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News Releases

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

News Releases

Advisory Board Meetings Announced

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department Advisory Board will host its public meetings on site this spring at eight locations across the state. In addition, the district 7 meeting in Bismarck will be streamed live on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

Attendance will be limited at the eight locations due to physical distancing guidelines. Those unable to attend in-person will be able to view and participate in the April 26 livestream event.

For the statewide livestream, questions can be submitted in advance at ndgflive@nd.gov, or via live chat during the meeting. 

 

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

Date: April 27 – 7 p.m.

Location: Elks, 425 Highway 2 W., Devils Lake

Host: Lake Region Anglers

Contact and advisory board member: Edward Dosch, 701-351-4202, Devils Lake 

 

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

Date: April 20 – 7 p.m.

Location: Van Jones American Legion Post, Rhame

Host: Brooks Ranch

Contact and advisory board member: Rob Brooks, 701-279-5896, Rhame

 

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

Date: April 19 – 7 p.m.

Location: Berthold Sportsmen Club, 214 Main St., Berthold

Host: Berthold Sportsmen Club

Contact: Charlie Monson, 701-226-6546

Advisory board member: Travis Leier, Velva

 

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

Date: April 20 – 7 p.m.

Location: Kulm City Hall, First Ave. SW and First St. SW, Kulm

Host: Kulm Rod and Gun Club

Contact: Dustin Mahin, 701-830-9919

Advisory board member: Cody Sand, Ashley

 

District 1 – Divide, McKenzie and Williams counties

Date: April 26 – 7 p.m.

Location: Community Center, Main St., Grassy Butte

Host: North Dakota Houndsmen Association

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

 

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

Date: April 19 – 7 p.m.

Location: Hankinson American Legion (south side of Lake Elsie), Hankinson 

Host: Richland Wildlife Club

Contact: Wayne Beyer, 701-642-2811

Advisory board member: Duane Hanson, West Fargo

 

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

Date: April 27 – 7 p.m.

Location: Pekin Rod and Gun Club, 2950 ND Highway 1, Pekin 

Host: Pekin Rod and Gun Club

Contact: David Morten, 701-296-4484

Advisory board member: Bruce Ellertson, Lakota

 

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

Date: April 26 – 7 p.m.

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

Host: North Dakota Wildlife Federation

Contact: John Bradley, 701-390-7196

Advisory board member: Dave Nehring, Bismarck

Record Count of Bighorn Sheep

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 2020 bighorn sheep survey, completed by recounting lambs in March, revealed a record 322 bighorn sheep in western North Dakota, up 11% from 2019 and 13% above the five-year average. The count surpassed the previous record of 313 bighorns in 2008.

Altogether, biologists counted 97 rams, 170 ewes and 55 lambs. Not included are approximately 40 bighorn sheep in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and bighorns recently introduced to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.

Big game biologist Brett Wiedmann was pleased to see an increase in the survey for the third consecutive year.

“The increase in the 2020 count reflects lessening effects of bacterial pneumonia that was detected in 2014,” Wiedmann said.

The northern badlands population increased 13% from 2019 and was the highest count on record. The southern badlands population declined again to the lowest level since 1999.

“We were encouraged to see the count of adult rams increase after declining the last four years, and adult ewes were at record numbers,” Wiedmann said. “Most encouraging was a record lamb count corresponding with a record recruitment rate.”

Game and Fish Department biologists count and classify all bighorn sheep in late summer, and then recount lambs the following March as they approach one year of age to determine recruitment.

Department staff, in conjunction with biologists from the Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Division, also reported that the bighorn sheep that were translocated in January 2020 from Rocky Boy’s Reservation in Montana to the Fort Berthold Reservation performed exceptionally well their first year in the state. Only one adult ewe died but 19 lambs were recruited. Consequently, the population increased from 30 to 48 in the first year.

There are currently more than 400 bighorn sheep among populations managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the National Park Service and the Three Affiliated Tribes Fish and Wildlife Division. Wiedmann said the last confirmed native bighorn sheep in North Dakota was killed in 1905, and Theodore Roosevelt reported that bighorns were scarce by the time he hunted them during the 1880s.

“So, it’s likely there are more bighorns today than before North Dakota’s statehood in 1889,” he added. “It really illustrates the historical significance of this year’s count.”

A bighorn sheep hunting season is tentatively scheduled to open in 2021.The status of the bighorn sheep season will be determined Sept. 1, after the summer population survey is completed.

Game and Fish issued six licenses in 2020 and all hunters were successful in harvesting a ram.

Game and Fish Offices Open to Public Access

North Dakota Game and Fish Department offices, except for Riverdale, are open to public access after being closed to walk-in traffic since last spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Riverdale office will remain closed to walk-in traffic since it does not have an administrative assistant. Individuals will need to call ahead and make an appointment or contact the Bismarck office for assistance.

Following the North Dakota Smart Restart guidelines, outdoor enthusiasts must sign in upon entering for contact tracing purposes, and face coverings are recommended.

Hunters and anglers are reminded that all hunting and fishing license purchases, boat registrations and lottery applications are conducted online, including gratis deer applications. In addition, licenses can be purchased at more than 140 vendor locations throughout the state.

For more hunting, fishing, trapping and boating information, visit the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov. 

Deer Gratis Application Online

Landowners interested in a 2021 deer gratis license can apply online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. The deadline for applying is June 2.

General deer and muzzleloader lottery applications will be available online in early May, also with a deadline of June 2. 

Gratis applicants who have previously applied online will automatically have their land description carried forward to this year’s application. However, any changes with land descriptions from last year’s application must be made prior to submitting the 2021 application.

Applications must be submitted online using a computer or smartphone. License vendors are unable to process deer gratis applications.

Game Warden Exam Set for June 11

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has scheduled an examination to select district game warden candidates. The test is at 10 a.m., June 11, at the department's main office in Bismarck.

Applicants must register no later than June 8 by submitting an online application through the North Dakota State Job Openings website.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a bachelor’s degree at time of hire, have a valid driver’s license and a current North Dakota peace officer license, or be eligible to be licensed. Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check 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 $4,300 per month. For more information, see the district game warden job announcement on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

Spring Mule Deer Survey Begins April 1

The state Game and Fish Department’s annual spring aerial mule deer survey is set to begin April 1 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. 

Wildfire Potential High in Spring

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

As outdoor activity increases in spring, so does the risk of wildfires. An increase in human outdoor activity, 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 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.

The fire danger index can change daily depending on temperature, wind and precipitation forecasts. If the index reaches the extreme category, open burning is prohibited; off-road travel with a motorized vehicle is prohibited, except for people engaged in a trade, business or occupation where it is required; and smoking is restricted to inside of vehicles, homes or in approved buildings and on hard surfaces.

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

Guide and Outfitter Exam Scheduled

The next guide and outfitter written examination is May 1 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. Preregistration is required no later than April 23 by calling the Department’s enforcement office at 701-328-6604.

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.

The test is given periodically to anyone interested in becoming a guide or outfitter in the state.

Invasive Zebra Mussels Found in Aquarium Moss Balls, Quarantine Issued

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture are urging pet stores, aquarium owners and plant enthusiasts to take action after invasive zebra mussels were found in moss ball plants in North Dakota and other states.

The moss balls (Aegagropila linnaei), also known as Marimo balls, are sold at many aquarium and pet supply stores, as well as some floral shops and nurseries.

Anyone in possession of these moss balls should take the following actions to safely destroy and dispose of the products.

“Proper disposal of infested moss balls is critical. Do not dispose of moss balls down drains, or in streams, ponds or lakes,” North Dakota Game and Fish Director Terry Steinwand said. “Once in our waters, zebra mussels reproduce rapidly and have negative impacts to fish and wildlife populations and water quality.”

DESTROY in one of three ways:

  • Freeze - Place the moss ball into a sealable plastic bag and freeze for at least 24 hours.
  • Boil - Place the moss ball in boiling water for at least 1 full minute.
  • Bleach / Vinegar - Submerge the moss ball in regular, unscented bleach, diluted to 1/3 cup per gallon of water, for 10 minutes; or undiluted white vinegar for 20 minutes.

DISPOSE of the moss ball and any packaging in a sealed plastic bag in the trash. If vinegar, boiling water, or bleach was used, the liquid can be disposed down a household drain — never down a storm drain where it could enter and damage local waterways.

DRAIN and clean the aquarium by following directions on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/zebra-mussel-disposal.html. Do not pour untreated water down the drain.

“Zebra mussels are a very destructive aquatic invasive species causing significant damage to native fauna and impact ecosystems throughout the United States,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “A zebra mussel outbreak would be highly devastating to North Dakota lakes and waterways.”

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has issued a quarantine on the moss ball plants and any other aquatic species found to be infested with zebra mussel to prevent the spread of the invasive mussels to or within North Dakota. The temporary regulations and its associated rules are effective immediately and the quarantined area includes all states, districts and territories of the United States. Any person violating the regulations is subject to penalties in accordance with North Dakota Century Code chapter 4.1-23-08.

The full quarantine order may be found at www.nd.gov/ndda.

Report Bald Eagle Nest Sightings

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is asking for help locating active bald eagle nests.

Conservation biologist Sandra Johnson said the department is looking for locations of nests with eagles present, not individual eagle sightings.

Eagles lay eggs in early to mid-March, which hatch about a month later. Johnson said it’s easy to distinguish an eagle nest because of its enormous size.

Nearly 300 active bald eagle nests can be found in more than three-quarters of the counties in the state. Historically, Johnson said nests were found along river corridors, but that’s not the case today.

“Bald eagles have proven to be quite adaptable and will nest in trees out in the middle of pastures, fields or anywhere they’ve got a food source nearby,” she said.

Nest observations should be reported online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. Observers are asked not to disturb the nest, and to stay a safe distance away. Johnson said foot traffic may disturb the bird, likely causing the eagle to leave her eggs or young unattended.

Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep Apps Due March 24

North Dakotan’s who want to hunt elk, moose and bighorn sheep in 2021 are reminded the deadline for submitting applications is March 24.

Applicants can apply online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

Elk, moose and bighorn sheep lottery licenses are issued as once-in-a-lifetime licenses in North Dakota. Hunters who have received a license through the lottery in the past are not eligible to apply for that species again.

R3 Grant Application to Assist Hunters

Wildlife, shooting, fraternal and nonprofit civic organizations are urged to submit an application for the Encouraging Tomorrow’s Hunters program, a North Dakota Game and Fish Department grant program developed to assist in the recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters.

The maximum grant allowed is $3,000. The program currently helps fund approximately 40 club and organizational events and projects each year, with an average grant of $1,550.

Grant funds help cover event expenses, including promotional printing; event memorabilia such as shirts, caps or vests; ammunition and targets; and eye and ear protection.

Past funding has enabled groups to conduct pheasant and waterfowl hunts, or sponsor trap and other shooting events, including archery and rifle shooting. Game and Fish has a separate grant program that supports new high school trapshooting teams.  

Any club or organization interested in conducting a hunting or shooting event can get more information, including a grant application, from the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or by contacting outreach biologist Pat Lothspeich at 701-328-6332.

The deadline to apply for a 2021 grant is April 27.