January ND GNF Weekly Newsletter

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Record Number of Bald Eagles Counted During Annual Survey

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual mid-winter bald eagle survey conducted Jan. 11 along a portion of the Missouri River resulted in the highest number of eagles counted in the 22-year history of the survey.

Altogether, 85 bald eagles – 68 adults and 17 immature – and two golden eagles were counted along the survey route which extends from Bismarck to the Garrison Dam, said Patrick T. Isakson, nongame biologist. The previous high of 75 was established in 2006.

“The number of bald eagles wintering in the state depends on the amount of open water and availability of prey,” Isakson said. “This year’s record number can be attributed to a high percentage of open water and a large amount of waterfowl using the Missouri River this winter.”

Eagles are relatively easy to spot as they prefer to perch in large cottonwood trees along the river. Adult bald eagles have a white head and tail and a dark brown body, while immature bald eagles are brown with irregular white plumage. Adults gain their full plumage at three years of age. Golden eagles have a gold cap on their head.

“Most were counted in the Washburn area and along the Garrison Dam Tailrace, where a majority of the ducks and geese were found,” Isakson said.

Each winter biologists nationwide conduct similar surveys to estimate the number of bald eagles wintering in the lower 48 states. Each state completes the survey as close to the target date as possible to make certain that birds are not counted twice.

Winter Anglers Reminded of Private Property Rights, Clean Up Ice

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds winter anglers to clean up the ice after fishing and respect private property rights when traveling to and from a favorite fishery.

Anglers are reminded that it is not only unsightly, but it is illegal to leave fish behind on the ice. According to the fishing proclamation, when a fish is caught anglers must either immediately release the fish back into the water unharmed, or reduce them to their daily possession.

“It has also become common practice for some anglers to fillet fish on the ice,” said Robert Timian, law enforcement chief. “If you are going to do this, don’t leave the entrails and sides of filleted fish on the ice. Clean up after yourself. Put the carcass in a trash bag and properly dispose of it when you get home.”

The Game and Fish Department has received several complaints from landowners regarding people driving through fields in order to access a lake. When access roads are blown shut, travelers cannot navigate through a field in order to circumvent the blocked roadway without first talking to the landowner.

“Private property rights are the same year-around,” Timian said. “Regardless of the time of year, if there is not a drivable trail, you should talk to the landowner; if the land is signed no trespassing, you need to seek permission.”

Boats Need 2008-10 Registration

Unseasonably mild temperatures have left some portions of the Missouri River System with open water, and some anglers have been taking advantage by wetting a line from a boat. With that in mind, boat owners are reminded that 2008 is the first year of the new three-year registration period.

The new registration period began Jan. 1, 2008, and runs through Dec. 31, 2010. All boat registrations with a green decal expired Dec. 31, 2007.

Boat registration renewal notices were mailed out in December. In addition, boat registrations can be renewed online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, by accessing the online services link, and “watercraft registration and renewals” under the watercraft heading.

Also, anyone buying a new or used watercraft can register online and generate a 10-day temporary permit that is valid until the registration is processed.

Boat owners who did not receive a renewal notice should contact the Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6335. Many renewals are being returned because owners who moved within the last three years did not notify the department with their new address.

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Officials Resume Work to Remove Wild Pigs

The recent findings of feral pigs in western and north central North Dakota have prompted state and federal agencies to take eradication measures to make sure these unwanted animals don’t establish a permanent population in the state.

Greg Link, North Dakota Game and Fish Department assistant chief of wildlife, said a task force made up of the Game and Fish Department, North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Board of Animal Health, Wildlife Services and Veterinary Services, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the University of North Dakota is taking aggressive action to eliminate their presence from the state due to threat to domestic livestock, agricultural crops, public safety, natural habitat, and wildlife because of their potential to transmit diseases and destructive nature.

In summer 2007, state and federal agencies became aware of two separate bands of feral pigs in North Dakota: one in the western badlands southwest of Grassy Butte, and another in the Turtle Mountains in and around the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation.

North Dakota state veterinarian Dr. Susan Keller said the Board of Animal Health had issued an eradication order on both groups of pigs. “Feral swine threaten domestic swine and other livestock production because they are often associated with diseases such as brucellosis, pseudorabies and classical swine fever,” Dr. Keller said.

Aside from their potential to transmit diseases, Link said rooting and wallowing behaviors lead to soil erosion and degradation of water quality, they compete with native wildlife for food, destroy wildlife habitat, reduce species diversity, and prey on ground-nesting birds and small and young mammals.

Feral pigs can be stray domestic pigs, introduced Eurasian wild boars, or varied hybrids of each. “They are very hardy and resilient, and very prolific,” Link added. “They often split into separate groups once their numbers reach a certain threshold. That is why it is imperative immediate action is taken.”

Other states with a similar problem, Link said, have warned agencies in North Dakota to eliminate feral pigs immediately or risk having a long-term problem with an uncontrollable population.

The multi-agency task force quickly worked to locate and eradicate pigs found on the national grasslands in the badlands this summer.

“This effort, believed to be successful, was completed by summer’s end,” said Sheila McNee, range program manager for the U.S. Forest Service’s Dakota Prairie Grasslands. “Follow-up monitoring will determine if the effort in that area is fully completed.”

Assessment and monitoring activities were initiated on the Turtle Mountain pigs this fall. However, because of the terrain, dense vegetation, heavy foliage, food availability, mixed private/public/tribal land ownership, and conflict with fall hunting seasons, the eradication effort in the Turtle Mountains was pushed back until additional contact and coordination with landowners and tribal officials were completed. It was also believed the pigs would likely be easier to locate and more susceptible to trapping efforts during winter months when natural food availability is reduced.

Wildlife Services state director Phil Mastrangelo, whose agency is spearheading removal efforts in the state, said eradication efforts in the Turtle Mountains started in January. “In addition to contacting private landowners, permission is being sought from the tribal authorities to work inside the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation,” he added. “Pig removal activities include ground and air reconnaissance, trapping, as well as shooting by agency sharpshooters.

“Pigs are intelligent creatures,” Mastrangelo added. “Sensing increased threat, they can quickly shift behavior to thwart removal efforts, often becoming more nocturnal and secretive as activity increases.”

Because of disease concerns, blood and tissue samples will be taken from pigs to test for diseases and determine genetic background. The task force has established a database to record pig sightings. The public is asked to report any sighting of wild pigs in this area, or other parts of the state, to the Game and Fish Department at 328-6351.

Watchable Wildlife Checkoff on State Tax Form

North Dakota taxpayers with an interest in supporting wildlife conservation programs are reminded to look for the Watchable Wildlife checkoff on the state tax form.

The 2007 state income tax form gives wildlife enthusiasts an opportunity to support nongame wildlife like songbirds and birds of prey, while at the same time contributing to programs that help everyone enjoy all wildlife.

The checkoff – whether you are receiving a refund or having to pay in – is an easy way to voluntarily contribute to sustain this long‑standing program. In addition, direct donations to the program are accepted any time of year.

To learn more about Watchable Wildlife program activities, or to request the 2008 poster, contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at 328-6300; or email [email protected].

Wildlife Wednesdays Begin in February

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will host a series of wildlife and conservation related talks on Wednesday nights in February.

The popular presentations are held in the department’s Bismarck office, begin at 7 p.m. and last about 90 minutes. For more information call the department’s outreach section at 328-6332.

Feb. 6 – Chris Grondahl, Game and Fish Department outreach supervisor, discusses wildlife management concerns related to hunting big game over bait.

Feb. 13 – John Paulson, member of the North Dakota Fur Hunters and Trappers Association, talks about predator calling and hunting furbearers.

Feb. 20 – Dr. Erika Butler, Game and Fish Department wildlife veterinarian, provides information on wildlife diseases, concerns and future prevention.

Feb. 27 – Nathaniel Umphrey, Game and Fish Department outreach biologist, provides a summary of furbearers coming back into North Dakota, including mountain lions, otters and bears.

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Spring Turkey Season Set, Applications Available Wednesday

North Dakota’s wild turkey population continues to do well in much of the state, allowing the state Game and Fish Department to offer a record number of licenses for the spring hunting season.

A total of 7,300 wild turkey licenses are available, an increase of 365 from last year. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Game and Fish Department is offering a record number of licenses for the spring season. The only exception to a strong statewide population is in Unit 21 (most of Hettinger and Adams counties), which will again be closed due to lack of birds in the unit.

The 2007 state legislature passed a law that allows first-time spring turkey hunters ages 15 or younger to receive one spring license valid for the regular hunting season in a specific unit. To be eligible, the youth hunter must be 15 or younger on opening day of the spring turkey season, and have never received a spring turkey license in North Dakota.

In addition, legislation provided the National Wild Turkey Federation with one spring turkey license, valid in any open unit, to be raffled or auctioned. Proceeds are to be used for wild turkey conservation in North Dakota.

Beginning Wednesday, hunters can apply online, or print out an application to mail, at the Game and Fish Department HSOforum, gf.nd.gov. Lottery and gratis applications are also available at Game and Fish Department offices, county auditors and license vendors. Prospective hunters can also apply by calling 800-406-6409.

Applications for the spring season must be postmarked no later than Feb. 13. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply. The spring turkey season is open from April 12 through May 18.

North Dakota Earth Day Patch Contest Deadline Feb. 28

The state Game and Fish Department is once again sponsoring a contest for youth to design an Earth Day patch. North Dakota students ages 6-18 are eligible to participate. The deadline to submit entries is Feb. 28.

Game and Fish will award a $75 savings bond to the winner in three age categories – 6-9, 10-13, and 14-18. The final patch design will be chosen from the three winners.

The winning design will be used on a patch given to members of Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H clubs and any school clubs that participate in Earth Day cleanup projects on state-owned or managed lands in North Dakota in April.

The patch should incorporate some aspect of Earth Day – celebrated April 22 – or keeping North Dakota clean. It must be round and three inches in diameter. There is a limit of five colors on the patch, and lettering must be printed. Name, address and phone number of the contestant must be clearly printed on the back of the entry design. Only one entry per person is allowed.

Entries should be mailed to Nathaniel Umphrey, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501. For information, contact Umphrey at 328-6332; or email [email protected].

Hunter Education Volunteers Recognized

Volunteer instructors for North Dakota’s hunter education program were recently recognized for their contributions of teaching students the importance of hunter safety and ethics.

Years of service and instructor of the year awards were presented at the annual hunter education workshop and awards banquet held in Bismarck. The instructor of the year award is based on years of service, classes taught, in-service training and involvement in the community with firearms safety.

Gary Leslie from Minot, Richard Cheatley from Parshall, and Bismarck instructors Roger Krueger and Mark Volk were named instructors of the year.

Volunteer hunter education instructors were also recognized for years of service.

Lorne Sterner from Casselton was honored for 35 years of service.

Recognized for 30 years of service were Philip Degenstein, Rugby; Eugene Howard, Rugby; Larry Kaul, LaMoure; Michael Porter, Bottineau; Harold Randall, Grand Forks; Thomas Reiten, Grand Forks; Louis Siemieniewski, Forman; Mark Sletten, Hatton; Barry Townsend, LaMoure.

Receiving 25 year service awards were Michael Aamot, Makoti; Wayne Evans, Stanley; James Hastings, Jamestown; David Just, Beulah; Earle Lien, Harwood; Walden Schmidt, Bisbee; Lori Schweigert, Beulah.

Honored for 20 years of service were Mervin Adams, Thompson; Timothy Bohlman, Thompson; Daniel Brown, Dickinson; Carl Buchweitz, Munich; David Cox, Minot; David Fisher, Center; Leroy Flegel, Medina; Betty Gunderson, Kulm; Duane Hawk, Wolford; Alvin Hottman, Dawson; Timothy Johnson, Parshall; Bob Kelly, Valley City; Roger Krueger, Bismarck; John Lamsters, Stanton; Kevin Lech, Mandan; Charles Meikle, Spiritwood; Vaughn Quern, Thompson; Joseph Simon, Thompson; Gary Stefanovsky, Bismarck; Myles Stoller, Elgin; Gary Symanowski, Scranton.

Presented with 15 year service awards were Richard Bahm, Mandan; Curt Beattie, Hannaford; Mark Biel, Bismarck; Jeff Bjugstad, Wahpeton; Myron Brager, Sibley; Kimberly Bren, Elgin; Jim Carter, Bismarck; Richard Christ, Valley City; David Daeley, Maddock; Robert Diffely Jr., Plaza; Darrell Ekberg, Manvel; Terry Gray, Cooperstown; Jay Grover, Cooperstown; Joseph Haas, Lidgerwood; David Hancock, Valley City; Vernon Laning, Bismarck; Eddy Larsen, Larimore; Gerald Lawson, Donnybrook; Anneus Meester, West Fargo; Gene Paupst, Larimore; Kenneth Retzlaff, Ellendale; John Roller, Chaseley; Thomas Rost, Devils Lake; Robert Sanden, Barney; Lynn Schlueter, Devils Lake; Stephan Stark, Grafton; Patricia Stockdill, Garrison; Charles Veith, Bismarck; Dale Veselka, Tower City; Mark Vickerman, Minot.

Recognized for 10 years of service were William Bahm, Almont; Burns Bailey, Moffit; Lonnie Eichele, Harvey; Matthew Evans, Stanley; William Gauslow, Christine; Gary Hagness, Fordville; Shawn Hall, Munich; Doug Hanson, Dickinson; Arthur Hegstrom, Inkster; Daryl Heid, Center; Steve Heim, Anamoose; Curtis Horsley, Williston; Del Houghton, Steele; Shawn Jerome, Walhalla; Lloyd Johnson, New Town; Kevin Kubat, Jamestown; Curt Latendresse, Minot; Kevin Marden, Powers Lake; Michael McDonald, Bismarck; Joel Nelson, Portland; Randall Palmer, Bismarck; Garis Pollert, Northwood; Joel Puffe, Bismarck; Jerry Rekow, Ellendale; Thomas Sage, New Town; Felicia Sargeant, Jamestown; Tim Stiles, Fairmount; Robert Thom, Glenburn; Melisa Toepke-Peterson, Fargo; Kurt Tompkins, Devils Lake; Beverly Turbiville, Dickinson; Brian Vose, Devils Lake; Timothy Wieben, Bismarck; Leonard Wysocki Jr., Grafton.

Five-year service awards were presented to Denise Aberle, Fargo; Casey Anderson, Mercer; Benjilee Boll, Wahpeton; Stewart Borman, Berthold; Sylvia Brockman, Bismarck; Steven Buchweitz, Alsen; Brian Burkett, Grand Forks; John Burt, Fargo; Mark Fisher, Devils Lake; Nathan Fitzgerald, Napoleon; John Grosgebauer, Gwinner; Paul Halko, Devils Lake; Glen Hauf, Makoti; Doug Hintzman, Kulm; Justin Houghton, Steele; Rodney Hubbard, Fargo; John Jacobson, Hatton; Sean Jalbert, Grandin; Lloyd Kennedy, Reynolds; Keith Kinneberg, Wahpeton; Peggy Knotts, Fargo; John Kron, Enderlin; Brad Manz, Bismarck; Dallas Marchus, Fessenden; Dale Miller, Grandin; Kimberly Murphy, Dickinson; Dale Patrick Jr., Bismarck; James Peterson, Rutland; Brett Poehls, Tolna; Kent Reierson, Williston; Kory Richardson, Dunn Center; John Riske, Reynolds; Myron Schaff, Hebron; Thomas Schumacker, Fullerton; Jason Scott, Fargo; Melvin Siverson, Bowman; Scott Wagner, Casselton; Charles Wilkinson, New Town.

Two-year active instructors recognized were Teri Anderson, Hettinger; Jeff Ball, Des Lacs; Mathew Baseflug, Dickinson; Clinton Baxter, Minot; Trisha Duvall, Jamestown; Terrance Estvold, Lakota; Gary Green, Granville; Kevin Harris, Watford City; Jerome Hassler, Minot; Dan Hoenke, Richardton; Bradley Hofman, Wyndmere; Justin Hughes, Minot; Kasey Karlstad, Mayville; Curtis Kaseman, Jamestown; Suzanne Kersting, Kindred; Lance Kleinjan, Elgin; Paul Lambert, Minot; Calvin Leyendecker, Marion; Jerry Lillis, Lincoln; Lee Murphy, Dickinson; Michael Myers, Grafton; Thomas Norman, Jamestown; Scott Ralston, Devils Lake; Ross Reimche, Bottineau; John Robbins, Enderlin; Steve Schrader, Walcott; John Schwalk, Milnor; Brian Wehausen, Devils Lake; Russell Ziegler, Hettinger.