The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds hunters that tree stands, ground blinds and game cameras cannot be placed on state wildlife management areas prior to Aug. 20.
Equipment set out prior to Aug. 20, or left on a WMA after Jan. 31 is considered abandoned property and is subject to removal.
In addition, an equipment registration number, or the owner’s name, address and telephone number, must be displayed on all equipment requiring identification.
Owners can generate an equipment registration number by visiting My Account at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. One registration number will be issued that can be used on all equipment that requires identification.
Women Invited to Hike Maah Daah Hey Trail
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has openings for Hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail, an educational event for women scheduled Sept. 8-9.
The workshop is designed for women with previous hiking or backpacking skills, or who are in good physical condition. Participants will hike a 16-mile portion of the trail south of Medora. Activity is strenuous due to rough terrain.
The $30 fee includes group gear and transportation to the Burning Coal Vein trailhead from the Tom’s Wash trailhead. Each participant must provide their own personal gear and meals.
Women interested in attending the workshop must enroll by contacting Brian Schaffer at 701-328-6312, or email bschaffer@nd.gov.
North Dakota’s early Canada goose dates are set, and bag limits and licensing requirements are the same as last year.
However, one major change from last year is that the state Game and Fish Department has restructured the Canada goose hunting zones.
Migratory game bird management supervisor Mike Szymanski said the new structure addresses depredation issues and provides additional hunting opportunities.
“Basically, our worst Canada goose-landowner conflicts are in the eastern half of the state and getting those extra days back in September gets some more harvest pressure on those birds,” Szymanski said.
Canada goose hunting is divided into three zones – Missouri River, western and eastern. The Missouri River Canada goose zone has the same boundary as last year, while the western zone has the same boundary as the high plains duck unit, excluding the Missouri River zone. The eastern zone has the same boundary as the low plains duck unit.
Opening day for early Canada goose is Aug. 15 in all three zones. Closing dates are Sept. 7 in the Missouri River zone, Sept. 15 in the western zone and Sept. 21 in the eastern zone.
Early Canada goose limits are 15 daily and 45 in possession.
Limits and shooting hours are different from the regular season, while the zone boundaries will remain the same. Shooting hours for early Canada goose 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.
Harvest Information Program certification is required, and beginning Sept. 1 a federal duck stamp for hunters age 16 and older is needed. Those who HIP registered to hunt the spring light goose conservation order 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.
Hunting of Canada geese in August and early September is intended to reduce local Canada goose numbers, which remain high. Game and Fish is attempting to provide additional hunting opportunities that can increase pressure on locally breeding Canada geese.
For additional information and regulations, hunters should refer to the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
Swan Hunt Application Available Online
Swan hunters who are interested in applying for a 2018 license can now submit an online application through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. Paper applications are no longer available.
North Dakota residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. The resident swan license is $10, while the nonresident fee is $30. The deadline for applying is Aug. 15.
The statewide tundra swan hunting season is Sept. 29 - Dec. 30. A total of 2,700 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.
2018 Small Game, Waterfowl and Furbearer Regulations Set
North Dakota’s 2018 small game, waterfowl and furbearer regulations are set and most season structures are similar to last year.
However, one major change from last year involves Canada goose hunting zones.
The Canada goose hunting season is divided into three zones – Missouri River, western and eastern. The Missouri River Canada goose zone has the same boundary as last year, while the western zone has the same boundary as the high plains duck unit, excluding the Missouri River zone. The eastern zone has the same boundary as the low plains duck unit.
Other noteworthy items include:
Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 22 for ducks, geese, coots and mergansers. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Sept. 29.
The daily limit on pintails has increased from one to two.
The 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. 6-12.
In addition, the state’s waterfowl, small game and furbearer regulations will have a new look this fall.
The 52-page document offers much of the same information hunters and trappers rely on, but in a much more user-friendly format. In addition, the guide also features a 4-page colored duck identification guide, aquatic nuisance species information, boating safety for hunters and Tom Roster’s Nontoxic Shot Lethality Table.
Hunters and trappers can find the guide by visiting the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. Printed guides will be available at vendor locations in mid-August.
For a complete listing of opening and closing dates, and daily and possession limits, refer to the table on pages 4-5 of the guide.
Pronghorn Hunting Season Set, Apply Online
North Dakota’s 2018 pronghorn hunting season is set, with 1,075 licenses available in 10 open units.
Bruce Stillings, big game management supervisor for the state Game and Fish Department, said license numbers and open units are up from last year, when the department allocated 410 licenses and had five open units.
“Our recently completed aerial survey indicated the pronghorn population is up 57 percent from last year,” Stillings said. “A combination of milder winter conditions since 2010-11, closed seasons from 2010-13, and improved fawn production and survival since 2013 have resulted in the population reaching a level that is able to support a higher harvest this fall.”
Survey results indicate the fawn-to-doe ratio was 62 fawns per 100 does, which was lower than last year but equal to the long-term average. The buck-to-doe ratio of 45 bucks per 100 does was up from last year and above the population objective, Stillings said.
A total of 130 licenses are available in unit 1A, 75 in 2A, 65 in 2B, 30 in 3A, 115 in 3B, 325 in 4A, 50 in 4C, 75 in 5A, 140 in 6A and 70 in 7A. All licenses are valid for any pronghorn. Units 1A, 2A, 5A, 6A and 7A were closed to pronghorn hunting in 2017.
In addition, in accordance with state law five licenses are allocated to eligible organizations.
Each unit will once again have a season that is split into an early “bow-only” portion, and a later gun/bow season.
The bow-only portion of the season is from Aug. 31 (noon) – Sept. 23. Anyone who draws a license can hunt pronghorn with a bow in the unit printed on the license.
From Oct. 5 (noon) – Oct. 21, 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 2018 pronghorn license. Hunters who have accumulated bonus points and choose not to apply this year will not lose their points, but will not accrue one for next year. However, hunters who do not want a license in 2018 have the option to purchase a bonus point on the application.
Applicants can apply online at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or by calling 800-406-6409. Paper applications are not available.
Applicants who do not have access to a computer can submit the application at a public service location such as a public library, stop at a Game and Fish office, or request help from a friend, relative or neighbor.
The pronghorn license fee is $30 for ages 16 and older, and $10 for under age 16. The deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 8.
Howie Receives Professional of the Year Award
North Dakota Game and Fish Department assistant private land coordinator Doug Howie was recently honored with the 2018 Professional of the Year Award by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
According to the WAFWA press release, “Howie was recognized for his consistent professionalism and resourcefulness in administering North Dakota’s Private Lands Open to Sportsmen program. PLOTS is one of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s highest profile programs, and Howie is a critical player in its success. PLOTS is widely recognized as one of the most successful access programs in the country, and Howie’s dedication has impacted thousands of sportsmen and women.”
The award was announced July 16 at WAFWA’s annual conference in Eugene, OR.
WAFWA represents 24 western states and Canadian provinces, encompassing more than 40 percent of North America including two-thirds of the United States. Recognized as the expert source for information and analysis about western wildlife, WAFWA supports sound resource management and building partnerships at all levels to conserve wildlife for the use and benefit of all citizens, now and in the future.
Anglers Should Fish Responsibly, Keep Fish Caught in Deep Water
North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries personnel encourage anglers to keep fish caught from depths of more than 25 feet, rather than practice catch-and-release.
Scott Gangl, Game and Fish fisheries management section leader, said while catch-and-release is often encouraged under the right conditions, fish reeled in from this depth will likely die if released.
“Fish caught from deep water likely won’t survive because of the extreme change in water pressure,” Gangl said.
Change in water pressure will cause the swim bladder to expand, Gangl said, which means fish can no longer control balance. In addition, he said other internal injuries will likely happen, such as ruptured blood vessels or internal organs.
This can happen in any deep water body, Gangl said, but it is especially noteworthy for this time of the year in Lake Sakakawea.
“As water warms during summer, fish tend to move to deeper, cooler water,” he added. “This is particularly true for walleye in the big lake, where walleye follow their primary forage of rainbow smelt to deeper depths as summer progresses.”
Anglers fishing at least 25 feet deep should make the commitment to keep what they catch, and once they reach their limit to stop fishing at that depth.
“Our simple message is for anglers to keep fish that are caught from these depths, or to fish in shallower water when practicing catch-and-release,” Gangl said.
Hunting Guide and Outfitter Test Set
The next guide and outfitter written examination is Aug. 18 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
Adults and children looking to take a hunter education class in 2018 are reminded to enroll at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.
Although the majority of classes were already held this year, classes will still be added as they become finalized.
Interested students must click on the education link. 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. Children who turn age 11 during the calendar year can take the class.
Walleye Fingerlings Stocked
North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries personnel recently stocked nearly 10 million walleye fingerlings in more than 140 waters across the state.
“Considering not many went into Lake Sakakawea, this was one of the largest stockings of more than 8 million fingerlings into the smaller fishing waters across the state,” said Jerry Weigel, fisheries production and development supervisor.
With more than 50 new walleye lakes in North Dakota, Weigel said the demand to stock these waters, along with the larger, traditional fisheries, has greatly increased the demand from the hatcheries.
“Valley City and Garrison Dam national fish hatcheries contributed to make this happen,” Weigel said. “Both hatcheries have been outstanding in helping address our demand for walleye fingerlings.”
The unusual spring and progression into summer caused variable fish sizes. “We had some of the largest and smallest fish ever shipped, even though all were about the same age,” Weigel said.
Conditions at the lakes were very good with cool water temperatures and in some cases, Weigel said, newly flooded vegetation from recent rainfall.
“They should find lots of food and good survival conditions, which bodes well for future fishing opportunities,” Weigel added.
Later this fall, fisheries personal will sample walleye lakes to assess success of this year’s walleye stocking, as well as what Mother Nature provided.
One common observation fish haulers noted while traveling across the state, Weigel said, was the amount of fishing taking place, both from shore and from boats.
“It’s a great time to fish for walleye,” he added. “Statewide, there are a lot of opportunities, and a good chance of success.”
For a complete list of all fish stockings, visit the fishing link at the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov/fishing.
Game and Fish at State Fair
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will host thousands of visitors to its free Conservation and Outdoors Skills Park July 20-28 at the State Fair in Minot.
Visitors will be treated to an array of activities, exhibits and useful information as the park is open from 1-7 p.m. daily. Pathways to Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Archery are major attractions where interested kids and adults participate in each outdoor activity.
In addition to hands-on outdoor learning opportunities, the area offers a live fish display, furbearer exhibit and native prairie plantings. Two information centers staffed by Game and Fish Department personnel bookend the Conservation and Outdoors Skills Park, which is located on the north end of the fairgrounds near the State Fair Center.
North Dakota Game and Fish Department