Licensing System Downtime Scheduled Aug. 13

Fri, 08/11/2017

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s online licensing system is scheduled for maintenance on Sunday, Aug. 13, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Therefore, hunters and anglers will not be able to purchase licenses during this time period.

This includes all licensing systems – public internet sales through the Game and Fish website, at retail license vendors, and through the instant licensing telephone number. Anyone thinking they might need a last-minute fishing or hunting license on Aug. 13 is encouraged to buy ahead of time to avoid the temporary maintenance shutdown.

Sportsman Against Hunger Accepting Goose Meat

Fri, 08/11/2017

The North Dakota Community Action Sportsmen Against Hunger program is again accepting donations of goose meat taken during the early Canada goose season. In addition, the program will accept Canada and light (snow, blue and Ross’s) goose donations during the regular waterfowl season.

Similar to last year, hunters can bring in their goose meat to participating processors after removing the breast meat from the birds at home. Or, hunters may also deliver geese directly from the field to a processor, but identification such as the wing or head must remain attached to the bird until in possession of the processor.

For a list of participating processors in North Dakota, visit the North Dakota Community Action website.

Breast meat brought from home without a wing or head attached to the meat must be accompanied by written information that includes the hunter’s name, address, signature, hunting license number, date taken and species and number taken. Information forms are also available at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.

Hunters will also fill out a brief form so that processors can keep a record on donated goose meat, the same as is required for processing any other type of wild game meat.

Since no goose carcasses or feathers are allowed inside processing facilities, hunters must be able to ensure proper disposal and clean-up of carcasses.

Duck Brood Numbers Down Slightly from Last Year

Mon, 08/07/2017

State Game and Fish Department biologists expect a fall duck flight from North Dakota that is down 8 percent from last year, based on observations from the annual mid-July waterfowl production survey.

This year’s brood index came in at 3.68 broods per square mile, down 5 percent from last year. The statewide average since the survey began in 1955 is 2.59 broods per square mile. Overall brood size was up 8 percent from last year.

Migratory game bird management supervisor Mike Szymanski said production was better in the northern tier of the state, with northernmost routes experiencing increased counts over last year. "Moving south and east, fewer broods were observed than in 2016," he said.

Observers also count water areas during the summer survey, and this year’s water index was 38 percent lower than last year. Due to drought conditions and sparse precipitation since snowmelt, Szymanski said summer wetland conditions are declining.

“It was already starting to dry up when we did our spring survey, and the pattern continued,” Szymanski added. “It definitely affected how breeding pairs settled in the state. Temporary and seasonal wetlands were the first to be hit. Luckily, most medium-sized and larger wetlands were only starting to show stress at the time of the survey.”

Game and Fish biologists will conduct a separate survey in September to assess wetland conditions heading into the waterfowl hunting seasons.

Mallards, gadwall and blue-winged teal are the top three duck species that nest in North Dakota, and together they accounted for nearly 75 percent of the broods observed in the summer survey. Mallard brood numbers were down about 13 percent from last year, gadwalls were down about 4 percent, and blue-winged teal broods were unchanged. Blue-winged teal are typically the most prevalent breeding duck in North Dakota.

In addition, pintail brood numbers were down 65 percent. However, shovelers were up 44 percent.

The Game and Fish summer duck brood survey involves 18 routes that cover all sectors of the state, except west and south of the Missouri River. Biologists count and classify duck broods and water areas within 220 yards on each side of the road.

The survey started in the mid-1950s, and all routes used today have been in place since 1965.

2017 Waterfowl Regulations Set

Mon, 08/07/2017

North Dakota’s 2017 waterfowl season is set, with the season framework similar to last year.

Noteworthy changes include the daily limit on pintails is reduced from two to one, and the west boundary of the Missouri River Canada Goose Zone, north of N.D. Highway 200, is extended to N.D. Highway 8.

Opening day for North Dakota residents is Sept. 23 for ducks, geese, coots and mergansers. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Sept. 30. The season for swans opens Sept. 30 for both residents and nonresidents.

Hunters may take six ducks per day with the following restrictions: five mallards of which two may be hens, three wood ducks, three scaup, two redheads, two canvasbacks and one pintail. Similar to last year, hunters can take an additional two blue-winged teal from Sept. 23 through Oct. 8. The daily limit of five mergansers may include no more than two hooded mergansers. For ducks and mergansers, the possession limit is three times the daily limit.

The hunting season for Canada geese in the Missouri River zone will close Dec. 29, while the remainder of the state will close Dec. 21. The season for whitefronts closes Dec. 3, while the season on light geese is open through Dec. 31. Shooting hours for all geese are one-half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. each day through Nov. 4. Beginning Nov. 5, shooting hours are extended until 2 p.m. each day.

Extended shooting hours for all geese are permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset on Saturdays and Wednesdays through Nov. 22, and on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays from Nov. 23 through the end of each season.

The bag limit for Canada geese during the regular season is eight daily and 24 in possession, except in the Missouri River zone where the limit is five daily and 15 in possession.

The daily limit on whitefronts is three with nine in possession, and light goose is 50 daily, with no possession limit.

The early Canada goose season will open Aug. 15 and continue through Sept. 15, except in the Missouri River Zone where the season ends Sept. 7. The early Canada goose season has a limit of 15 daily and 45 in possession.

The special youth waterfowl hunting season is Sept. 16-17. Legally licensed residents and nonresidents 15 years of age or younger can hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and geese statewide. Youth hunters must be HIP registered, have a general game and habitat license and a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. A licensed adult of at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter into the field.

Nonresidents have the option of buying either a statewide waterfowl license or one with zone restrictions. Nonresidents who designate zones 1 or 2 may hunt that zone for only one seven-day period during the season. Nonresident hunters who choose to hunt in zone 1 or 2 and wish to use the full 14 consecutive days allowed, must use the other seven days in zone 3. Hunters in zone 3 can hunt that zone the entire 14 days.

In accordance with state law, nonresidents are not allowed to hunt on North Dakota Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas or conservation PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) areas from Oct. 7-13.

Hunters who do not HIP certify when they buy a North Dakota license, can add it later through the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov, or by calling 888-634-4798 and recording the HIP number on their printed license. Those who registered to hunt North Dakota’s spring light goose season or early Canada goose season do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required in each state only once per year.

Hunters should refer to the 2017 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide for further details on the waterfowl season. Paper copies will be at license vendors in early September.

Recapping Operation Dry Water Weekend

Mon, 07/31/2017

A nationally coordinated effort to increase knowledge about the dangers of boating under the influence yielded five BUI of alcohol violations in North Dakota.

Jackie Lundstrom, state Game and Fish Department’s enforcement division operations supervisor, said Operation Dry Water weekend, held June 30 – July 2, is designed for a heightened enforcement effort directed at boating under the influence laws and recreational boater outreach.

“This year, the weather was perfect for boaters to get out and enjoy the water,” Lundstrom said. “Water enthusiasts across the state mentioned they had heard we were conducting the operation and they appreciated our efforts.”

Altogether, wardens checked 3,905 boaters and 1,428 vessels, with 222 citations issued. Of that, 175 were boating citations.

“Our hope is that this event helps reduce the number of accidents and deaths associated with alcohol and drug use on waterways,” Lundstrom said.

Pronghorn Applications Due Aug. 2

Mon, 07/31/2017

Prospective pronghorn hunters are reminded the deadline to apply for the 2017 hunting season is Aug. 2.

Applicants can apply online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or by calling 800-406-6409. Paper applications are available for printing off the website, and from license vendors.

A total of 410 licenses are available in five open units – 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4C. All licenses are valid for any pronghorn.

The bow-only portion of the season is from Sept 1 (noon) – Sept. 24. Anyone who draws a license can hunt pronghorn with a bow in the unit printed on the license.

From Oct. 6 (noon) – Oct. 22, hunters who still have a valid license can use legal firearms or archery equipment, and again must stay in the assigned unit.

The pronghorn license fee is $30 for ages 16 and older, and $10 for under age 16.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply for a 2017 pronghorn license. People who have accumulated bonus points and choose not to apply this year will not lose their points.

2017 Small Game and Furbearer Regulations Set

Mon, 07/31/2017

North Dakota's 2017 small game and furbearer regulations are set and most season structures are similar to last year.

Notable changes include:

Fur harvesters will have an opportunity to take river otters, with a season quota of 15 taken by traps and cable devices. A limit of one per person is allowed during this season.

As per North Dakota Century Code, snares (cable devices) must be permanently affixed with a metal or plastic tag to include the person's name, address and telephone number, or an equipment number.

The delayed pheasant opening area in Williams and McKenzie counties is eliminated. The pheasant season will open statewide Oct. 7.

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. 7-13.

Hunters should refer to the North Dakota 2017-18 Small Game and Furbearer guides (available mid-August) for more details on small game and furbearer seasons. Printed waterfowl guides will be available in early September.

Early Canada Goose Season Announced

Mon, 07/31/2017

North Dakota’s early Canada goose season is set, and bag limits and licensing requirements are the same as last year. However, the west boundary of the Missouri River Canada Goose zone, north of N.D. Highway 200, is extended to N.D. Highway 8.

The season will open Tuesday, Aug. 15 and continue through Sept. 15, except in the Missouri River Zone where the season ends Sept. 7. The early Canada goose season has a limit of 15 daily and 45 in possession.

Limits and shooting hours for the early season are different from the regular season. Shooting hours during the early season 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.

A federal duck stamp for hunters age 16 and older, and Harvest Information Program certification, are both required beginning Sept. 1.

Hunters who do not HIP certify when they buy a North Dakota license, can add it later through the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov, or by calling 888-634-4798 and recording the HIP number on their printed license. Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season 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.

Landowners with Canada goose depredation issues are encouraged to allow access to goose hunters during the early and regular waterfowl seasons.

In 2016, North Dakota early Canada goose season hunters bagged more than 36,000 birds – the sixth consecutive year hunters reached that number. Top counties for total harvest were Ramsey, McIntosh, Kidder, Benson and Stutsman.

Hunters 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.

Hunters should consider bringing along a shovel, fire extinguisher, extra water and heavy fabric for putting out accidental fires. However, individuals who are not trained firefighters should not attempt to fight a fire that is out of control. Instead, contact the nearest fire department immediately.

The early hunting season is intended to reduce local Canada goose numbers. Despite liberalized regulations the past several years, with longer seasons, large bag limits and expanded shooting hours, the statewide population remains high, with numbers well above population goals.

For additional information and regulations, hunters should refer to the Game and Fish Department website.

2017 Deer Lottery Results Available

Mon, 07/31/2017

North Dakota's deer gun lottery has been held and individual results are available online at the State Game and Fish Department's website.

More than 2,800 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 107,000 applicants, and just under 53,000 were unsuccessful.

An option for unsuccessful applicants to apply online for remaining licenses will be available Aug. 8. Paper applications for remaining licenses will be mailed to individuals the week of Aug. 7. The deadline for applying is Aug. 30.

Remaining Deer Gun Licenses

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

North Dakota Swan Hunt Applications Online Only

Mon, 07/31/2017

Swan hunters who are interested in applying for a 2017 license must submit an online application through the state Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. Paper applications are not available this year.

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. 16.

The statewide tundra swan hunting season is Sept. 30 – Dec. 31. 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.

Devils Lake Kids' Fishing Camp is Aug. 6-11

Mon, 07/24/2017

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is a co-sponsor for the 14th annual Kids Fishing Camp at Devils Lake Aug. 6-11.

Hosted by the Devils Lake Park Board at Lakewood Bible Camp, the camp is open to all youngsters ages 8-13 years old. Game and Fish volunteers from the Lure ‘em for Life fish club will provide classroom instruction and boats to help campers enjoy a week of learning about fishing and all the other activities that come with a summer camp.

Some of the educational sessions featured include boating safety, casting, fish identification, fish anatomy, fish habits, knot tying, tackle and equipment, lure making, cleaning and cooking fish, shore fishing and more. Participants will also spend about 3-4 hours a day on the lake fishing.

The camp fee is $300 per participant and registration is open until the maximum of 50 participants is reached. The fee includes all lodging, meals and expenses. Lakewood Bible Camp is located on the east shore of Creel Bay, 1 mile south and 2 miles west of Devils Lake.

Camper sites at Lakewood Bible Camp are also available for parents. Call 701-662-2296 for further information. Parents interested in chaperoning are asked to call Terry Wallace at 701-662-8243.

Registration forms and more information are available at the Devils Lake Park Board recreation office, 701-662-8243; email dlparkboard@gondtc.com.

Some Hunter Education Classes Available

Mon, 07/24/2017

Adults and children looking to take a hunter education class in 2017 are reminded to enroll at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

Hunter education coordinator John Mazur said the majority of classes were already held, but classes will still be added throughout the year as they become finalized.

“Our volunteer instructors will be adding classes, but not nearly as many as we move toward the fall,” Mazur said. “That’s why it is important to monitor our website and to act quickly when a class suits your needs.”

Interested students must click on the Buy and Apply link, hunter education and then “list of hunter education courses.” 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, and children can take the class at age 11.