Walleye Fingerlings Stocked

Mon, 07/09/2018

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.

Deer Lottery Held, Antlerless Licenses Remain

Thu, 06/28/2018

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.

Chief of administrative services Kim Kary said the lottery drawing was held more than a month earlier than in the past.

“Reducing the time between the application deadline and the lottery run date is a major benefit in moving to an all online lottery application process,” Kary said.

Successful applicants will receive their deer license after they purchase a valid 2018-19 hunting license. All deer hunters, regardless of age, are required to have a general game and habitat license in addition to their deer license.

More than 3,000 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 113,000 applicants, and just under 55,000 were unsuccessful.

Unsuccessful applicants can apply online for remaining licenses beginning July 11. The deadline for applying is Aug. 8.

Remaining Deer Gun Licenses

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

Missouri River/Lake Oahe Boat Ramp Status

Wed, 06/27/2018

High water levels on the Missouri River have closed or restricted access at numerous public boat ramps, specifically in the Bismarck/Mandan and Williston areas.

Bob Frohlich, North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries development supervisor, said high releases from Garrison Dam have led to the closure of Cross Ranch (Sanger), Hoge Island, Grant Marsh Bridge, Fox Island and Little Heart Bottoms ramps, and high flows coming from the Yellowstone River have inundated and closed the Highway 85 boat ramp near Williston.

“In addition, several other boat ramps are nearly submerged due to high water levels,” Frohlich said. “Although they remain open at this time, exercise caution and care when using these sites.”

Due to high flows forecasted well into summer, Frohlich said the affected public boating access areas in the Bismarck/Mandan area will likely remain unusable for an extended time.

Game and Fish will post ramp status updates as they occur on the department’s website, gf.nd.gov. 

Emergency Boating Rule Established on Missouri River

Tue, 06/26/2018

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, after consulting with officials from Burleigh and Morton county commissions, has established an idle-speed-only restriction within 200 feet of the shoreline for boaters on the Missouri and Heart rivers in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

Game and Fish Director Terry Steinwand approved the official proclamation Tuesday morning, putting the restriction in effect immediately. Because of the high flows expected for an extended time, the 200-foot idle-speed zone will be in place until further notice, according to Game and Fish enforcement chief Robert Timian.

On the Missouri River, the north boundary of the emergency rule is the power lines approximately 1,000 feet south of Steckel (Wilton) boat ramp, about 23 river miles north of Bismarck. The southern boundary is MacLean Bottoms Wildlife Management Area boat ramp, about 19 miles south of Bismarck.

The emergency rule on the Heart River starts at the confluence of the Heart and Missouri south of Mandan, and extends upstream to ND Highway 6 bridge.

Idle-speed-only is defined as operating a boat or other watercraft at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage.

River users are advised to use extra caution because of the safety hazards that accompany high water, including a fast current and debris such as floating logs.

Complete text of the Emergency Special Boating Rule is noted below:

Under the authority of North Dakota Century Code 20:1-13-12(3) the undersigned Director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, makes the following emergency rule as follows: Idle speed only within 200 feet of the shoreline to be effective immediately and until rescinded for all vessels operating on the Missouri River between a point north of Bismarck where power lines cross the Missouri River approximately 1000 feet south of Steckel boat ramp north of Bismarck at latitude -100.939813 longitude 47.126875 then south to the MacLean Bottoms Wildlife Management Area boat ramp at latitude -100.635125 longitude 46.673215; and for all vessels operating on the Heart River from the mouth of the Heart River south of Mandan, ND  at latitude -100.842332 longitude 46.767616 then north and west to the Highway 6 bridge west of Mandan, ND at latitude -100.904960 longitude 46.814404.  Idle speed is defined as the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage. Law Enforcement is exempt from this rule in the performance of their duties. Violations of this rule shall be non-criminal with a fee of $200.

Put Garbage Where it Belongs

Mon, 06/25/2018

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds outdoor recreationists to keep it clean this summer by packing out all trash.

All garbage, including used fireworks, should be placed in a proper trash receptacle. If trash cans aren’t available, or are full, take the trash and dispose of it at home.

It is not uncommon to see garbage piling up around full trash containers. Styrofoam containers are not biodegradable, but yet are often found wedged in cattails, drifting or washed up on shore.

Tires, mattresses and kitchen appliances have found their way to public use areas. This illegal dumping is costly to clean up and takes a significant toll on the environment. Not only does it spoil the beauty of the land, it destroys habitat, has the potential to pollute North Dakota waters and can injure wildlife.

Littering violations should be reported by calling the Report All Poachers hotline at 701-328-9921. 

Spring Pheasant Count Down from Last Year

Mon, 06/25/2018

North Dakota’s spring pheasant population index is down 30 percent from the same time last year, according to the state Game and Fish Department’s 2018 spring crowing count survey.

R.J. Gross, upland game management biologist, said the number of roosters heard crowing this spring was down statewide, with decreases ranging from 15 to 38 percent in the primary regions holding pheasants.

“We entered spring with a lower than average number of adult birds,” Gross said. “Last year’s production was far below average due to the statewide drought conditions.”

However, Gross said the past winter was good for bird survival, so hens should be in good physical shape for the nesting season.

“In addition, this spring’s weather has been good so far, as most of the state has received adequate rainfall,” he added. “If the trend continues, a good hatch should be expected, but it will take a few years of good reproduction to get the population back to where it was before the drought.” 

While the spring number is an indicator, Gross said it does not predict what the fall population will look like. Brood surveys, which begin in late July and are completed by September, provide a much better estimate of summer pheasant production and what hunters might expect for a fall pheasant population.

Pheasant crowing counts are conducted each spring throughout North Dakota. Observers drive specified 20-mile routes, stopping at predetermined intervals, and counting the number of pheasant roosters heard crowing over a two-minute period during the stop.

The number of pheasant crows heard is compared to previous years’ data, providing a trend summary. 

Wildlife Management Area Regulations Prohibit Fireworks

Mon, 06/25/2018

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds citizens that possession or use of fireworks on state wildlife management areas is prohibited.

The primary objective of a wildlife management area is to enhance wildlife production, provide hunting and fishing opportunities, and offer other outdoor recreational and educational uses that are compatible with these objectives. Only activities that would not disrupt the intentions of how these areas are managed are encouraged, and a fireworks display is not compatible.

In addition, the Game and Fish Department will lift the Tuesday-Wednesday no-camping restriction for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday on only those WMAs that have this two-day restriction in place. This waiver will allow overnight camping July 3-4.

Other WMA regulations include:

·         An equipment registration number, or the individual’s name, address and telephone number, must be displayed on all equipment requiring identification, such as ground blinds, tree stands, cameras and traps.

·         Use of drones, or any unmanned radio-controlled aircraft, is prohibited unless authorized by the Game and Fish director. 

·         Construction or use of a permanent tree stand or permanent ground blind is prohibited. Portable tree stands are allowed.

·         Placing of bait for any purpose is prohibited.

·         Unless otherwise designated, motorized vehicles are restricted to established trails or parking areas.

·         Paintballing and geocaching are prohibited.

·         Disposal of waste materials is prohibited except in garbage containers.

·         Camping for longer than 10 consecutive days is prohibited. However, some WMAs are closed to camping, while others have further restrictions.

·         Group activities involving more than 25 people require a permit. 

A complete list of the WMA regulations is available on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. 

Spring Breeding Duck Numbers Tallied

Mon, 06/18/2018

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 71st annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of 2.8 million birds, down 5 percent from last year. 

Migratory game bird supervisor Mike Szymanski said even though the index is below 3 million for the second consecutive year, it still stands 16 percent above the long-term average (1948-2017) and is the 25th highest on record.

“Duck numbers are still hanging on, but are certainly better in some local areas,” Szymanski said.

Survey results indicate only shovelers (up 10 percent) and wigeon (up 7 percent) increased from their 2017 estimates. Mallards were stable (down 1 percent), while green-winged teal showed the largest decrease (down 20 percent). All other ducks were 3-17 percent below last year’s numbers. However, most species, with the exception of pintails, blue-winged teal and ruddy ducks, were well-above the 70-year average.

An interesting observation during the survey, Szymanski noted, was the lack of breeding effort for Canada geese. “We can attribute that to the late spring and overall dry conditions,” he said.

The number of temporary and seasonal wetlands was down from last year, as figures show the spring water index is down 34 percent. 

“That was mostly felt in the shallow waters,” Szymanski said. “Similar to last year, there were a lot of wetlands that weren’t in good shape and were close to drying up.”

However, Szymanski said rainfall over the last couple weeks has improved wetland conditions since the survey. “If rain continues over the next month, wetland conditions in some regions will be conducive to raising broods,” he said.

Szymanski said concerns about habitat remain, as overall conditions weren’t very good with expiring Conservation Reserve Program acres, and habitat conversion to other uses.

The water index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands or the type of wetlands represented.

The July brood survey provides a better idea of duck production and insight into expectations for this fall, Szymanski said, though hunting success is also influenced by bird movements before and during hunting seasons, and weather patterns during the fall migration. 

CRP Enrollment Open

Mon, 06/18/2018

For the first time since last fall, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the voluntary Conservation Reserve Program. Eligible farmers, ranchers, and private landowners can sign up at their local USDA Farm Service Agency office between June 4 and Aug. 17, 2018.

For this year’s signup, limited priority practices are available for continuous enrollment. They include grassed waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, wetland restoration and others.

Approximately 30,000 acres are available in these various practices in North Dakota.

In addition to the continuous CRP enrollment, producers in portions of Adams, Billings, Bowman, Burleigh, Dunn, Emmons, Grant, Golden Valley, Hettinger, McKenzie, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sioux, Slope and Stark counties have an opportunity to enroll eligible cropland along riparian areas into the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Producers enrolling land into CREP will receive annual rental payments with incentives and cost share from FSA. Game and Fish can work with producers on other lands not eligible for CREP.

Approximately 20,000 acres are allocated for CREP.

Kevin Kading, state Game and Fish Department private land section leader, said landowners interested in either of these programs could also qualify for additional financial incentives and cost-share from Game and Fish.

“These practices in the right spots can improve the bottom line for a landowner,” Kading said. “Anyone who’s interested in seeing how Game and Fish can help add to that, can contact a private land biologist in their area.”

Bismarck – Levi Jacobson – 527-3764 (Burleigh, Emmons, Kidder, Morton, Oliver)

Devils Lake – Andrew Ahrens – 204-5227 (Bottineau, Cavalier, Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Rolette, Towner, Walsh)

Dickinson – Jaden Honeyman – 260-3546 (Adams, Grant, Hettinger, Sioux)

Dickinson – Curtis Francis – 227-7431 (Bowman, Golden Valley, Slope, Stark)

Harvey – Terry Oswald, Jr., – 399-9958 (Benson, Eddy, Foster, Pierce, Sheridan, Wells)

Jamestown – Renae Heinle, Jamestown – 320-4695 (Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Griggs, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman, Traill)

Lake Ilo NWR – Todd Gallion – 548-8110 (Billings, Dunn)

Riverdale – Ryan Huber – 527-8963 (McHenry, McLean, Mercer, Renville, Ward)

Williston – Todd Buckley – 770-3815 (Burke, Divide, McKenzie, Mountrail, Williams)

National Campaign Focuses on Boating Under the Influence

Mon, 06/18/2018

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will again participate in Operation Dry Water as part of a nationally coordinated effort to increase knowledge about the dangers of boating under the influence. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents and deaths associated with alcohol and drug use on our waterways.

Operation Dry Water weekend, June 29-July 1, is the national weekend of heightened enforcement effort directed at boating under the influence laws and recreational boater outreach. 

While informing and educating boaters about the hazards and negative outcomes associated with boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a year-round effort, on ODW weekend the Game and Fish Department’s game wardens will be focused on the water informing boaters about safe boating practices, and removing impaired operators from the water. 

Last year during ODW weekend in North Dakota, wardens checked 3,905 boaters and 1,428 vessels, and issued 222 citations. Of that, 175 were boating citations.

"Last year was our second year for participating in Operation Dry Water," said Jackie Lundstrom, the Game and Fish Department's enforcement operations supervisor. "A lot of boaters our officers checked had heard about the program and were glad we were out."

Tips to staying safe on the water: 

·         Boat sober - alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Alcohol and drugs use impairs a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time.

·         Wear your life jacket - 85 percent of drowning victims nationwide were not wearing a life jacket.

·         Take a boating safety education course - 71 percent of deaths nationwide occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction.

East Totten Trail Boat Ramp to Close Temporarily June 18

Fri, 06/15/2018

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is closing the East Totten Trail boat ramp on the northwest side of Lake Audubon starting Monday, June 18 for road and parking lot repair in the ramp area.

The ramp and access road will remain closed for approximately 2 weeks.

More information is available at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website, nwo.usace.army.mil.

Missouri River's High Water Level Requires Caution

Tue, 06/12/2018

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds water recreationists along the Missouri River to be cautious of potential safety hazards due to high water levels.

Chief game warden Robert Timian said in addition to inundated sandbars, high flows can bring a stronger current, additional debris and the potential for boating traffic to create large waves on the shoreline.

“We’re asking all river users to be aware of the safety hazards that accompany high water, as well as issues involving private property,” Timian said. “With the high water level, debris such as floating logs will be found along the entire Missouri River System, including Lake Sakakawea.”

The high water level means that most of the river is useable for navigation, Timian said, so boaters should not have any problems maneuvering in the main channel.