots should also be considered and planted near adequate winter cover. One alternative to feeding wildlife is for landowners, wildlife clubs and others to plow open areas of harvested grain or row crop fields to allow animals access to waste grains and other materials. These areas are also the first to melt when there is a break in the weather.

Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts

Thu, 12/22/2022

North Dakota Game and Fish Department director Jeb Williams recently honored employees with performance-based awards. The following special recognition awards were presented during the department’s staff meeting in December. 

Ben Holen, aquatic nuisance species coordinator, Jamestown, was recognized for his passion, management strategies, public engagement and commitment to preventing the spread of ANS.

Ryan Huber, private land biologist, Riverdale, was recognized for his relationship with staff and the public, his efforts with the Private Land Open To Sportsmen and depredation programs, and his commitment to the department’s mission.

Dr. Charlie Bahnson, wildlife veterinarian, Bismarck, was recognized for his efforts in spearheading the department’s chronic wasting disease task force, drafting the new CWD management plan, and for his public outreach on CWD.

BJ Kratz, southeast district fisheries supervisor, Jamestown, was recognized for access projects using district fisheries resources and his relationships with landowners and local groups.

Scott Gangl, fisheries management section leader, Bismarck, was recognized for his willingness to accept additional assignments to assist in improving the state’s fisheries resources, his data analysis, management responsibilities and dedication to the department and resource. 

Judd Jasmer, wildlife resource management biologist, Dickinson, was recognized for his efforts in coordinating easements in the Killdeer Mountains, which included numerous on-site visits, contractor oversight and minimizing the impacts to the wildlife resource and its habitat.

In addition to special recognition recipients, Kylor Johnston, district game warden, Hazen, was named North Dakota’s Boating Officer of the Year. His district includes the state's largest reservoir, Lake Sakakawea. Chief game warden Scott Winkelman said warden Johnston is an asset to the department and the boating public he serves and is an outstanding example of professionalism to those he works with.

Jonathan Peterson Named Wildlife Officer of the Year

Thu, 12/22/2022

Jonathan Peterson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden in Devils Lake, is the state’s 2022 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Johnson was honored recently by 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 Scott Winkelman said Peterson’s district contains North Dakota’s largest natural lake, Devils Lake.

“The Devils Lake region is known for its year-round fishing and fall waterfowl hunting. Warden Peterson patrols by vehicle, boat, ATV/UTV and snowmobile to accomplish his enforcement goals in all four seasons,” Winkelman said. “He works diligently to be in the right place at the right time to promote safety and deter violators. He has been a very effective and efficient game warden by building relationships with landowners, who in turn don’t hesitate to call him when violations are occurring. Warden Peterson is an asset to not only our department but to North Dakota in the protection of our natural resources.”

Stephanie Tucker Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year

Thu, 12/22/2022

Stephanie Tucker, game management section leader and furbearer biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, received the agency’s Director’s Award for professional excellence at the department’s annual staff meeting in December.

Jeb Williams, Game and Fish director, said Tucker has updated historical databases and Pittman-Robertson reports, critically reviewed survey and sampling methods, and spearheaded research on a wide variety of species including bobcats, mountain lions, muskrats, river otters, fishers and martins.

“These research projects have set the groundwork for opening new furbearer seasons, refined species management techniques and improved department management of these species,” Williams said. “As a section leader, she pushes staff to improve their personal development skills. She does this by setting an example in taking numerous leadership courses. Stephanie supports and encourages professional development, self-improvement and the pursuit of research that supports the department’s mission.”

2023-25 Watercraft Registrations

Mon, 12/19/2022

North Dakota watercraft owners should note that 2023 is the first year of a new three-year registration period.

Watercraft registrations must be renewed online by visiting My Account at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. A credit card is required.

The price to register motorboats in North Dakota 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. Fees are prorated.

The 2023-25 watercraft registration cycle begins Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2025.

In addition, a state law created in 2019 requires an aquatic nuisance species fee of $15 for each motorized watercraft registered in North Dakota to run concurrent with the three-year watercraft registration period.

For motorized watercraft operated on state waters and not licensed in North Dakota, the law establishes an ANS fee of $15 to be paid for each calendar year, and to display an ANS sticker on the watercraft.

New watercraft owners can attach the required documentation, such as the bill of sale or proof of taxes paid, with the online purchase, or send in the required documentation via standard mail. A 10-day temporary permit will be issued to allow for processing and delivery of registration and decals. For timely processing, Game and Fish encourages watercraft owners to submit attachments online.

Free Ice Fishing Weekend

Mon, 12/19/2022

North Dakota’s free ice fishing weekend is Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Resident anglers may fish those two days without a license. All other winter fishing regulations apply.

The weekend provides a great opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time or take someone new. Share your story for a chance to win a fish house.

Information on regulations, where to fish and what equipment is needed to ice fish is available on the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov.

Tentative 2023 Season Opening Dates

Mon, 12/12/2022

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department annually provides its best estimate for opening dates to help hunters prepare for hunting seasons.

Dates become official when approved by governor’s proclamation. Tentative opening dates for 2023 include:

2023 OUTDOORS Calendar

Mon, 12/12/2022

The 2023 North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar is available for ordering online on the state Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

The calendar features outstanding color photographs of North Dakota wildlife and scenery, and includes season opening and application deadline dates, sunrise-sunset times and moon phases.

Calendars are also available via mail order. Send $3 for each, plus $1 postage, to: Calendar, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095.

The calendar is the North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine’s December issue, so current subscribers should have already received it in the mail.