ND GNF Weekly Newsletter 22-Mar-06

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- Department Receives $100,000 for Bighorn Sheep Management

- Six Species Added to Catch and Release Club Program

- Hunting Guide and Outfitter Test Set for May 6

- Sharp-tailed Grouse Observation Blinds to Open

Department Receives $100,000 for Bighorn Sheep Management

Three checks totaling nearly $100,000 were given to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at the March 18 Minnesota-Wisconsin Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep annual meeting in Minneapolis.

North Dakota’s 2006 bighorn sheep auction license sold for a record $49,500, an increase of $6,500 from last year. Along with an annual grant of $25,000, the Minnesota-Wisconsin conservation group also presented $23,000 to Game and Fish for two in-state bighorn transplants, and one transplant of sheep from Montana, all accomplished last January.

The funds will be used to enhance management of North Dakota’s bighorn sheep, said Brett Wiedmann, big game biologist, Dickinson. “Minnesota-Wisconsin FNAWS continues to be a strong supporter of bighorn sheep management efforts in North Dakota,” Wiedmann said. “They see all the gains we have made, and their enthusiasm is reflected on a national level by the interest shown in our auction tag.”

Three bidders went all the way up to $48,000 for the hunting license, Wiedmann said. “It was amazing to see that,” he added. “You couldn’t help but smile. It is a real indication of how others view our efforts in North Dakota.”

The grant and license auction are part of a 10-year agreement, signed in 1999, between the department and the Minnesota-Wisconsin conservation group.

The total number of bighorn sheep hunting licenses in North Dakota was increased in 2006 from four to six. One is auctioned by Minnesota-Wisconsin FNAWS and five are issued by lottery.

Six Species Added to Catch and Release Club Program

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has expanded the list of fish species eligible for its Catch and Release Club program.

Bluegill (11 inches), yellow perch (13 inches), crappie (13 inches), white bass (16 inches), lake trout (24 inches) and channel catfish (30 inches) will qualify as Catch and Release Club species effective April 1.

The Catch and Release Club recognizes anglers who catch a fish that meets a minimum length requirement, and release it unharmed back into the water.

In addition, the department offers a Whopper Club for anglers who catch a fish that meets a minimum weight.

To learn more about these programs, and to view Catch and Release and Whopper club entries online, access the Game and Fish Department’s HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Anglers will have to access the Fishing and Boating tab, and click on “Catch and Release and Whopper clubs.”

Hunting Guide and Outfitter Test Set for May 6

The next guide and outfitter written examination is Saturday, May 6 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. The test is given periodically to anyone interested in becoming a hunting guide or outfitter in the state.

In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations; certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid; and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter.

Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the guide qualifications, as well as an individual must have held a hunting guide license for two years; and must have proof of liability insurance.

Interested individuals are required to pre-register by calling 328-6604.

Sharp-tailed Grouse Observation Blinds to Open

Several national wildlife refuges and a state wildlife management area will offer sharp-tailed grouse observation blinds for public use this spring. The blinds are popular with wildlife photographers and others interested in watching the spring courtship rituals of sharp-tailed grouse.

Grouse blinds typically receive widespread interest and are available by reservation only. Those locations offering blinds usually start taking reservations for late March or early April, weather permitting. Peak grouse dancing activity usually occurs from mid-to-late April or early May.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has an observation blind at Lonetree Wildlife Management Area southwest of Harvey. Call 324-2211 for reservations.

Contact the following national wildlife refuges for information on blind reservations:

Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, Kenmare, 848-2722.

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, Kenmare, 385-4046.

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Moffit, 387-4397.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, Pingree, 285-3341.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, Berthold, 468-5467.

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Upham, 768-2548.