ND GNF Weekley Newsletter

[marine_man]

Here's this week's North Dakota Game and Fish's Newsletter:

Deer-Vehicle Collisions Down in 2005

The number of deer-vehicle collisions reported in the state last year was down 11 percent from 2004 and the lowest since 2001, according to statistics released by the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Last year, 3,766 deer-vehicle incidents were tallied, down from 4,252 in 2004. According to DOT statistics, this was the first time a decline has occurred since 1996.

“This tells us a couple things,” said Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. “In some areas the deer population is declining to management goals, and motorists are probably exercising more caution, especially during months and times of day when deer are most active.”

The Game and Fish Department has been aggressive in its approach to deer management by issuing a record number of deer licenses the past five years. Also, reminders are issued each spring and fall cautioning drivers to be aware of deer, especially in areas where deer crossing signs are posted.

“We’re always glad to see a reduction in the number of crashes,” said Dawn Olson, manager, NDDOT Office of Traffic Safety. “Any reduction in crashes helps to proportionately reduce instances of bodily injuries and/or fatalities. This is a step in the right direction toward the department’s goal of ‘Toward Zero Deaths,’ as any disabling injury or death is one too many.”

Olson commented that defensive driving techniques can also help to prevent deer-vehicle crashes. Drivers should slow down during deer migration seasons, be especially watchful in areas where roadways border fields, thickets and places where deer may feed or take cover, and during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk when it is especially difficult to see deer emerging onto the roadway.

Hotline, HSOforum Provide Spring Snow Goose Migration Updates

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will once again provide general locations of light geese as birds make their way through the state during the spring hunting season.

Hunters are able to call 701-328-3697 to hear recorded information 24 hours a day. Migration reports are also posted on the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Updates will be provided periodically during the week until the season ends or geese have left the state.

Snow geese tend to move through North Dakota fairly quickly in the spring, with arrival and duration in the state dependent on weather conditions.

Species identification is important because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The season is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds.

The spring light goose season opens Feb. 18 and continues through May 7. Hunters must obtain a Harvest Information Program number for 2006 before hunting in the spring season. Hunters who have yet to obtain a HIP number may do so by calling 888-634-4798.

Licensing requirements and regulations are also available by accessing the Game and Fish HSOforum.

North Dakota’s Darkhouse Spearfishing Season Closes Feb. 28

Anglers are reminded that North Dakota’s darkhouse spearfishing season closes Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Interested individuals who would still like to get out for the first time must first register with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Registration is available through the department’s HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, or through any Game and Fish Department office.

Game and Fish Reports 2005 Bighorn Sheep, Moose and Elk Harvests

Harvest statistics released by the state Game and Fish Department show overall hunter success during the 2005 season was 100 percent for bighorn sheep, 90 percent for moose and 50 percent for elk.

Two bighorn sheep units were open in 2005. One license was issued south of Interstate 94 for Unit B1, two licenses were issued north of Interstate 94 in Unit B4, and one additional auction license holder was able to hunt both open areas. All four hunters tagged adult rams.

The department issued 128 moose licenses last year. Of that total, 115 hunters were successful, harvesting 76 bulls and 39 cows/calves. Harvest for each unit follows:

Hunting Unit

Licenses Issued

Bulls

Cow/Calf

M1C

10

6

2

M4

15

8

5

M5

8

5

2

M6

15

14

1

M8

40

24

13

M9

20

11

6

M10

20

8

10

The department issued 216 elk licenses last year. Of that total, 107 hunters were successful, harvesting 61 bulls and 46 cows/calves. Harvest for each unit follows:

Hunting Unit

Licenses Issued

Bulls

Cow/Calf

E1

40

0

12

E2

91

26

20

E3

20

17

0

E4

65

18

14

[harvey lee]

Its good that the deer population is decreasing in some areas.The area that I hunt has way to many deer.Two weeks ago when I was up there,anywhere that there were round bales in the field,you would see 25-40 deer there in the middle of the day.

The G&F keeps giving out more tags and we keep shooting them,but we dont seem to hurt the herd in our area.

One of these winters will come a hard one and then all the population problems will be cured.One must enjoy the great hunting while it is here.Lots of nice bucks around.

Last year during the first day and a half,I personally saw 13 quality bucks.That is good for 10 hours of sitting.

[marine_man]

I agree with you Havey Lee... I live about 1/2 hour south of where you hunt, and while I've only lived here for 1 3/4 I didn't see as many deer in the field last year as this year. It's unreal how many deer there are around this area...

marine_man