ND GNF Newsletter

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- Take Precautions When Handling Wild Game

- Residents Only on PLOTS, State WMAs from Oct. 14-20

Take Precautions When Handling Wild Game

Wildlife diseases are part of the natural world that rarely show up in humans, but it can happen and that’s why the state Game and Fish Department recommends that hunters and anglers take precautions when handling and cooking wild game and fish.

Even if the chance of a human encountering an animal with a disease is remote, hunters should be aware of the possibilities, according to Greg Link, Game and Fish Department assistant wildlife division chief.

“Last year there was some concern about anthrax, this year it’s tularemia,” Link said. “People also wonder about West Nile virus, EHD (epizootic hemorrhagic disease) in deer, mange in furbearers, and others. We want hunters to know the details about these diseases, but there’s really no need for concern beyond the normal precautions hunters take.”

For instance, last May the North Dakota State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab identified tularemia in a house cat that died near Beach, N.D., and a foal that died in northwestern South Dakota. According to lab director Dr. Neil Dyer, it was the first North Dakota case of tularemia diagnosed at the lab in at least 11 years. Later in the summer a cat from northwestern South Dakota was also diagnosed with tularemia.

Sometimes called “rabbit fever,” tularemia is caused by a naturally occurring bacteria. It most commonly affects rabbits and hares, but can infect other animals and on rare occasions it can be transmitted to humans, either by bites from ticks or deer flies carrying the bacteria, or by handling animals that have the disease.

For hunters or others who spend time outside in that region, the risk of acquiring tularemia or other diseases is low. Hunters can further reduce their risk by following a few basic precautions, such as wearing gloves, washing hands with soap and water, and properly cooking wild game, according to Kirby Kruger, director of the division of disease control for the North Dakota State Health Department.

In fact, hunters throughout the state, regardless of the game they are pursuing, would do well to observe the following, additional precautions.

If you encounter a dead animal with no obvious cause of death, the best approach is to leave it alone, note the location, and contact a regional Game and Fish Department office or local game warden.

Hunters should not attempt to harvest animals that appear ill or are acting abnormally.

In addition to wearing gloves and washing hands, hunters should minimize animal fluid contact with skin. Do not rub your eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before you wash.

Cooking wild game meat thoroughly (155 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, 64 to 74 Celsius) kills disease organisms and parasites.

Be sure to sanitize knives, other cleaning tools, and food preparation surfaces.

Residents Only on PLOTS, State WMAs from Oct. 14-20

North Dakotans who have family and friends coming from out-of-state to hunt during opening week of pheasant season – Oct. 14-20 – are reminded that state law does not allow nonresidents to hunt on Game and Fish Department owned or managed lands during that time.

Private Land Open To Sportsmen acreage and state wildlife management areas are open to hunting by resident hunters only from Oct. 14-20. Nonresidents, however, can still hunt those days on other state-owned and federal lands, or private land.

The law, passed by the 2003 state legislature, applies to all small game, waterfowl, furbearer and big game hunting on PLOTS and state wildlife management areas during the first seven days of the pheasant season. Starting Oct. 21 this year, nonresidents may hunt on PLOTS and WMAs as long as the appropriate season is open.

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- Game Warden Exam Set for Nov. 28

- Deer Hunters: It’s Time to Find and Verify Your License

- Deer Licenses Remain in Several Units

- Fall Turkey Licenses Remain in Two Units

Game Warden Exam Set for Nov. 28

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has scheduled an examination to select candidates for the position of district game warden. The test will be given at 10 a.m., Nov. 28, at the department's main office in Bismarck.

Applicants must register to take the exam by submitting a letter of intent to chief game warden Robert Timian, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501‑5095. Letters of intent must be submitted before 5 p.m., Nov. 24.

Game warden applicants must be at least 21 years of age and in good physical condition. Work requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks involving lifting and carrying large heavy objects, walking and running over uneven terrain, and tolerating adverse weather and other environmental conditions.

Game wardens enforce game and fish laws and related regulations in an assigned district and other locations as determined by the department. Wardens normally work alone under varied conditions, at all hours of the day, night, and weekends. In addition to law enforcement duties, wardens assist with hunter and boater safety education, as well as other department programs.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be a licensed North Dakota peace officer, or be eligible to be licensed, and must possess a valid driver’s license.

Selection procedures include an evaluation of the application, a structured oral interview, background and reference checks, and psychological and medical examinations.

The salary for beginning game wardens through training and probation is $2,400 per month. Upon completion of training and probation, the salary range is $2,837‑4,728 per month. Wardens also receive the state benefits package, including travel allowance. Uniforms and other equipment are provided.

Deer Hunters: It’s Time to Find and Verify Your License

North Dakota’s deer gun season opens at noon Nov. 10, and the state Game and Fish Department is asking hunters to find and check their deer license now to avoid unnecessary surprises when the season opens.

Every year department staff receive inquiries from hunters at the last minute, including the morning of opening day, because they can’t find their license. At that late date, it’s difficult to try to get a replacement license quickly.

That is just one reason why hunters should look for their deer license now. Another is to check it for accuracy. Sometimes the information on the license isn’t what the hunter thought it should be. Hunters need to double-check the license to make sure the unit, species and deer sex is correct.

Deer hunters in need of a replacement license can print out a duplicate (replacement) license application from the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, or can call 701-328-6300 to have an application mailed or faxed.

The form must be completed, notorized, and returned to the department with a fee. The application will be processed the day it is received, and the license will be mailed the next day.

Deer Licenses Remain in Several Units

More than 14,000 antlerless deer licenses are available to hunters who don’t already have a license, or for those who want additional licenses. Doe licenses are still available in units 1, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F1, 2G, 2H, 2I, 2J2, 2K2, 2L, 3A4, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 3F2, 4E and 4F.

These remaining licenses – and doe licenses that have already been issued and are printed with second, third or additional concurrent season designations – can be used during any open season: bow season with a bow; the deer gun season with a bow, rifle, or muzzle-loader; or during the muzzle-loader season with a muzzle-loader. Hunters must stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.

The archery season is open through Jan. 7, 2007; the regular deer gun season opens at noon Nov. 10 and continues through Nov. 26; and the muzzle-loader season opens at noon Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 17.

Resident and nonresident hunters can apply online at the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Applications are also available by calling the department’s Bismarck office at 701-328-6300.

Fall Turkey Licenses Remain in Two Units

Two fall turkey hunting units still have licenses available for hunters who do not have a license, or for those who want additional licenses.

Licenses remain in Unit 13, Dunn County, and Unit 17, portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties north of Interstate 94.

Resident and nonresident hunters can apply online, or print out an application for mailing, at the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Applications are also available from the department’s Bismarck office at 701-328-6300. There is no limit to the number of licenses a person can receive.

The fall turkey season opened Oct. 14, and continues through Jan. 14, 2007.

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- CWD Surveillance Efforts Continue

- Salmon Spawning Operations Deemed Successful

CWD Surveillance Efforts Continue

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will continue its chronic wasting disease Hunter-Harvested Surveillance program during the 2006 deer season. Samples from hunter-harvested deer will be taken from animals this fall in all deer hunting units in the state.

Hunters are encouraged to provide samples from their deer by stopping at any of the department’s district offices. Heads can be dropped off through November at Game and Fish offices in Williston, Dickinson, Bismarck, Riverdale, Devils Lake, Harvey (Lonetree) and Jamestown.

Department personnel will also operate two collection sites opening weekend in Belfield – at the Tesoro truck stop, and Conoco convenience store – both at the intersection of Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 85. In addition, Game and Fish is relying on cooperating meat processors, fur buyers, taxidermists and wildlife clubs.

Meat processors participating in surveillance efforts are Aneta Meats, Aneta; M and M Sausage and Meats, West Dakota Meats, Bismarck; Bowdon Locker and Grocery, Bowdon; K and E Meats, Cando; Barton Meats, Barlow Meat, Carrington; Double R Meats, Carson; Casselton Cold Storage, Casselton; Schmitty’s Deer Processing, Davenport; Skybergs Meats, Devils Lake; Dean’s Meat Market, Dickinson; Edgeley Meat Processing, Edgeley; Maple Valley Lockers, Enderlin; Garrison Custom Meats, Garrison; Kuntz Butcher Shop, Glen Ullin; Manock Meats, Great Bend; Hazen Meats, Hazen; Dakota Packing, Hettinger; Dakota Country Meats, Jamestown; Leier’s Processing, Karlsruhe; Kenmare Locker Jack and Jills, Kenmare; People’s Meat Market, Kulm; LaMoure Lockers, LaMoure; Hickory Hut, Langdon; Butcher Block Meats, Mandan; Milnor Lockers, Milnor; S and K Processing, Minot; Engebretson Processing, Mohall; Larry’s Meat Processing, Mott; Myers Meats, Parshall; Webers Meats, Reynolds; Wolf’s Processing, Scranton; Brenno Meats, Sheyenne; Sagebrush Smokehouse, Watford City; Wildrose Grocery, Wildrose.

Heads will be removed on site, or hunters may drop off heads at one of the sites. Tags will remain on the ear or antler, and carcass tags will remain with the deer. Hunters will be given a temporary tag for transportation purposes.

To date, CWD has not been diagnosed in wild or farmed deer or elk in North Dakota. Test results for CWD on more than 5,000 wild deer and more than 100 elk harvested during the 2002-05 hunting seasons were negative.

Chronic wasting disease affects the nervous system of white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk and is fatal. Scientists have found no evidence that CWD can be transmitted naturally to humans or livestock.

Salmon Spawning Operations Deemed Successful

Fisheries crews have concluded another successful salmon spawning effort, reports Jeff Hendrickson, North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries biologist, Riverdale.

More than 700,000 eggs were collected from Lake Sakakawea and the Garrison Dam Tailrace. “This will be enough for stocking in North Dakota, with some extra eggs for Montana,” Hendrickson said.

Because of the reduced forage abundance and low water projections for 2007, the Game and Fish Department will be stocking fewer salmon than normal next year. “Current plans are to stock approximately 100,000 salmon,” Hendrickson said. “Under normal water level and forage conditions, as many as 500,000 salmon are stocked annually in Lake Sakakawea.”

Chinook salmon begin their spawning run in October. Since salmon cannot naturally reproduce in North Dakota, state Game and Fish Department and Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery personnel collect and fertilize eggs and transport them to the hatchery.

Once the eggs hatch, young salmon spend several months in the hatchery before they are stocked in Lake Sakakawea. Any surplus eggs will go to Montana.

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- Game Warden Exam Set for Nov. 28

- Fall Turkey Licenses Remain in Two Units

Game Warden Exam Set for Nov. 28

Individuals interested in taking a game warden exam scheduled for Nov. 28 are reminded to submit a letter of intent to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department before 5 p.m., Nov. 24.

Letters of intent should be addressed to chief game warden Robert Timian, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501‑5095. The test will be given at 10 a.m., Nov. 28, at the department's main office in Bismarck.

Game warden applicants must be at least 21 years of age and in good physical condition. Work requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks involving lifting and carrying large heavy objects, walking and running over uneven terrain, and tolerating adverse weather and other environmental conditions.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be a licensed North Dakota peace officer, or be eligible to be licensed, and must possess a valid driver’s license.

Selection procedures include an evaluation of the application, a structured oral interview and reference checks, and psychological and medical examinations.

The salary for beginning game wardens through training and probation is $2,400 per month. Upon completion of training and probation, the salary range is $2,837‑4,728 per month. Wardens also receive the state benefits package, including travel allowance. Uniforms and other equipment are provided.

Fall Turkey Licenses Remain in Two Units

Two fall turkey hunting units still have licenses available for hunters who do not have a license, or for those who want additional licenses.

Licenses remain in Unit 13, Dunn County, and Unit 17, portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties north of Interstate 94.

Resident and nonresident hunters can apply online, or print out an application for mailing, at the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Applications are also available from the department’s Bismarck office at 701-328-6300. There is no limit to the number of licenses a person can receive.

The fall turkey season is open through Jan. 14, 2007.

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Registration Available for Darkhouse Spearers

Individuals who will participate in the upcoming darkhouse spearfishing season can now register online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, or through any Game and Fish Department office.

North Dakota’s darkhouse spearfishing season opens on a number of state waters Dec. 1 – with the exception of Spiritwood Lake which opens Jan. 1 – and continues through Feb. 28. Legal fish are northern pike and nongame species, such as carp.

Darkhouse spearing is allowed for all residents with a valid fishing license, and those under the age of 16. Nonresidents from states that allow North Dakotans to participate in darkhouse spearfishing can darkhouse spearfish in North Dakota with a valid fishing license. Of neighboring states, only Minnesota does not allow nonresident darkhouse spearfishing.

Other regulations include:

All participants must register.

A spear is counted as a pole (line) while darkhouse spearfishing.

Pneumatic or rubber band powered spear guns are not allowed.

When a dark house is moved or a hole larger than 12 inches in diameter is left in the ice, the hole must be adequately marked with a natural object (such as a tree branch or tumbleweed) visible from a minimum of 150 feet.

No size limit on ice hole in lakes where darkhouse spearing is allowed. However, hook and line fishing is legal only in holes no larger than 12 inches in diameter.

Legal live baitfish, with the exception of white sucker, and artificial lures can be used as decoys.

Daily/possession limits are the same as for hook and line fishing.

Six lakes have been added to the list of lakes open to darkhouse spearing: South Eckelson, Barnes County; Sibley Lake, Griggs County; Stump Lake, Nelson County; Lake Irvine, Ramsey County; Island Lake, Rolette County; and Sunday Lake, Stutsman County. Other lakes where darkhouse spearfishing is allowed are Devils Lake, Benson/Ramsey counties; Silver Lake, Benson County; Powers Lake, Burke County; Rice Lake, Emmons County; Juanita Lake, Foster County; Lake Etta/Alkaline Lake complex, Horsehead Lake, and Round Lake, Kidder County; Flood Lake and Diamond Lake, LaMoure County; Beaver Lake and West Napoleon Lake, Logan County; Buffalo Lodge Lake, McHenry County; Coldwater Lake and Dry/Goose Lake, McIntosh County; Stanley Reservoir, Mountrail County; Lake Laretta, Nelson County; Cavanaugh Lake, Morrison Lake, and Sweetwater Lake, Ramsey County; Grass Lake, Richland County; Carpenter Lake and School Section Lake, Rolette County; Buffalo Lake, Sargent County; Coal Mine Lake, Sheridan County; Mallard Marsh and Spiritwood Lake, Stutsman County; Cottonwood Lake and Tioga Reservoir, Williams County; Lake Sakakawea from Garrison Dam to Highway 85 bridge at Williston; and Lake Oahe from the South Dakota border to McLean Bottoms boat ramp.

Late-Season Upland Game Opportunities Available on Refuges

Several national wildlife refuges in North Dakota will soon open to late-season upland game bird hunting.

Arrowwood, Audubon, Des Lacs, J. Clark Salyer, Long Lake, Lostwood, Tewaukon (pheasants only), and Upper Souris NWRs open Nov. 27.

Hunters are reminded that use of non-toxic shot is required on all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands. State regulations found in the North Dakota 2006-07 Small Game Guide apply. Seasons for pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge and ruffed grouse close statewide on Jan. 7, 2007.

National wildlife refuges are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Portions of each refuge are closed to hunting. Contact refuge headquarters for map leaflets designating closed areas and other restrictions: Arrowwood (701) 285-3341; Audubon (701) 442-5474; Des Lacs (701) 385-4046; J. Clark Salyer (701) 768-2548; Long Lake (701) 387-4397; Lostwood (701) 848-2722; Tewaukon (701) 724-3598; and Upper Souris (701) 468-5467.

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Game and Fish Monitors Radio-Collared Mountain Lion

A mountain lion caught in a trap in Billings County over the weekend was fitted with a radio collar and released at the trap site by North Dakota Game and Fish Department staff.

Greg Link, assistant wildlife chief, received a call Saturday night that a trapper had found a mountain lion caught in a foot-hold trap. When department staff arrived, they determined the lion received only minor injuries and appeared to be healthy enough to tranquilize and release. As with any animal that is tranquilized, there is a risk of mortality after it is released, and the department will monitor its conditions in the coming days.

The radio-collared cat is a 1.5-year-old male that weighs 108 pounds. “These animals are difficult to research and monitor, and this was a good opportunity to fit the animal with a collar so we can learn more about cats and their movements,” Link said. “We appreciate the trapper promptly contacting the department. While lions cannot be legally trapped or snared, we realize that incidental trapping of mountain lions can occur.”

This is the first mountain lion radio-collared in North Dakota. Information gathered from monitoring this animal’s movements will supplement other on-going department studies such as the upcoming badlands snow track survey scheduled for this winter, said Dorothy Fecske, department furbearer biologist. “Information from these studies and the collared cougar will add to the knowledge base of mountain lion populations, movements and distributions,” she said. “All this information will be valuable as the department evaluates long-term management options for lions.”

North Dakota’s second mountain lion season closed Nov. 9 after a pre-determined season quota of five cats had been reached.

Muzzleloader Season Opens Dec. 1, Antlerless Licenses Available

North Dakota’s muzzleloader season opens Friday, Dec. 1 at noon, and hunters with a lottery muzzleloader license can hunt white-tailed deer statewide.

In addition, hunters with unfilled second, third or other concurrent season any-antlerless, antlerless whitetail, or antlerless mule deer licenses, are valid. Hunters must use a muzzleloader, adhere to the species printed on the license, and stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.

Doe licenses are still available for hunters who would like to participate in the muzzleloader season. Antlerless deer licenses are available in units 1, 2D, 2E, 2F1, 2H, 2J2, 2K2, 2L, 3F1 and 4F. Again, these remaining licenses must be used in the unit to which the license is assigned.

Hunters can apply online from the state Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply, and licenses may be purchased throughout the season as long as they are available.

The muzzleloader season continues through Dec. 17.

Game and Fish Reminds Public of Remaining Advisory Board Meetings

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is issuing a reminder for the remaining fall advisory board meetings. Hunters, anglers, trappers, and landowners are invited to attend these public forums to discuss wildlife issues in their area.

Game and Fish Department advisors host public meetings twice each year in their districts. Advisors serve as a liaison between the department and the public in their areas.

Any person who requires an auxiliary aid or service must notify the contact person at least five days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

District 3 – Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner

Date: November 27 – 7 p.m.

Host: Cavalier County Gun Club

Location: Cavalier County Courthouse, Langdon

Contact: Rod Howatt, 256-3302

Advisory board member: Tracy Gardner, Devils Lake, 662-5639

District 4 – Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh

Date: November 28 – 7 p.m.

Host: Dakota Prairie Wildlife Club

Location: American Legion, Fordville

Contact: Perry Brintnell, 229-3267

Advisory board member: Ronald Houdek, Tolna, 262-4724

District 5 – Counties: Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill

Date: November 29 – 7 p.m.

Host: Finley Wildlife Club

Location: City Hall, Finley

Contact: Wayne Beckman, 524-2742

Advisory board member: Loran Palmer, West Fargo, 282-8479

District 6 – Counties: Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells

Date: November 30 – 7 p.m.

Host: Gackle Wildlife Club

Location: Gackle Senior Center

Contact: Bryan Batsch, 485-3298

Advisory board member: Rita Greer, Marion, 669-2315

District 8 – Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark

Date: December 4 – 7 p.m.

Host: Hettinger Rod and Gun Club

Location: Courthouse Community Room, Hettinger

Contact: Bill Ecker, 567-2149

Advisory board member: Wayne Gerbig, Amidon, 879-6353

District 7 – Counties: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux

Date: December 5 – 7 p.m.

Host: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Location: North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Bismarck

Contact and advisory board member: Frank Kartch, Bismarck, 222-4544

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Be Cautious of Ice Conditions

Winter anglers and trappers need to chill before marching out on any of North Dakota’s frozen waters. Taking a minute or two to study ice conditions could save a life.

“There are a number of things to consider before going out on a frozen lake, pond or river,” said Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department boat and water safety coordinator.

For instance:

Be aware on snow-covered ice, as snow insulates ice, hampering solid ice formation, and it makes it difficult to check thickness. Snow also hides the blemishes, such as cracked, weak and open water areas.

Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal thinner ice. The same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged trees, brush, embankments or other structures.

Remember, ice thickness is not consistent and can vary significantly within a few inches.

Ice shouldn’t be judged by appearance alone. Anglers should drill test holes as they make their way out on to a lake.

Daily temperature changes causes ice to expand and contract, affecting its strength.

Visit with locals – other anglers and people at local bait shops – before going on a lake that’s unfamiliar.

The Game and Fish Department recommends the following minimums for travel on clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the winter it’s a good idea to double these figures to be safe: four inches for a group walking single file; six inches for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup/truck.

These tips could also help save a life:

Wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone.

An ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around.

Carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers to pull yourself back on the ice if you fall through.

If someone breaks through the ice, call 911 immediately. Rescue attempts should employ a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that’s not possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as a last resort, but do this by forming a human chain where rescuers lie on the ice with each person holding the feet of the person in front.

Treat hypothermia by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry clothing. Place the victim in a sleeping bag – another item to take on all outings on the ice – with another person. Immediately transport the victim to a hospital.

“Thousands of people venture out on the ice during winter in North Dakota, and we just want to make sure that everyone makes it home,” Boldt said.

Keep Backyard Bird Feeders Clean

Homeowners who feed birds in their backyards are urged to keep their feeders clean, according to Nathanial Umphrey, outreach biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

An unclean feeder, Umphrey says, may perpetuate diseases that are easily spread when birds are unnaturally congregated by artificial feeding stations. Feeding stations that are not kept clean may also attract other nontarget wildlife such as deer, skunks, raccoons, turkeys, pheasants and squirrels.

Seeds that drop to the ground must be picked up. If this is not done, homeowners are inviting nontarget species to the feeders, which may result in unwanted consequences, including damage to vegetation and property.

In extreme cases, species such as whitetail deer may become attracted to unclean bird feeding stations in urban areas, and are drawn across busy roadways, increasing the likelihood of deer-vehicle collisions.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Watchable Wildlife program has long promoted backyard bird feeding, but because of potential problems associated with artificial feeders, the agency is now focusing more on habitat.

For instance, feeding birds in a back yard may be more responsibly accomplished by using native vegetation, such as fruit bearing shrubs like chokecherry, Juneberry and golden currant. Habitat in the form of trees, shrubs, grasses and vines provides birds with a better chance of finding cover during an early winter storm.

A back yard planting should include food that attracts birds. Wildflowers and other forbs can also be beneficial in attracting insects, which in turn also attract birds that feed on these plants.

Backyard Birders Asked to Help with Winter Survey

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Watchable Wildlife program is asking backyard birders to monitor feeders periodically over the next three months.

The program’s annual winter bird survey takes place the third week of December, January and February. The survey involves a winter census to determine overall trends in North Dakota's wintering songbird population for different areas of the state.

The state is divided into four regions – northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast. Participants are asked to monitor their bird feeders for a minimum of 30 minutes per day during the two-day period each month, recording the number and type of birds at the feeder.

Individuals who want to help with the winter bird survey should call the Game and Fish Department in Bismarck at 701-328-6300. The statewide surveys are tallied and returned to each participant, depicting unique trends from across North Dakota.

2007 North Dakota OUTDOORS Calendar Available

The 2007 North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar is printed and available for $3 at the state Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office, select newsstands across the state, and Scheels AllSports in Bismarck, Fargo, Minot and Grand Forks.

Along with outstanding color photographs of North Dakota wildlife and scenery, the calendar includes season opening and application dates, sunrise-sunset times and moon phases.

To order by mail, send $3 plus $1 postage for each calendar, to: Calendar, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095.

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Canada Goose Season Closes Dec. 21, Others to Follow

Late season hunters still have time to get out in the field and enjoy North Dakota’s deer, waterfowl, upland game, turkey, small game and furbearer opportunities.

Hunters are reminded the season for Canada geese closes Dec. 21, while high plains duck hunting opportunities continue through Dec 31.

Archery deer, sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, partridge, pheasant and tree squirrel hunting seasons continue through Jan. 7, 2007.

The fall wild turkey season is open until Jan. 14, 2007.

Bobcat, mink and weasel hunting and trapping seasons, as well as muskrat trapping, are open through March 11, 2007. Muskrat hunting season closes May 6, 2007.

Fox, coyote, raccoon, badger and beaver hunting and trapping are open year-round.

Registration Available for Hunter Education Classes

Individuals interested in taking a hunter education class in 2007 can now register online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s HSOforum.

Access the Game and Fish home page at gf.nd.gov, click on the online services tab, and “online course enrollment” under the hunter education heading. 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.

The entire list of classes for 2007 are not yet available, and only those that are finalized are listed on the HSOforum, said Jim Carter, hunter education coordinator. “Course offerings will be updated weekly as they are finalized,” Carter said. “So if there is not a class listed in your community, it probably is because details are still pending.”

Those who do not have access to the internet and want to sign up for a class can call the hunter education division in Bismarck at 328-6615. Registration at retail stores is no longer available.

State law requires anyone born after Dec. 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.

Winter Fishing Season Questions, Answers

Anglers are beginning to take to the ice to enjoy a favorite North Dakota winter pastime. With the start of ice fishing season, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department receives numerous questions from anglers wanting to clarify regulations. Some of the more common questions are listed below. If the answer to your question is not here, call the department at 701-328-6300.

Q: Does the Game and Fish Department have a fishing or ice thickness hotline?

A: No. The department does not issue official fishing reports. Ice thickness can vary considerably within a lake and cannot be predicted. A local bait shop might be the best source for information on ice thickness and fishing opportunities on a favorite lake.

Q: When is ice considered safe?

A: Ice is never completely safe. Caution is always advised when venturing on ice. However, a general rule of thumb is four inches will support a group of people walking single file; six inches for a snowmobile or ATV; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup truck.

Q: How many poles can I use while ice fishing?

A: While fishing through the ice a maximum of four poles can be used in all waters where ice fishing is open.

Q: Can I use dead minnows on “no-live-baitfish” lakes?

A: Yes, but they must be preserved by freezing, salting or otherwise treated to inactivate sexual products. You cannot possess live baitfish on lakes where it is prohibited.

Q: Is it legal to leave litter or waste material on the ice?

A: No. Depositing or leaving any litter, refuse, rubbish, bottles, cans or other waste material on the ice is illegal.

Q: Is there a size restriction for a fish hole in the ice while fishing with hook and line?

A: Yes, a hole in the ice can be no larger than 12 inches in diameter.

Q: Is there a size restriction for a hole while spearfishing from a darkhouse?

A: There are no size restrictions for the hole in the ice while spearfishing from a darkhouse.

Q: While spearfishing from a darkhouse, does my spear count as one of my four poles?

A: Yes.

Q: Are all fish species legal for darkhouse spearfishing?

A: No, the only legal species are northern pike and nongame species, such as bullhead, buffalo and carp.

Q: While I am spearfishing from a darkhouse, can I fish with hook-and-line in the same hole?

A: No, in order to use hook and line the hole must be smaller than 12 inches in diameter.

Q: Do the fish I catch while spearfishing from a darkhouse count toward my daily limit with fish caught by hook and line, or are the limits separate?

A: The daily limit combines fish you spear with fish caught by hook and line.

Q: Do I have to register before going darkhouse spearfishing?

A: Yes, the department develops an address base for a survey to determine use and harvest.

Q: Where do I register for darkhouse spearfishing?

A: Registration is available at the department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, or at any North Dakota Game and Fish Department office.

Q: Does my child under 16 still have to register for darkhouse spearfishing?

A: Yes, all persons, regardless of age, must register.

Q: Where should I write the registration number for my child who is under 16 years old?

A: Write your child’s registration number on your fishing license.

Q: Are there any new lakes added to the list of lakes open to darkhouse spearfishing?

A: Yes, the list of lakes that are open to darkhouse spearfishing increased from 31 to 37. The six lakes added this year are South Eckelson, Barnes County; Sibley Lake, Griggs County; Stump Lake, Nelson County; Lake Irvine, Ramsey County; Island Lake, Rolette County; and Sunday Lake, Stutsman County.

Q: I am making my own spear for spearfishing. Is there a size restriction for a spear?

A: No.

Q: Does a fish house need to be licensed?

A: No.

Q: Does my fish house need to have identification?

A: Occupied structures do not require identification. However, any unoccupied fish house must have displayed on its outside in readily distinguishable characters at least three inches high, the owner’s name, and either address or telephone number.

Q: How close can my fish house be to another one?

A: Fish houses may be placed no closer than 50 feet in any direction to each other.

Q: When does my fish house have to be removed from the ice?

A: Fish houses shall be removed from all waters by midnight, March 15, of each year.

Q: Can portable fish houses be used after March 15?

A: Yes, they can be used if they are removed daily.

[marine_man]

- Anglers Should Note Panfish Limits

- Fishing Tournament Applications Must Meet Deadline

- Link Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year

- Burud Named Wildlife Officer of the Year

- Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts

Anglers Should Note Panfish Limits

Anglers should be aware that statewide limits on yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, white bass and rock bass were reduced April 1 to 20 daily and 80 in possession.

In addition, Kraft Slough in Sargent County, which is open to ice fishing only, has a reduced limit on yellow perch of 10 daily and 20 in possession; Pipestem Dam in Stutsman County has a reduced limit on crappie of 10 daily and 20 in possession; and Odland Dam in Golden Valley County has a reduced limit on yellow perch and bluegill of 10 daily and 20 in possession respectively.

Anglers should refer to the 2006-08 North Dakota Fishing Guide for additional winter fishing regulations.

Fishing Tournament Applications Must Meet Deadline

Fishing tournament or contest organizers are reminded that tournament applications must be submitted to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at least 30 days prior to the start of the event.

The 30-day advance notice allows for review by appropriate department and other agency staff to ensure no negative impacts will result from the proposed tournament.

Contact the Game and Fish Department at 328-6349 for additional information.

Link Named Game and Fish Employee of the Year

Greg Link, assistant chief of wildlife for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, received the Director’s Award for 2006 during the department’s annual meeting Dec. 7 in Bismarck.

Terry Steinwand, director, said Link has continually stepped up to meet difficult and contemporary challenges faced by the department. “He has served at all levels in the department during his career and each time has willingly accepted new responsibilities,” Steinwand said. “In fact, he established the foundation for our current Private Lands Open to Sportsmen program and deer depredation response policy.”

A Richardton native and graduate of North Dakota State University, Link was mentioned for his additional responsibilities, including serving as the department’s primary contact for Farm Bill coordination; representing the agency at Board of Animal Health and Nontraditional Livestock advisory boards; leading the inter-divisional department technical work group on baiting and feeding of wildlife; and being an active participant in the mountain lion action plan, chronic wasting disease response and action plan, and the planning team that worked on the propagation and permitting issue.

“Greg is dedicated and committed to the department’s mission and North Dakota’s wildlife resources,” Steinwand said. “His experience at virtually all levels of the department gives him a unique perspective and understanding that makes his insights into resolving difficult issues especially valuable.”

Burud Named Wildlife Officer of the Year

Jim Burud, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden stationed in Kenmare, is the state’s 2006 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Burud was honored recently by the Shikar-Safari Club International, a private conservation organization that annually recognizes outstanding wildlife officers in each state.

In a nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Robert Timian noted Burud has been involved in several large, complex investigations of wildlife violations in the past year. “Warden Burud has concluded a seven month investigation into the illegal killing of deer, moose, waterfowl and raptors in the vicinity of Bottineau and Renville counties,” Timian said. “This was not just the usual poaching of wildlife, but rather a contest in which wildlife was killed as part of a repugnant competition between contestants. Warden Burud’s attention to detail in accurately recording and documenting the violations and evidence greatly assisted in the prosecution of these individuals.”

Burud, a Minot native and graduate of South Dakota State University, was also mentioned for his work in searching for missing persons. “He was instrumental in the rescue of a lone survivor of a boat accident by using GPS technology,” Timian said, while noting he was the recipient of the North Dakota Peace Officer’s Lifesaving Award for the rescue.

“Warden Burud works closely with other law enforcement personnel, the public and prosecutors to provide for the protection of our state’s wildlife resources and to ensure future generations will enjoy these same resources,” Timian continued. “He maintains a professional image, and represents the agency in manner that the department can be proud of.”

Game and Fish Recognizes Employee Efforts

North Dakota Game and Fish Department Director Terry Steinwand recently honored a number of employees with performance-based awards. Steinwand presented the following awards at the department’s annual staff meeting Dec. 7. (Editor’s note: photos available of award winners by emailing [email protected])

· Bill Haase, Bismarck, received the Special Projects award, given to an individual or group of individuals who either successfully completed a project of short duration, or implemented a new project that is on its way toward being highly successful. Haase was recognized for his work with the North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton. “Bill merged an ongoing need for boat docks with the local expertise of faculty and students,” Steinwand said. “As part of their welding and building curriculum, Bill provides oversight as students build and retrofit fishing docks to the highest standards.”

· Greg Freeman, Bruce Kreft and Jeb Williams, all of Bismarck, also received the Special Projects award for their work in hosting the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies winter and summer meetings. “Their tireless, dedicated efforts went well above and beyond the standard of excellence,” Steinwand said. “It is a difficult, time consuming and labor intensive effort to pull off two prestigious meetings such as these, and by most accounts, this was one of the most successful series of meetings the association has had. They set the standard to be matched by others.”

· Casey Anderson, Bismarck, was presented with the Innovations award, which recognizes staff for implementing a process to improve department goals and objectives. Anderson was noted for his work on a waterfowl rest area PLOTS access program on areas around existing and new WRAs. “Casey’s thoughtful and positive approach, along with his special skills in working with landowners and other staff, has resulted in a positive outcome for waterfowl hunters, landowners and the department,” Steinwand said. “All told, the department has enrolled approximately 30,000 acres, which has provided quality waterfowl hunting opportunities in areas where such opportunities are becoming less available.”

· Lisa Tofte, Devils Lake, received the Solid Foundation award, presented to an employee or group of individuals who demonstrate exemplary work in the administrative, technical or support field. According to Steinwand, Tofte is consistently competent, knowledgeable, proficient and courteous. “She possesses strong organizational skills that allow her to handle multiple tasks from all department divisions in a short timeframe,” Steinwand said. “She is always ready and willing to help when new projects arise, and is the epitome of a Solid Foundation award recipient.”

· Brett Wiedmann, Dickinson, received the Public Outreach award, presented to an employee for showing a significant effort, ability, or accomplishment in interacting with the public while promoting the department’s programs. Wiedmann is the biologist primarily responsible for the management of bighorn sheep in North Dakota. “Brett is a tireless advocate and promoter of this special and unique wildlife resource,” Steinwand said. “He has taken it upon himself to inform and educate the public about bighorn sheep habitat and management. He is an energetic and entertaining public speaker and manages to impress even the most cynical of audiences.”

Brent Schwan, district game warden, Watford City, received the 2006 National Association of State Boating Law Administrators Officer of the Year award for North Dakota. Each state in NASBLA selects a person for a national award. Among the criteria for receiving the award is boating activity in regards to law enforcement, education, search and rescue, outreach and training. Schwan was recognized for his excellence in enforcing boat safety laws in North Dakota, according to Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator. “Officer Schwan is responsible for boat safety enforcement activities on more than 130 miles of Lake Sakakawea, as well as numerous smaller lakes in his district,” Boldt said. “He especially excels at in the apprehension of boaters operating under the influence of alcohol. He also assists other officers, especially younger less experienced officers, in making BUI arrests, enforcing other boating laws and investigating boating accidents.”