NDGNF June Weekley Newsletter

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Spring Duck Index Down from Last Year, Above Long-Term Average

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 60th annual spring breeding duck survey showed an index of more than 3.2 million birds, down 13 percent from last year but still 51 percent above the long-term average.

The survey, conducted May 7-11, showed duck indices were down or unchanged from 2006, depending on the species. Mallards, pintail, gadwall, wigeon, scaup and ruddy ducks were about the same as last year. Green-winged teal (35 percent) and canvasback (30 percent) had the most significant decreases. However, all species except pintail remained above the 1948-2006 average.

The 2007 water index was up 39 percent from 2006 and 43 percent above long-term. Mike Johnson, game management section leader, cautions that the index is based on basins with water, and does not necessarily represent the amount of water contained in wetlands. “Our survey crews indicated that many wet basins held very little water at the time of the survey, and that a high percentage of ponds that had small amounts of water would soon be totally dry without the addition of significant precipitation,” he said.

Water levels in some semi-permanent and many permanent wetlands throughout the state are still high. In eastern and southeastern North Dakota, significant snow and spring rains have filled most wetlands. However, in the western two-thirds of the state many seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands are dry or nearly dry. That means brood-rearing habitat will be limited unless significant precipitation falls soon.

Recent rains likely improved pond conditions in some portions of the state, Johnson said, but more rain over a longer duration would be beneficial. “A few hot days with high winds would most likely negate the recent moisture,” he said.

Reports indicate South Dakota is experiencing significantly improved water conditions, due primarily to late winter and early spring precipitation. Also, reports from Canada indicate that for the third consecutive year much of the prairie pothole region and parklands continue to experience good to excellent water conditions.

The July brood survey will provide a better idea of duck production, and a better insight into what to expect this fall, Johnson said. “Our observations to date indicate that production may be reduced in much of the state due to dry conditions and reduced wetland availability for brood production,” he added. “However, fall weather always has a big impact on the success of the hunting season.”

Spring Mule Deer Survey Complete

The mule deer population in western North Dakota remains healthy. Based on observations during the state Game and Fish Department’s annual spring mule deer survey in April, the population index in the badlands is higher than the long-term average for the ninth consecutive year.

Bruce Stillings, big game biologist, Dickinson, said biologists counted 2,797 mule deer in 291 square miles. Mule deer density per square mile was 9.6, a slight increase from 8.8 in 2006, and significantly higher than the long-term average of 6.4 mule deer per square mile.

Biologists have completed aerial surveys of the same 24 study areas since the 1950s. The survey assists the department in obtaining solid mule deer population data for the badlands, such as demographic trends and production ratios (buck-to-doe and fawn-to-doe).

Stillings said good production in 2006, a conservative and responsible harvest strategy and recent mild winters have provided above-average mule deer density in the badlands.

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Fall Turkey Season Proposed, Online Applications Available

Online applications for North Dakota’s 2007 fall turkey season are now available. Resident hunters can apply, or print out an application for mailing, at the state Game and Fish Department’s HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Paper applications will be available at license vendors by June 15.

The fall wild turkey proclamation, submitted to Gov. John Hoeven’s office for approval, includes a season that extends from Saturday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008.

A total of 8,025 wild turkey licenses are intended for the fall hunting season, an increase of 100 from last year. Hunting units 21 (Hettinger and Adams counties) and 53 (Divide and Williams counties) will remain closed to fall turkey hunting in 2007 because of a decline in turkey numbers.

Lottery applications will be available from Game and Fish Department offices, county auditors and license vendors. Gratis applications are available only at Game and Fish and county auditor offices.

Applications are also accepted at the department’s toll-free licensing line, 800-406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.

Applications for the fall season must be postmarked no later than July 5. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply in the first lottery. Nonresidents can apply for fall turkey licenses that are still available following the first lottery.

Summer Safety Encouraged on the Water

Memorial Day weekend generally kick-starts the summer boating season, and now that it has passed, even more water recreationists are sure to hit the water.

Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, urges boaters to exercise safety while on the water this summer to ensure that an enjoyable outing doesn’t end in a tragedy.

“We can’t stress enough how important it is for water recreationists to play it safe, be aware, and ensure proper navigation routes,” Boldt said.

Whether you’re navigating a boat on water or a vehicle on blacktop, many of the same rules apply. A troublesome issue on some waters in past years, according to Boldt, is anglers anchoring their boats under or directly in front of bridge openings. Anchoring under bridges interferes with normal boat traffic and causes congestion, as does a row of boats anchoring outside a bridge opening.

“This is against the law,” Boldt said. “It is illegal for a watercraft to obstruct or tend to obstruct ordinary navigation.”

Every boat operator should maintain a safe speed, be aware of their wake, and be able to take proper and effective action to avoid collisions, Boldt said. “All boaters should know and practice the navigation rules and maintain a clear and unobstructed view forward at all times,” she added. “Most boat collisions are caused by inattention.”

Personal flotation devices are also an important part of safety on the water, Boldt said.

State law requires recreational boaters to carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket in good condition and of the correct size for each person on board. North Dakota law also requires all children ages 10 and younger to wear a personal flotation device while in boats of less than 27 feet in length while the vessel is in operation. All personal watercraft users are required to wear a life jacket, as well as anyone towed on water skis, wakeboards or similar devices.

It is important youngsters wear a properly fitted and fastened life jacket. When purchasing a PFD, consider the most prevalent water activity. Water skiers and tubers should wear a life jacket with four nylon straps rather than one with a zipper, Boldt said, because straps are stronger than zippers upon impact with water. Anglers or persons paddling a canoe should opt for a PFD that is comfortable enough to wear for an entire outing.

Water skiers and tubers are reminded it takes three to ski and tube. When a person is towed on water skis or a similar device, an observer other than the operator is required on the vessel.

“Know what is below the water’s surface, especially near shore where most jet-skiing and water-skiing activity begins and ends,” Boldt said. “There can be larger objects under water that are hidden near shore, potentially leading to a significant injury.

“It is also important for swimmers to know the depth,” Boldt added, “as serious injuries can occur from diving into water of unknown depth.”

Regulations to help ensure safe boating this summer are found in the 2006-08 North Dakota Fishing Guide. A more comprehensive listing is available in the 2005-07 North Dakota Boat and Water Safety Guide or the Boat North Dakota Education Book. These guides are available online at the Game and Fish HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, by emailing [email protected], or at a local Game and Fish Department office.

Boaters Reminded to Report Accidents

Regardless of how safe and cautious boaters are on the water, sometimes an accident does happen. If a boating accident involves injury, death, or disappearance of a person, or if property damage exceeds $2,000, an accident report must be filled out and sent to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

An accident report involving injury, death or disappearance of a person must be submitted to the department within 48 hours of the occurrence. A boat operator has five days to file a report in cases where damage to property exceeds $2,000. Failure to report is a noncriminal offense punishable by a fee of $50.

June is Great Outdoors Month in North Dakota

Gov. John Hoeven has proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month in North Dakota.

To highlight the numerous outdoor recreational programs and activities found in North Dakota, the state’s Game and Fish, and Parks and Recreation departments have joined forces to celebrate the month by promoting a variety of events and activities.

“Public lands managed by our departments provide countless opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Game and Fish Director Terry Steinwand. “In addition to promoting a healthier lifestyle, outdoor activities like fishing, boating and hiking help promote conservation awareness in our visitors.”

“With the start of summer vacations, June is a great time to cool off at a state park beach, camp under the stars or take in any of the special outdoor events planned in communities and parks across the state,” State Parks Director Doug Prchal added. “Being active in North Dakota’s great outdoors is healthy for both the body and the mind.”

For the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, June signals the kick-off for a busy outdoor recreation season in the state’s 16 state parks and recreation areas. During the remainder of the month, four state parks will host visitor appreciation days, with free entrance at Lewis and Clark and Grahams Island state parks on June 17; Turtle River State Park on June 23; and Fort Stevenson State Park on June 24. Other state parks will host free days on other dates throughout the year.

Upcoming major June state park events include:

June 14-17 – Fort Abraham Lincoln Festival, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Mandan

June 15-17 – Star Party, Cross Ranch State Park, Hensler

June 22-23 – Missouri River Old-Time Music Festival, Cross Ranch State Park, Hensler

June 23 – Turtle Fest, Turtle River State Park, Arvilla.

June 23-24 – Fort Stevenson Military Days, Fort Stevenson State Park, Garrison

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Unintentional Snagging of Paddlefish Warrants Reminder

Incidental snagging of paddlefish by anglers fishing the Missouri River in the Bismarck-Mandan area is causing concern among North Dakota Game and Fish Department biologists.

Scott Gangl, fisheries management section leader, reminds anglers that there is a proper technique for releasing these unique fish. “With the amount of boat and angler traffic in this area, we get a few reports of unintentional snagging every year,” he said. “It does happen, we just want to make sure anglers release them immediately, and unharmed.”

The following tips can help ensure a released paddlefish has the best chance of survival.

Release the paddlefish immediately, never removing it from the water. Lifting a paddlefish out of the water can damage internal organs that are designed to be supported in water.

If the fish is exhausted, hold it upright in the water and move it back and forth gently so that water is forced over the gill filaments, until it can swim away on its own.

Remove the hook gently. A pair of needle-nose pliers can help eliminate problems and speed up the hook removal process.

Do not sit/kneel on the fish or put fingers in its gills. Be careful of the gills – do not touch if at all possible. To immobilize the fish, you can firmly grip the rostrum, or paddle, and the base of the tail.

If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line as close to the fish as possible. Do not yank the hook out. Most fish survive with hooks left in them.

If a picture is taken, it should be of the fish in the water, or holding the fish immediately above the water in a horizontal position. Do not take the fish out of the river and hold it upright or lay it on the shoreline.

Tips on Launching, Loading Boat Provide Relief at Boat Ramps

With the July 4 holiday fast approaching, many outdoor enthusiasts are readying their equipment in anticipation of the biggest family outing of the summer.

Holiday and weekend boat traffic often leads to crowded boat ramps, and boaters are reminded to exercise patience and plan accordingly when taking a boat to a lake or river this summer.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department receives a number of complaints every year about overly aggressive behavior at boat ramps. A few simple reminders will help ensure a fluent transition when launching and loading a boat.

Launching

Don't pull onto ramp until your boat is ready to launch.

Prepare for launching in the parking area. Remove covers, load equipment, remove tie downs, attach lines and put in drain plug, before backing onto the ramp.

When ready, pull into line to launch. Wait your turn. Be courteous.

It takes at least two people to efficiently and courteously launch a boat: one to handle the boat and one to take care of the tow vehicle.

Launch on the designated side of the ramp.

If you see someone struggling while launching – help.

Loading

Know which side of the ramp is designated for loading.

Don't block the loading area with your boat until your tow vehicle is ready to load. Wait until you are clear of the launch area to unload gear.

As soon as your trailer is in the water, load and secure your boat to the trailer.

Remove boat and trailer from the water as quickly as possible.

Get clear of the ramp. Pull into the parking area to finish securing your boat and unload gear.

If you see someone struggling while loading – help.

Nonresident Waterfowl Licenses Available for Purchase

Nonresident waterfowl licenses for the 2007 hunting season can be purchased online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department HSOforum, by calling the state’s instant licensing telephone number, or by mail through the department’s Bismarck office.

Hunters who want to buy their license online and print out their own license should access the department’s HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Those wanting to get instantly licensed by using a telephone and having their license mailed may call 800-406-6409. Hunters who want to request an application through the mail should call 701-328-6300, or send an email to [email protected].

Options to consider when purchasing a 2007 nonresident waterfowl license:

· Hunting statewide on a 14-day license for $125. Hunters are able to hunt anywhere in the state as zones do not apply to this option.

· Hunting in either zone 1 or 2 for seven days, and selecting zone 3 for the same 7-day time period for $85.

· Hunting in either zone 1 or 2 for seven days, and selecting zone 3 for a different 7-day time period for $85.

· Hunting in only zone 3 for 14 days for $85.

Zone 1 is U.S. Highway 281 from South Dakota to Jamestown; U.S. Highway 52 from Jamestown to Carrington; N.D. Highway 200 from Carrington to Hurdsfield; and N.D. Highway 3 from Hurdsfield to South Dakota.

Zone 2 is N.D. Highway 36 from Wilton to Tuttle; N.D. Highway 3 from Tuttle to Hurdsfield; N.D. Highway 200 from Hurdsfield to U.S. Highway 52 east of Bowdon; north on U.S. Highway 52 to N.D. Highway 97 south of Velva; west on N.D. Highway 97 to N.D. Highway 41; south on N.D. Highway 41 (south of Velva) to N.D. Highway 200 at Turtle Lake; west on N.D. Highway 200 to N.D. Highway 200A; south on N.D. Highway 200A to Washburn; and south on U.S. Highway 83 to Wilton.

Zone 3 is the remainder of state.

The tentative date when nonresidents could begin to hunt waterfowl in North Dakota is Sept. 29. Finalized season details will not be available until August after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides the federal framework and the governor signs the proclamation.

The nonresident waterfowl license package includes a $2 certificate, a $13 general game and habitat stamp, and either the $85 (zones) or $125 (statewide) waterfowl license. The waterfowl license is good for 14 consecutive days or two 7-day periods, and a nonresident cannot purchase more than one waterfowl license per year.

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Space Still Available for Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop

Registrations are still being accepted for women interested in attending the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop, held Aug. 10-12 at Lake Metigoshe State Park near Bottineau. The cost is $120 for those 18 years or older with an Aug. 1 registration deadline.

The 13th annual North Dakota Game and Fish Department event gives women the chance to learn more about outdoor activities. “Basically, it’s a weekend for women to take care of themselves,” said Nancy Boldt, coordinator for Becoming an Outdoors-Woman. “They don’t have to worry about being a mom or a wife; it’s all about them.”

The workshop offers 28 different seminars, ranging from fly-fishing to archery to shotgunning, each of which lasts between three and four hours. Participants are limited to four sessions and classes, held outdoors, which contain 45 minutes of lecture with the remaining time dedicated to hands-on instruction. “Women learn differently than men do,” Boldt said. “Women learn by hands-on and we want someone to show us how to do it, help us do it, and then let us do it.”

New to the outdoors program is a knot tying class, GPS treasure hunt, and four hunter education classes which allow for certification. With two instructors per 8-10 women, individual attention is given to all participants. Evening entertainment is provided.

Meals and lodging are included in the registration fee, however, participants must bring their own bedding and personal items. Scholarships are available, lowering the fee to $70, for single moms and college students who write a letter of request to the Game and Fish Department.

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; call 701-328-6312; or visit the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman page on the Game and Fish HSOforum at gf.nd.gov.

Fall Turkey Applications Due July 5

Prospective turkey hunters are reminded that applications for this fall’s season must be in the mail and postmarked before midnight July 5.

Interested hunters can submit a lottery application online, or print out an application to mail, at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Lottery applications are available at Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors, or by calling 800-406-6409. Gratis applications are available only at Game and Fish and county auditor offices. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply in the first lottery.

Individuals mailing applications to the department are advised to mail early because some post offices use the following day’s postmark for parcels received after regular hours. The department’s online application feature will be deactivated July 5 at midnight.