NDGNF Weekly Newsletter for March

[marine_man]

Bighorn Sheep, Elk and Moose Seasons Proposed

Additional elk and moose hunting opportunities highlight the 2007 special big game seasons, according to Randy Kreil, wildlife chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Applications are now available for prospective moose, elk and bighorn sheep hunters. To apply online, or to print out an application for mailing, access the Game and Fish Department’s HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. License vendors are scheduled to have applications by March 12. The deadline for submitting applications is March 21.

A total of 261 elk licenses are available, an increase of 20 from last year. More licenses will be available again this year for Unit E3, Kreil said, in an attempt to reduce the number of elk outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park. “Units E3 and E4 will have a second open period in October,” he added. “In 2006, elk harvest increased significantly because of the increased number of licenses and the additional time to hunt.”

Bow season dates for units E1 and E2 are Aug. 31 – Sept. 30. Regular season dates are as follows: Unit E3, Aug. 10-26; Unit E4 early, Aug. 10-16, and late, Aug. 17-26; Unit E1, Oct. 5-28 and Nov. 30 – Dec. 9; and Unit E2, Oct. 5-28 and Nov. 16 – Dec. 16. The second open period for units E3 and E4 is Oct. 5-28.

A total of 147 moose licenses are available in 2007, an increase of 18 from last year. Units M9 and M10 have been expanded to include areas where moose numbers have increased. However, Unit M1C will remain closed due to a continued moose population decline in the northeastern portion of the state.

Bow season dates for all moose units are Aug. 31 – Sept. 30. Regular season dates for units M4, M8, M9 and M10 are Oct. 5-28. Regular season dates for units M5 and M6 are Nov. 23 – Dec. 16.

Six bighorn sheep licenses are available in four units, the same as last year. One license is available in units B1, B2 and B3; two in Unit B4; and one license auctioned through the Minnesota-Wisconsin Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep.

In an effort to increase the harvest of older rams, opening day has been moved back on the calendar two weeks in order to coincide with the rut, Kreil said. Bighorn sheep regular season dates run from Oct. 12-28, with bow season from Oct. 5-28.

Bighorn sheep, moose, and elk lottery licenses are issued on an once-in-a-lifetime basis in North Dakota. Persons who have received a license through the lottery in the past are not eligible to apply for that species again.

Spring Turkey Licenses Remain

The 2007 spring wild turkey lottery has been held and more than 300 licenses remain in seven units. These licenses will be issued only as a first license – only one license per hunter – and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Licenses remain for the following units: Unit 04, portions of Billings and Golden Valley counties south of Interstate 94; Unit 06, Bowman County; Unit 15, Emmons County; Unit 31, Mountrail County; Unit 44, Slope County; Unit 45, Stark County; and Unit 47, that portion of Stutsman County that lies east of U.S. Highway 281.

Hunters who do not have a license for the 2007 spring season can apply online at the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Otherwise, hunters must call 328-6300 to request an application.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply.

Make Plans to Remove Permanent Fish Houses by Midnight March 15

Recent snow fall – and the threat of more to come – could make access on many North Dakota lakes nearly impossible in the coming weeks. With that in mind, anglers shouldn’t wait until the last minute to try to remove fish houses before the mid-March deadline.

State law requires that permanent fish houses are removed from North Dakota waters by midnight March 15, and variable weather conditions this time of the year can make it difficult to even get to a fish house, said Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

“Access on some lakes could be restricted because of the snow, especially in the central and eastern parts of the state,” Boldt said.

Anglers should exercise caution when venturing onto a lake because of uncertain ice conditions beneath the snow. “People just can’t judge ice conditions with all the snow on the ice,” Boldt said. “It is important to check ice thickness, because you won’t be able to see cracked, weak or even open water areas.”

Warm weather and high winds this late in winter can rapidly deteriorate ice conditions, Boldt mentioned, causing shorelines to weaken. “Also, ice thickness not only varies statewide, but can even fluctuate on the same body of water,” she said.

Portable fish houses may be used after March 15 if they are removed daily, Boldt mentioned.

Minnesota-Wisconsin Chapter to Auction North Dakota Bighorn Sheep License

The Minnesota-Wisconsin Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep will sell a North Dakota bighorn sheep license at its annual fundraiser and banquet March 17 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka, Minn.

North Dakota has auctioned a bighorn sheep license each year since 1986 to fund sheep projects in the state, raising $656,500. Last year’s license, which sold for a record $49,500, was the seventh time it was auctioned at the Minnesota-Wisconsin chapter meeting. Prior to that, the license was sold at the national FNAWS convention.

In 1999 the North Dakota Game and Fish Department entered into a five-year agreement with the Minnesota-Wisconsin conservation group. In 2003, due to the success of the partnership, the agreement was extended an additional five years. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the license, along with an additional annual grant of $25,000, are used to enhance management of North Dakota’s bighorn sheep.

Written bids should be sent to: MN-WI Chapter FNAWS, Hunt Auction Permit, PO Box 892, Hudson, WI 54016. For more information contact John Coulter, auction chairman, 507-629-4755.

Spring Crow Season Opens March 17

North Dakota’s spring crow season opens statewide March 17 and continues through April 29.

Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. There is no daily or possession limit on crows.

Hunters can use last fall’s 2006-07 small game and general game and habitat license, or combination license, or purchase a new 2007-08 combination license.

[marine_man]

Birding Field Trip Set for May 12

A birding field trip sponsored by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is scheduled for Saturday, May 12 in Burleigh County, according to Nathaniel Umphrey, department outreach biologist.

It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time birder, or have spent many hours spying on our feathered friends, Umphrey said. “We’ll take anyone, but we are going to give preference to those who have never been on this trip before,” he said.

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.

Participants are asked to bring binoculars, a bird book and a snack, and need to meet at the department at 7 a.m., and can expect to return around noon. The trip is free and transportation will be provided.

Anyone interested in signing up for the field trip should contact Umphrey at 328-6332.

Nonresident Any-Deer Bow Licenses Remain

Approximately 200 any-deer bow licenses are still available to nonresidents in 2007, according to Carrie Whitney, licensing supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The Game and Fish Department began issuing nonresident any-deer bow licenses March 1, and more than 950 of the allotted 1,147 licenses for 2007 have been purchased.

Remaining licenses are issued on a first come, first served basis. Nonresidents can print out an application for mailing at the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, or call 701-328-6300 to request an application. Only one license is allowed per hunter.

The number of nonresident any-deer bow licenses available is 15 percent of the previous year’s mule deer gun license allocation. The department issued 7,650 mule deer licenses in the 2006 deer gun lottery.

New Fishing, Furbearer Licenses Needed April 1

Hunters, trappers and anglers are reminded that new fishing and furbearer licenses are required April 1.

The dates for the furbearer license coincide with fishing season. The 2007-08 licenses are effective April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008.

Anglers are also reminded this is the second year of the current two-year fishing proclamation. Refer to the 2006-08 North Dakota Fishing Guide for regulations.

2006 Prairie Chicken Hunting Season Summarized

A total of 30 prairie chickens and 52 sharp-tailed grouse were taken during the state’s 2006 prairie chicken hunting season, according to statistics released by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The nine-day October season was open in two units – Grand Forks County (north unit) and the other in southeastern North Dakota (south unit). Fifty resident hunters were awarded licenses in each unit.

Forty-six hunters bagged 12 prairie chickens and 33 sharptails in the north unit, while 39 hunters took 18 prairie chickens and 19 sharptails in the south unit.

Hunters had a season limit of two prairie chickens, and a sharptail limit of three daily and 12 in possession.

From the north unit three hunters were successful in taking two prairie chickens, six hunters were able to bag one, and 37 were unsuccessful. In the south unit, six hunters took a limit of prairie chickens, six hunters were able to harvest one, and 27 were unsuccessful.

The department received 299 applications – 175 for the north unit and 124 for the south unit.

The application process and 2007 season information will be announced in July.

[marine_man]

Department Receives $95,000 for Bighorn Sheep Management

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department received three checks totaling $95,000 at the March 17 Minnesota-Wisconsin Chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep annual meeting in Minneapolis.

North Dakota’s 2007 bighorn sheep auction license, which allows the winning bidder the rare privilege of pursuing a North Dakota bighorn on a self-guided hunt, sold for a record $50,000. Along with an annual grant of $25,000, the Minnesota-Wisconsin conservation group also presented $20,000 to Game and Fish for last January’s transplant of 20 bighorns from Montana’s Missouri River Breaks.

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.”

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

Six licenses were issued in 2007, with one being auctioned by Minnesota-Wisconsin FNAWS and five allocated by lottery.

Canada Goose Depredation Assistance Available to Landowners

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will combine resources to provide North Dakota agricultural producers with the necessary tools to manage chronic crop depredation caused by Canada geese, according to Greg Link, assistant wildlife chief for the state Game and Fish Department.

The program, in place each spring and summer since 2002, provides landowners with equipment and technical assistance to ward off depredating Canada geese. Past efforts have shown Canada goose depredation control is most effective when a combination of techniques are used in concert: hunting seasons (extended Canada goose seasons and liberal bag limits), egg addling (destroying nests) and nonlethal treatment methods (propane cannons, pyrotechnics and electric fencing).

“As with most problems, an integrated approach using a combination of tools has proven to be the best way to deal with Canada goose depredation,” Link said. “In most cases, nonlethal methods work quite well. However, the special depredation permit provides an additional last resort prescription that deals with persistent geese in chronic cases.”

Landowners experiencing Canada geese crop depredation for the first time need to contact Wildlife Services so their situation can be assessed and properly addressed, Link said. “Wildlife Services personnel will make an on-site visit, provide consultation, and make a written recommendation,” he said.

Landowners who were issued and complied with special permits last year will receive a special permit application packet by the end of March. The special depredation permit, which is valid from April through July, allows each eligible landowner to kill up to 30 geese and destroy 15 nests.

North Dakota’s authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allows for the taking of no more than 6,000 geese and 1,000 nests, including all the eggs.

This is the sixth year the special permits are available to North Dakota landowners. In 2006, 94 landowners used the special permit, taking 1,070 Canada geese (615 adults and 455 goslings) and destroying 101 nests under provisions provided by the permit. Canada geese were taken in 25 counties in eastern and northwestern North Dakota.

Landowners wanting more information about Canada goose depredation assistance can contact the Game and Fish Department at 328-6300.

Boating Basics Course Needed for Youngsters

Parents whose youngsters plan on operating a boat or personal watercraft this summer should make arrangements for their child to take the state’s Boating Basics Course.

Youth ages 12-15 wanting to operate a boat or personal watercraft with at least a 10 horsepower motor must first pass the state’s Boating Basics Course, said Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

The course is free and available for home-study from the Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office, or in a classroom setting held periodically around the state.

And parents, the Boating Basics Course isn’t just for kids. Major insurance companies give adult boat owners who pass the course a premium discount on boat insurance.

The course covers legal requirements, navigation rules, getting underway, accidents and special topics. Each part has 2-5 chapters that elaborate on topics such as weather, rules of the road, laws, life saving and first aid.

For more information on Boating Basics write to Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; or call 701-328-6300.

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.

[marine_man]

Record Number of Deer Taken During 2006 Deer Gun Season

While the number of deer gun licenses issued in 2006 was not a record, more deer than ever were taken during last fall’s season, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual harvest survey.

The department allocated 143,500 deer gun licenses in 2006. Survey data reveals more than 100,000 deer were taken during the gun season, and combined with bow, muzzleloader and youth seasons, the harvest was more than 110,000 deer, according to Randy Kreil, wildlife chief.

The overall hunter success rate of 76 percent was the same as in 2005 and about average over the past 15 years.

Hunter success for antlered and antlerless white-tailed deer was approximately 76 percent each.

Mule deer buck success was 82 percent, while mule deer doe hunters had a success rate of 86 percent.

Bow hunters had a success rate of 42 percent, and 75 percent of the deer harvested by bow hunters were adult bucks.

Muzzleloader season hunters had a success rate of 44 percent.

The success rate by young hunters during the nine-and-a-half day youth season increased slightly to 53 percent.

Department biologists are in the process of determining the number of deer licenses that will be recommended in the 2007 deer proclamation, which will be sent to the governor’s office for approval the end of April.

Game and Fish Department biologists determine deer license numbers by evaluating hunter harvest data, deer survey data, deer-vehicle collision reports, depredation reports, and comments from the public, landowners and department field staff.

WMA Users Reminded of Public Use Regulations

While some hearty North Dakotans cherish the state’s winter chill, others anticipate spring’s reprieve and the outdoor opportunities that lie ahead.

A popular springtime activity involves looking for and observing wildlife, and a standard destination is state wildlife management areas. With that in mind, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds outdoor enthusiasts of public use regulations.

“We encourage people to get out and use our public lands, and to look at the habitat and watch for the wildlife they support,” said Nathaniel Umphrey, outreach biologist. “But we also want people to be aware of the public use regulations designed to protect the primary purpose of these areas, which is hunting, fishing and wildlife production.”

A complete list of the WMA regulations is available by contacting the Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300, or email [email protected]. WMA use regulations are also available on the Game and Fish HSOforum at www.gf.nd.gov.

Some of the regulations include:

· Unless otherwise designated, the use of motorized vehicles is restricted to constructed roads, well-worn trails, and parking areas normally used for passenger cars.

· Watercraft cannot be left unattended unless it is used on a daily basis.

· Littering or the disposal of waste material is prohibited, except in garbage containers where provided.

· Property may not be removed without a permit from the Game and Fish Department.

· Commercial enterprise, including guiding, is prohibited except by lease or permit from the Game and Fish Department.

· Camping for longer than 10 consecutive days is prohibited.

· Group activities involving more than 25 people require a permit issued by the Game and Fish Department.

· Training of bird and gun dogs is prohibited April 1 through Aug. 15.

· Glass containers are prohibited.

· Fireworks, model rocket engines, or combustible or explosive materials are prohibited.

· Baiting wildlife for any purpose is prohibited.

Game and Fish Advisory Board Meetings Announced

Anglers, hunters, trappers and landowners are invited to attend this spring’s North Dakota Game and Fish Department advisory board meeting in their area. These public meetings, held twice each year, provide citizens with an opportunity to discuss wildlife issues and ask questions of their district advisors and Game and Fish Department personnel.

There are eight Game and Fish Department advisors, each representing a multi-county section of the state. The governor appoints them to four-year terms to serve as a liaison between the department and public.

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

Date: April 10 – 7 p.m.

Host: Southeast Area Sportsmen’s Club

Location: City Hall, Rutland

Contact: Richard Anderson, 724-3617

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

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

Date: April 11 – 7 p.m.

Host: Barnes County Wildlife Club

Location: VFW Club, Valley City

Contact: Perry Kapaun, 845-1117

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

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

Date: April 17 – 7 p.m.

Host: Medora Grazing Association

Location: Masonic Lodge, Belfield

Contact and advisory board member: Wayne Gerbig, Amidon, 879-6353

District 1 – Counties: Divide, McKenzie and Williams

Date: April 18 – 7 p.m.

Host: To be announced

Location: To be announced

Contact and advisory board member: Merle Jost, Grassy Butte, 863-6727

District 2 – Counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward

Date: April 19 – 7 p.m.

Host: Pheasants for the Future

Location: Minot (location in Minot to be announced)

Contact: Jason Foss, 839-0213

Advisory board member: Richard Anderson, Willow City, 366-4625

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

Date: April 23 – 7 p.m.

Host: Turtle Mountain Wildlife Club

Location: City Hall, Dunseith

Contact: Mike Peterson, 263-3191

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

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

Date: April 24 – 7 p.m.

Host: Pekin Rod and Gun Club

Location: Community Club, Pekin

Contact: David Morken, 296-4484

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

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

Date: April 25 – 7 p.m.

Host: To be announced

Location: New Salem (location in New Salem to be announced)

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

[harvey lee]

Those are some impressive numbers for deer hunting success. Thats why I come over and hunt. Great deer hunting and some nicer bucks ta boot.

[iffwalleyes]

Well Marine Man our camps 100% must have helped those numbers out this year. Of course all those doe tags helped didn't the .

[marine_man]

It sure couldn't have hurt too much.. that's for sure.

Hopefully we'll have a few buck tags to be able to strech the hunt out a little more this year...

marine_man