ND GNF Weekley Newsletter 26-Apr-06

[marine_man]

- Anglers Take Notice of Lakes with “No Live Baitfish” Regulations

- Birding Field Trip Set for May 20

- Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Set Aug. 11-13

Anglers Take Notice of Lakes with “No Live Baitfish” Restrictions

North Dakota anglers should be aware that live baitfish are not legal bait in 20 state waters because of the potential for introduction of unwanted fish such as carp, white suckers and bullheads.

“Most of these lakes are smaller waters that are managed for sport fish,” said Scott Gangl, fisheries management section leader.

Live baitfish are illegal in these waters, according to Gangl, because when fish are small it is hard to tell desirable from undesirable fish. “Therefore, undesirable fish may get introduced unintentionally and grow into a larger population that can impact the game fish in the water,” he said.

Undesirable fish reduce water quality and clarity, eat smaller game fish or their eggs, and compete with sport fish for limited food and space. “Illegal introductions in certain lakes would cause considerable harm to a fishery in just a short time,” Gangl emphasized.

Anglers should be aware that baitfish preserved by freezing, salting or otherwise treated to inactivate sexual products are legal. Freezing ruptures cell membranes and salting dries them out. Other live bait, such as worms or insects, are also legal.

The following North Dakota waters have a “no live baitfish” regulation: Belfield Dam, Stark County; Blumhardt Dam, McIntosh County; Bylin Dam, Walsh County; Camels Hump Dam, Golden Valley County; Custer Mine Pond, McLean County; Davis Dam, Slope County; Dickinson Dike, Stark County; Dougherty Dam, Walsh County; Fish Creek, Morton County; Indian Creek, Hettinger County; Kettle Lake, Williams County; Leland Dam, McKenzie County; Lightning Lake, McLean County; McDowell Dam, Burleigh County; North Lemmon Dam, Adams County; Nygren Dam, Morton County; Raleigh Reservoir, Grant County; Sather Dam, McKenzie County; Sheep Creek Dam, Grant County; and Velva Sportsmens Pond, Ward County.

The penalty for fishing with or possessing illegal live baitfish on those lakes is $250.

Anglers should refer to the 2006-08 North Dakota Fishing Guide, available at license vendors or online at gf.nd.gov, for more information.

Birding Field Trip Set for May 20

The marsh wren, a tiny bird that measures smaller than a sparrow, is the owner of an entertaining liquid gurgling song that ends in chatter similar to that of a sewing machine.

Hear this bird, and spy many others, on a birding field trip Saturday, May 20 sponsored by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Anyway you cut it, it beats listening to the rattle-hum of neighborhood lawnmowers, said Jeb Williams, outreach biologist.

“It doesn’t matter if you are just beginning or are an experienced birder,” Williams said. “Anyone interested in birding will enjoy the field trip.”

The outing is open to the first 25 people who call and register. Participants will be going to McKenzie Slough, Long Lake and the Kimball Bottoms area in Burleigh County. “North Dakota has a lot of interesting bird species,” Williams said, “and one doesn’t have to venture very far with the good birding spots around the Bismarck area.”

Bring binoculars, a bird book and a snack. Participants are asked to meet at the Game and Fish headquarters in Bismarck at 7 a.m., and can expect to return around noon. The trip is free and transportation will be provided.

To sign up for the birding trip, contact Jeb Williams at 328-6332.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Set Aug. 11-13

Women at least 18 years old who want to learn more about outdoor activities are encouraged to participate in the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop Aug. 11-13 at Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau.

Applications are now being accepted and enrollment is limited to 100 participants. The cost is $120 with an Aug. 1 registration deadline.

The workshop, sponsored by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, offers 26 different seminars, each of which lasts more than three hours, according to BOW coordinator Nancy Boldt.

Classes are held outdoors, and each session contains 45 minutes of lecture with the remainder dedicated to hands-on instruction. Each session has room for 12 women, Boldt said, ensuring each person receives the needed help and technical assistance.

Participants are limited to four sessions. New classes offered this workshop include dragonflies and butterflies, kayaking, waterfowl identification, birds and their nests, and furry creatures.

Other classes include fishing and fly-fishing, bird identification, plant identification, canoeing, predator calling, decoy carving, GPS adventure, archery and shotgunning.

Participants will stay in dorms and must provide their own bedding and towels. All camp facilities are handicap accessible. Equipment will be provided unless noted in the course description.

To receive an information brochure and enrollment form, contact Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095 or call 701-328-6312, or visit the Game and Fish HSOforum at gf.nd.gov.