Some Whitetail Hunters Can Seek Refunds

Tue, 10/22/2024

The state Game and Fish Department is allowing hunters with whitetail or “any” deer gun licenses in several units in western North Dakota the option of turning those licenses in for refunds.

Casey Anderson, wildlife chief, said the decision is based on scattered reports of white-tailed deer mortality caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease that began in late August.

Hunters with antlered whitetail, antlerless whitetail, any antlered and any antlerless licenses, are eligible for refunds in units 3D1, 3D2, 3E1, 4B, 4C, and 4D. Hunters who return their licenses will have their bonus points restored, if applicable, to the same number of points prior to the 2024 deer gun lottery.

“Compared to previous years, this outbreak appears mild and less extensive,” Anderson said. “However, it’s possible that some hunters could notice an impact in localized areas.”

Department staff will continue to monitor reports to determine if licenses in additional units should become eligible for refunds due to the EHD outbreak. Hunters and landowners should report any dead deer along with photos, if possible, to the department through the online wildlife mortality reporting system, at gf.nd.gov/mortality-report.

Before deciding to turn in a license, Anderson urges license holders to make local contacts to find out the extent of mortality in their hunting unit. 

“Most areas within these units have not been heavily affected and a good deer harvest is still needed,” he said. “But a little scouting and a phone call or two will help to make an informed decision.”

License holders who qualify and want a refund must mail their tag, along with a note requesting a refund due to EHD, to the Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office no later than Nov. 8. Envelopes postmarked Nov. 8 will be accepted.

EHD, a naturally occurring virus that is spread by a biting midge, is often fatal to infected white-tailed deer, while mule deer do not usually die from the disease. Hunters do not have to worry about handling or consuming meat from infected deer because the virus that causes EHD is not known to cause disease in humans. In addition, the first series of hard frosts typically kills the midge that transmits the EHD virus and will slow or halt the spread of the disease.

Fort Totten Angler’s Bullhead Breaks Record

Tue, 10/22/2024

Daniel Wegener’s bullhead caught Sept. 27 broke a state record for the species that’s been in the books for more than 35 years.

The Fort Totten angler reeled in his 4-pound, 9-ounce bullhead from Devils Lake.

The previous record of 4 pounds, 1 ounce was established in 1988 by Riley Zavada, a Wolford angler who was also fishing Devils Lake.

Permit Required to Possess Dead Deer

Mon, 10/14/2024

A permit is required before taking possession of a dead deer. Only shed antlers can be possessed without a permit.

Permits are free and available from North Dakota Game and Fish Department game wardens and local law enforcement offices.

In addition, hunters should properly dispose of dead deer. Carcass waste cannot be left on public property, including roadways, ditches or wildlife management areas.

If transported outside of its respective gun unit, carcass waste must be disposed of via landfill or waste management provider. This requirement does not apply to heads dropped off at chronic wasting disease collection sites, or lymph nodes submitted for CWD surveillance.

Order 2025 OUTDOORS Calendars

Mon, 10/14/2024

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is taking orders for its North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar, the source for all hunting season and application dates for 2025. Along with color photographs of North Dakota’s wildlife and outstanding scenery, it also includes sunrise-sunset times and moon phases.

Calendars must be ordered online by visiting the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

The calendar is the North Dakota OUTDOORS magazine’s December issue, so current subscribers will automatically receive it in the mail.

Hunters, Recreationists Asked to be Aware of Fire Conditions

Tue, 10/08/2024

State wildlife and outdoor recreation agency officials said a weekend of historic fires in western North Dakota delivered a stark reminder to hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts about the need to be acutely aware of dry conditions while recreating outdoors.

While the need to be aware of the daily fire index is standard for hunters and state park visitors in North Dakota in fall, it’s especially true now considering the conditions and the fact that many hunters will be in the field for the pheasant season opener and hundreds of campers will visit North Dakota state parks this weekend.

“While hunters are always our eyes and ears in North Dakota’s rural areas in fall, it will be especially true this weekend with the highly anticipated pheasant season opening,” said Jeb Williams, North Dakota Game and Fish Department Director. “We encourage hunters who spot a fire caused by whatever means to report the situation immediately to law enforcement officials. We also encourage hunters to carry fire extinguishers, shovels, water and other tools. And it goes without saying to extinguish and discard smoking materials appropriately, not from a vehicle.”

Williams added that individuals who are not trained firefighters should not attempt to fight a fire that is out of control.

“Anyone recreating outdoors is asked to remain vigilant as dry conditions and wildfire risk remains high,” said North Dakota Parks and Recreation Director Cody Schulz. “We are grateful for the numerous first responders, local officials, and landowners for their efforts to battle these wildfires, and we encourage everyone that if they see something – a spark that ignites nearby grasses, or smoke in any vegetation or trees – to say something immediately by calling 9-1-1.”

An elevated fire danger index in most counties will likely influence outdoor activities. The most current wildfires and fire danger index can be found at NDResponse.gov. Conditions can change daily depending on temperature, wind and precipitation forecasts.

For those recreating outdoors this fall:

• Be aware of current burn restrictions.
• Make sure your chains aren't dragging when hauling boats, campers or trailers.
• Don't drive or park vehicles on dry grass - this includes OHVs.
• Never leave campfires unattended and be sure they are completely extinguished.

The daily rural fire danger index is issued by the National Weather Service to alert the public to conditions that may be conducive to the 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.