2023 Enforcement Division Review
By Chief Game Warden Scott Winkelman
In our mission to protect and preserve North Dakota’s natural resources, while lending guidance and aid to those who enjoy the outdoors, 2023 was a good year.
One of the standout accomplishments of our enforcement division in 2023 was our swift and effective response to multiple search and rescue operations. In the face of challenging weather conditions and diverse terrains, our officers demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment to ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts. Their efforts undoubtedly saved lives and reinforced our division’s reputation for excellence in emergency response.
Behind the scenes, our enforcement division undertook and successfully concluded several large, long-term investigations, targeting illegal activities that posed a threat to North Dakota’s wildlife and ecosystems. The meticulous efforts of our officers led to the apprehension of individuals involved in wildlife trafficking, poaching and other illicit activities. These victories not only uphold the principles of conservation but also send a clear message that illegal actions will not go unpunished.
Recognizing the vital role of a well-trained and motivated team, we implemented strategies to enhance recruitment and retention. We focused on creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, providing ongoing training opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among officers. These efforts resulted in a more robust and resilient team, ready to face the challenges of protecting North Dakota’s natural resources.
As I look back on the accomplishments of our enforcement division in 2023, it’s evident that the dedication and hard work of our team left an indelible mark on the conservation efforts of North Dakota. The multiple successful search and rescue operations, the completion of complex investigations, and the improvements in recruitment and retention collectively contribute to a legacy of excellence that will undoubtedly continue in the years to come. The North Dakota Game and Fish enforcement division remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the state’s wildlife and preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
2023 Summary of Violations
| BIG GAME | |
|---|---|
| Type | Count |
| Illegal taking/possession of big game | 37 |
| Failure to wear fluorescent orange | 14 |
| Tagging violations | 30 |
| CWD violations | 16 |
| Killing wrong species or sex | 10 |
| Shining big game | 15 |
| Other big game violations | 29 |
| Total | 151 |
| SMALL GAME | |
| Using gun able to hold more than 3 shells | 70 |
| Hunting before/after legal hours | 12 |
| Illegal possession/taking | 10 |
| Exceeding limit | 51 |
| Failure to leave identification or sex of game | 66 |
| Killing wrong sex or species | 6 |
| Wanton waste | 32 |
| Other small game violations | 76 |
| Total | 323 |
| BOATING | |
| Use of unlicensed or unnumbered boat | 122 |
| Failure to display boat registration | 164 |
| Operating without lights at night | 27 |
| Inadequate number of PFDs | 215 |
| Water skiing violations | 10 |
| Reckless or negligent operation | 16 |
| Operating vessel under influence/intoxicated | 5 |
| Other boating violations | 175 |
| Total | 734 |
| FISHING | |
| Exceeding limit | 109 |
| Fishing in closed/restricted area | 1 |
| Fishing with illegal bait | 11 |
| Paddlefish violations | 3 |
| ANS violations | 98 |
| Other fishing violations | 130 |
| Total | 352 |
| FURBEARER | |
| Furbearer violations | 29 |
| Total | 29 |
| GENERAL | |
| Use of motor vehicle off established trail | 39 |
| Hunting on posted land without permission | 49 |
| Aid in concealment of unlawful game | 3 |
| Loaded firearm in motor vehicle | 37 |
| 440-yard violation | 9 |
| Littering | 5 |
| Hunting in unharvested field | 6 |
| Other general violations | 20 |
| Total | 168 |
| LICENSING | |
| Hunting/fishing/trapping without proper license | 250 |
| Failure to carry license on person | 289 |
| Misrepresentation on license or application | 21 |
| Other licensing violations | 15 |
| Total | 575 |
| WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS/REFUGE | |
| Failure to obey posted regulations | 26 |
| Tree stand violations | 9 |
| Possession of glass beverage containers | 6 |
| Camping violations | 1 |
| Prohibited use of motor vehicles | 5 |
| PLOTS access violations | 17 |
| Other WMA/refuge violations | 3 |
| Total | 67 |
| MISCELLANEOUS | |
| Possession of controlled substance | 24 |
| Possession of drug paraphernalia | 20 |
| Minor in possession | 20 |
| Criminal trespass | 63 |
| Other miscellaneous | 11 |
| Total | 138 |
| COMMERCIAL | |
| Commercial violations | 11 |
| Total | 11 |
| Grand Total | 2,548 |
INCIDENTS 2023 – TOP 10 COUNTIES
(An incident is defined as any situation that requires a response from a game warden. It does not have to be a crime. The situation could be, for example, a stranded angler.)
- Ramsey – 197
- Barnes– 192
- Williams – 170
- McLean – 165
- McKenzie - 153
- Cass - 149
- Mountrail - 144
- Burleigh - 137
- Ward - 132
- Stark - 122
- Total - 3,229
CITATIONS 2023 – TOP 10 COUNTIES
- Ramsey - 262
- Williams - 141
- Benson - 131
- Barnes- 129
- Mountrail - 114
- Burleigh - 104
- McKenzie - 98
- Logan - 77
- Stark - 77
- McLean - 74
- Total - 2,548
Field Contacts
“In 2023, our wardens made 53,411 field contacts, which is a significant number because it shows that we are reaching a lot of people recreating in the field or on the water. A field contact is any time one of our wardens interacts with someone in the field while checking their license, bag limit, whatever. These interactions allow our wardens to answer questions and point people in the right direction. As I’ve said before, it’s a friendly interaction and is good all around.” - Scott Winkelman, Chief Warden
