NDGNF Weekly Newsletter for May

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Game and Fish Proposes More Deer Licenses for 2007, Online Apps Available May 9

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will continue an aggressive approach to deer management by proposing to increase the number of deer hunting licenses available in 2007, according to Randy Kreil, wildlife division chief.

The figure submitted to Gov. John Hoeven’s office for approval is 148,550 licenses, an increase of 5,050 from last year. This year’s number includes an additional 4,350 whitetail and 700 mule deer licenses.

“Progress toward reducing deer numbers was evident this past year in northwest and southeast North Dakota,” Kreil said. “As a result these areas will see stable to lower license numbers, due to a significant decline in deer numbers resulting from several years of high harvest on does.”

Mild winters and a corresponding increase in reproductive success have maintained white-tailed deer populations above management objectives in many units in northeastern, north central, and southwestern North Dakota. In response, Kreil said, the department will continue an aggressive approach to deer management until deer numbers are reduced to unit goals.

The mule deer population in the badlands remains at or above management goals. “The 2007 population and reproductive surveys in the badlands indicate a stable to increasing number of mule deer,” Kreil said. “As a result, the number of mule deer licenses available in 2007 will be slightly higher than in 2006.”

The number of licenses available for 2007 includes 8,350 for mule deer, an increase of 700 from last year; 2,804 for muzzleloader, up 88 from last year; and 340 restricted youth antlered mule deer, the same as last year.

The boundary between units 2K2 and 2L is the recently realigned U.S. Highway 281. The highway was moved west approximately three miles from the original highway because of the rising waters of Devils Lake.

North Dakota residents who are on active duty with the National Guard or Reserve and are stationed outside of the state during the 2007 deer gun lottery process, and miss the initial lottery, are eligible to purchase one gun license for a white-tailed deer of either sex, in a unit of their choice.

Likewise, North Dakota residents who were unable to participate in the 2006 deer gun season because they were on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces and were stationed outside the state are also eligible to purchase one deer gun license in a unit of their choice.

North Dakota’s 2007 deer gun season is set to open Nov. 9 at noon and continue through Nov. 25. Online applications for the regular deer gun, youth and muzzleloader seasons will be available May 9 through the Game and Fish Department’s internet HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, while paper applications will be available at vendors throughout the state by mid-May. The deadline for applying is June 6.

Baitfish Regulations, Import Restrictions Warrant a Look

North Dakota anglers should be aware of regulations regarding live baitfish, and restrictions on importing baitfish into North Dakota.

Fathead minnows, creek chubs, spottail shiners and sticklebacks are the only legal live baitfish that can be used in most North Dakota waters. The only exception for waters that allow live baitfish is the Red River, where white suckers may also be used. In addition, in 20 state waters it is illegal to use any live baitfish.

Anglers are urged to buy bait from a licensed retail bait vendor. Because it is sometimes hard to identify bait fish species due to their small size, bait vendors inspect bait and can properly identify the species.

Using game fish or parts of game fish as bait is illegal, except for perch eyes, and trout and salmon eggs.

Anglers should also note restrictions on importing live baitfish or other live bait into North Dakota. This includes minnows and other live baitfish, worms, night crawlers, wax worms, leeches and insects.

Anglers who want to import or bring live bait into the state must obtain a valid North Dakota bait vendor’s license. Otherwise, anglers must purchase all live bait in North Dakota. The purpose of this regulation, implemented in 2002, is to provide better control against unintentional introduction of aquatic nuisance species.

For more information anglers should refer to the 2006-08 North Dakota Fishing Guide, available at license vendors or online at the state Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov.

Biologists Tagging Walleye at Devils Lake, Anglers Should Report Fish

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has initiated a walleye tagging project this spring at Devils Lake. The project will provide information on walleye movements, total fish mortality between years, angling mortality rates and differences in mortality rates between sexes.

This is the first of four consecutive years biologists will tag 1,000 walleye at Devils Lake, according to Randy Hiltner, northeast district fisheries supervisor. “Anglers are asked to treat tagged walleye just like those that do not have a tag,” he said. “Meaning, it is important that anglers harvest fish they normally would harvest, and release fish they normally would release.”

Tags are orange and attached by wire to the top of the fish. The tag does not need to be sent in, just the information: tag number, kept or released, date caught, length, location, and angler’s name and address.

“It is important to report tagged fish,” Hiltner said. “The more tag reports we receive, the better the information will be for this research project.”

Tagged fish information can be reported by several methods. Anglers can bring in the information or call the Devils Lake Game and Fish office at 662-3617. Also, tag return cards can be filled out at bait shops around the lake, or reported online at the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov.

A follow-up letter will be sent to the angler with information such as when and where the fish was tagged, and fish length at the time it was tagged.

Hunting Guide and Outfitter Test Set for May 19

Individuals interested in taking the guide and outfitter written exam are reminded to preregister by calling the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at 328-6604.

The test is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 at 1 p.m. at the department’s main 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. In addition, a potential outfitter must have held a hunting guide license for two years and have proof of liability insurance.

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Safe Boating Week May 19-25

There’s no safety substitute for wearing a personal flotation while boating on North Dakota’s waters, according to Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

Safe Boating Week, the annual event running this year from May 19-25, emphasizes the need for boaters to wear a personal flotation device, more commonly called life jackets. Failure to wear a PFD is the main reason people lose their lives in boating accidents.

Each year, about 700 people nationwide die in boating-related accidents. Nearly 70 percent are caused by drowning, and eight of 10 victims were not wearing a life jacket. No fatalities were reported in North Dakota last year.

North Dakota law requires Coast Guard approved PFDs in the following circumstances:

· On watercraft less than 16 feet in length, one wearable PFD must be on board for each person.

· Anyone being towed on water-skis, surfboard, or a similar device must wear a PFD.

· No person may operate or permit the operation of a personal watercraft without each person on board wearing a PFD.

· Watercraft of 16 feet or longer must have one wearable PFD for each person on board, and one throwable flotation device.

· On any vessel less than 27 feet in length, all persons 10 years of age or younger must wear a properly fastened, Coast Guard approved PFD.

Boaters are reminded to test life jackets for serviceability and fit. All straps and buckles must be intact and there should be no rips or tears in the fabric.

“Test life jackets by wearing them in the water,” Boldt said. “A properly fitted life jacket should keep the wearer’s face and mouth out of the water and enable him or her to float without effort.”

Boating Basics Course Available Online

North Dakota’s Boating Basics Course is now available for students to take online. However, unlike the home-study course, it is not offered for free.

Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, says the online provider will charge students $24 to take the course. “The online provider is charging for the fee, and the money stays with them. It doesn’t come to the Game and Fish Department,” Boldt said. “This is a nice alternative to the department’s free home-study course.”

Students interested in taking the course online can access boaterexam.com, and choose the option “North Dakota.” Upon completion of the test, and providing a credit card number, students will be able to print out a temporary certification card, and within 10 days a permanent card will be mailed.

The Boating Basics Course is for youth ages 12-15 who want to operate a boat or personal watercraft with at least a 10 horsepower motor. Major insurance companies also 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, send an email to Nancy Boldt at [email protected], or call 701-328-6312.

Free Fishing Days June 2-3

North Dakota anglers are reminded that free fishing weekend is June 2-3.

That is the weekend North Dakota residents may fish without a license, except for paddlefish. All other fishing regulations apply.

Anglers should refer to the 2006-08 North Dakota Fishing Guide for season information.

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Stocked Trout Larger than Average

During the first two weeks of May, North Dakota Game and Fish Department personnel stocked roughly 60,000 rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout in waters throughout the state. Thanks to the cooperative effort of Game and Fish and Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery biologists, some 42 lakes now contain catchable trout measuring 11-12 inches long.

The stocked trout are on average 1-2 inches longer than in previous years because of more available growing space at the hatchery, according to Scott Gangl, Game and Fish Department fisheries management section leader.

Normally, various fish in the hatchery are raised in long narrow concrete ponds called raceways. Due to low water levels and the reduced need for salmon in Lake Sakakawea, fewer salmon were raised this year. As a result, more space was available in the raceways. “This year the trout grew really well in the hatchery, so anglers are going to see some really nice, fat, healthy fish,” Gangl said.

Trout anglers can make the big catch at a number of different locations this summer. Gangl recommends trout fishing in waters such as Sheep Creek Dam, Grant County; Lightning Lake, McLean County; Strawberry Lake, Bottineau County; Moon Lake, Barnes County; Northgate Dam, Burke County; Turtle River, Grand Forks County; and Fish Creek, Morton County. These lakes contain newly stocked trout, plus larger trout that carried over from last year.

In response to public input, Game and Fish biologists also decided to stock cutthroat trout in one small lake, Lightning Lake, to provide something new for anglers.

“This year we went with a little something different to provide more diversity. Anglers at Lightning Lake wanted something new, so we planted a few cutthroats into the lake to meet their requests” Gangl said.

While cutthroat trout are similar to rainbow trout in size and life habits, cutthroats are differentiated by red marks found underneath their gills.

In addition to stocking cutthroat trout, to further diversify local lakes Game and Fish personnel introduced brown trout to Kettle Lake in Williams County and Riverdale Spillway Lake in McLean County to create a new fishing experience. “With the diverse, large and newly stocked population of trout, anglers will have many great opportunities to fish for trout this summer,” Gangl said.

To find out more about North Dakota trout lakes, contact your local Game and Fish office, or visit the Department HSOforum at gf.nd.gov.

Family Fishing Day at Bismarck OWLS Highlights New Program

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is holding a family fishing day June 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site located adjacent to the department’s main office in Bismarck.

Fishing rods and basic tackle are available for use free of charge, if needed, and the first 100 kids ages 14 and younger will receive a gift. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Jeff Long, education coordinator for the department, said the date coincides with free fishing weekend, so adults do not need a license to participate. “This event also kicks off our new program that encourages parents to take their kids fishing,” Long said. “This is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together as a family.”

Beginning in June and continuing through August, fishing equipment can be checked out at the OWLS on Wednesdays (9 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and Saturdays (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.). “Parents need to be aware that while there will be adults in the area to answer questions and check out equipment, there will be little or no direct supervision,” Long said. “If kids aren’t old enough to get to the pond on their own, they need to have an adult with them.

“It is important to note that the area is fairly primitive, with only a picnic shelter and benches upon entering the site,” Long continued. “There are no restroom facilities, or running water. Users should bring water, sunscreen and the appropriate clothing.”

The department is seeking volunteer instructors to assist with the program. Individuals over age 18 with an interest in teaching kids to fish should contact Long at 328-6322.

The OWLS pond is open to fishing year-round during daylight hours. There are no bait restrictions and anglers must practice catch-and-release only. The area is designed for wheel chair accessibility. Pets, glass bottles and alcohol are not permitted on the site.

“The OWLS pond was recently renovated, which enhanced both the fishery and access,” Long said. “We want to take this opportunity to reach out to parents and let them know fishing is a great family activity that requires very little expertise or equipment.”

Deer Gun Applications Due June 6

Applications for the 2007 deer season are now available at vendors throughout the state, and applications must be in the mail and postmarked, or submitted online, before midnight June 6.

The deadline applies to muzzleloader, regular gun, gratis and nonresident landowner, and youth antlered mule deer applications (specifically for antlered mule deer in units 3B1, 3B2, and 4A-4F). The deadline for regular statewide youth licenses is Sept. 1.

Prospective hunters can apply online, or print out an application for mailing, at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, or apply by calling 800-406-6409. Applications are also available at county auditors, license vendors and Game and Fish offices.

Anyone mailing applications to the department is advised to mail early because some post offices use the following day’s postmark for mail received after regular hours. The department’s online application feature will be deactivated June 6 at midnight.

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Game and Fish Schedules River Enforcement Public Meeting

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is hosting a public meeting in Bismarck on Thursday, May 31 regarding boating issues in the Bismarck-Mandan area on the Missouri River. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Game and Fish Department headquarters at 100 North Bismarck Expressway.

The informational meeting is in response to concerns caused by increasing recreational use and development on the river over the past 10 years. Game and Fish enforcement personnel will provide a historical, legal and resource perspective. Part of the meeting is set aside for public input.

Robert Timian, Game and Fish enforcement chief, encourages and welcomes anyone interested in river recreation to attend. “In addition to providing information about Game and Fish enforcement activities we are looking for public comment,” Timian said. “We anticipate this to be the beginning of improved communication between the Department and user groups on the river.”

Leave Baby Animals Alone

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department emphasizes a simple message to well-intentioned humans who want to pick up and rescue what appears to be orphaned baby animals – don’t touch them. Whether it is a young fawn, duckling, cottontail rabbit or a songbird, it is better to just walk away.

More often than not young animals are not abandoned or deserted, and the mother is probably watching nearby. Young wildlife are purposely placed into seclusion by their mothers to protect them from predators.

Anytime a young wild animal has human contact its chance for survival decreases significantly. It’s illegal to take wild animals home, and captive animals later returned to the wild will struggle to survive because they do not possess learned survival skills.

The only time a baby animal should be picked up is if a young songbird is found on a doorstep. If that is the case, the young bird should be moved nearby to suitable habitat.

Citizens should also steer clear of adult wildlife, such as deer or moose that might wander into urban areas. Crowding stresses animals, and this could lead to a potentially dangerous situation.

Also, motorists are reminded to watch for deer along roadways. June is one of the peak months for deer‑vehicle accidents because young animals are dispersing from their home ranges. With deer more active during these months, the potential for car‑deer collisions increases.

Youth Conservation Camp Scheduled in August

The North Dakota Wildlife Federation will hold a youth conservation camp Aug. 5-11 at the Triangle Y Camp near Garrison on Lake Sakakawea. Boys and girls ages 12-16 are invited to participate.

Hands-on activities include firearms safety, archery, dog training, boating, fishing, water ecology, outdoor survival, trapshooting, and soil and range studies.

Cosponsored by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the camp is limited to the first 80 kids registered. Cost is $200, which covers all meals and accommodations.

For more information, contact the Wildlife Federation at 888-827-2557.

Game and Fish Pays Nearly $492,000 in Property Taxes

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recently paid $491,985 in taxes to counties in which the department owns or leases land. The 2006 in-lieu-of-tax payments are the same as property taxes paid by private landowners.

The Game and Fish Department manages more than 185,000 acres for wildlife habitat and public hunting in 50 counties. The department does not own or manage any land in Billings, Traill or Renville counties.

Following is a list of counties and the tax payments they received.

County

Tax Due

County

Tax Due

County

Tax Due

Adams

166.79

Grant

532.25

Ramsey

1,707.91

Barnes

5,301.12

Griggs

374.52

Ransom

1,508.69

Benson

2,991.51

Hettinger

3,002.80

Richland

15,753.34

Bottineau

4,711.33

Kidder

10,828.41

Rolette

18,893.90

Bowman

1,933.03

LaMoure

5,963.92

Sargent

13,713.89

Burke

804.64

Logan

1,224.40

Sheridan

67,542.41

Burleigh

32,936.92

McHenry

1,408.64

Sioux

412.64

Cass

6,737.68

McIntosh

6,088.69

Slope

1,759.36

Cavalier

24,767.22

McKenzie

27,952.06

Stark

240.20

Dickey

10,708.19

McLean

49,958.89

Steele

9,119.56

Divide

3,316.60

Mercer

14,250.69

Stutsman

6,275.27

Dunn

8,137.07

Morton

18,093.34

Towner

1,822.98

Eddy

3,732.69

Mountrail

11,881.93

Walsh

9,681.33

Emmons

2,606.70

Nelson

5,317.19

Ward

95.05

Foster

2,647.60

Oliver

1,828.34

Wells

39,590.48

Golden Valley

223.43

Pembina

13,801.02

Williams

6,407.46

Grand Forks

11,185.22

Pierce

2,046.68