February NDGNF Newsletter

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Spring Light Goose Season Opens Feb. 16

North Dakota’s spring light goose season opens Feb. 16, and hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program before venturing out into the field.

Residents can hunt during the spring season by having last fall’s 2007-08 bird licenses. Otherwise, hunters will need to purchase either a 2008-09 combination license; or a small game, and general game and habitat license. Licenses are available only from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office, the department’s HSOforum at gf.nd.gov, or by calling 800-406-6409.

Those purchasing a license are able to register with HIP at that time. Otherwise, hunters should call 888-634-4798. The HIP number is good for the fall season as well, so spring hunters should save it to record on their fall license.

Nonresidents need a 2008 spring light goose season license. The cost is $50 and the license is good statewide. Nonresidents who hunt the spring season remain eligible to buy a fall season license. The spring season does not count against the 14-day fall hunting season regulation.

A federal duck stamp is not required of either residents or nonresidents.

The Game and Fish Department will provide hunters with migration updates once geese have entered the state. Hunters can access the department’s HSOforum, or call 701-328-3697, to receive generalized locations of bird sightings in North Dakota until the season ends or geese have left the state. Migration reports will be updated periodically during the week.

The spring season is only open to light geese – snows, blues, and Ross’s. Species identification is important because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The season is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds.

The statewide season is open through May 4. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit. Electronic and recorded calls, as well as shotguns capable of holding more than three shells, may be used to take light geese during this season.

There are no waterfowl rest areas designated for the spring season. Hunters should note that private land within the waterfowl rest areas closed last fall may be posted closed to hunting.

Nontoxic shot is required for hunting all light geese statewide. Driving off established roads and trails is strongly discouraged during this hunt because of the likelihood of soft, muddy conditions, and winter wheat that is planted across the state.

To maintain good landowner relations, hunters are advised to seek permission before hunting on private lands or attempting any off-road travel during this season. Sprouted winter wheat is considered an unharvested crop. Therefore, hunting or off-road travel in winter wheat is not legal without landowner permission.

All regular hunting season regulations not addressed above apply to the spring season. For more information on regulations refer to the 2008 Spring Light Goose Hunting Regulations and the 2007 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide.

Fly-Fishing Class Scheduled in Bismarck

The Missouri Valley Fly Fishers Club, partnered with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, has scheduled separate fly-fishing classes for women and men March 8 in Bismarck.

Participants will learn the basics of fly-fishing, including casting techniques.

For more information, or to register, access the Game and Fish Department HSOforum at gf.nd.gov, or contact program coordinator Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; 701-328-6312; or email [email protected].

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Conservation Education Volunteers Recognized

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recently acknowledged the efforts of many volunteers who make the agency’s conservation education projects successful. Years of service and instructor of the year awards were presented at the annual volunteer banquet held in Bismarck.

Rick Tischaefer, Butte, was named Conservation Educator of the Year; Joe Neuenschwander, Bismarck, was recognized as Hooked on Fishing Instructor of the Year; and Bill Melaas, Garrison was named Boating and Water Safety Instructor of the Year.

A special projects award was also included during this year’s ceremony. This award recognizes individuals who devote an extraordinary amount of time and effort toward development of a new project. Acknowledged for developing the Fur Harvester Education project were Jon Paulson, Bismarck; Bob Gangl, St. Anthony; Rick and Chris Tischaefer, Butte; and Marty Beard of Mandan.

In addition, volunteers were recognized for years of service.

Recognized for 15 years of service were Ottmar and Mary Barth, Mandan; Robert Haglund, Garrison.

Receiving 10-year service awards were Roger Kotchian, Hickson; Joe Neuenschwander, Bismarck.

Recognized for five years of service were Clarence Bina, Bismarck; Judy Haglund, Garrison; Kathy King, Bismarck; Kevin Manock, Wahpeton; Arlene Norberg, Minot; Chuck Peterson, West Fargo; Brian Sailer, Garrison.

Two-year service recipients were Tom Berg, Bottineau; Vicki Bjornson, Bismarck; Patty Meidinger, Ashley; Jim Miller, Minot.

Spring Turkey Applications Due Feb. 13

Applications for the 2008 spring turkey season must be in the mail and postmarked, or submitted online, before midnight Feb. 13.

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

In addition, first-time spring turkey hunters ages 15 or younger are able 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.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply. The spring turkey season is open from April 12 through May 18.

Time to Register for Hunter Education Classes

Adults and children looking to take a hunter education class in 2008 should enroll now, as 70 percent of all classes are held by the end of May.

Jim Carter, hunter education coordinator for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, said some classes are beginning to fill up, and others are already underway. “Get your registration in early because hardly any are available during late summer and fall,” Carter said.

Individuals can sign up for a class by accessing the Game and Fish HSOforum at gf.nd.gov, and clicking 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.

Individuals who do not have access to the Internet and want to sign up for a class can call the hunter education program in Bismarck at 328-6615.

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.

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Classes Still Open at Winter BOW

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program still has openings at one-day winter workshops March 1 and 2 at Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau.

Women interested in cross-country skiing March 1 or 2, and basic snowshoeing March 2, should register immediately due to limited space available. The cost is $40 for one day or $60 for two days. Preregistration with payment is required. Equipment and snacks will be provided.

Information and registration forms can be obtained by contacting Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095; 701-328-6312; or email [email protected].

Registration forms are also available on the Game and Fish HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, by accessing the education tab, and clicking on “formal and informal education.”

Darkhouse Spearfishing Season Closes Feb. 29

Anglers are reminded that North Dakota’s darkhouse spearfishing season closes Friday, Feb. 29.

Interested individuals who would still like to get out for the first time this year must register with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Registration is available through the department’s HSOforum, gf.nd.gov, or through any Game and Fish Department office.

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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 for a ninth consecutive year at its annual fundraiser and banquet March 15 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 more than $700,000. Prior to 1999, when the North Dakota Game and Fish Department entered into an agreement with the Minnesota-Wisconsin conservation group, the license was sold at the national FNAWS convention.

Last year’s license sold for a record $50,000. 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, [PoorWordUsage] Box 892, Hudson, WI 54016. For more information contact John Coulter, auction chairman, 507-629-4755.

2007 Bighorn Sheep, Moose and Elk Harvests

Harvest statistics released by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department show overall hunter success during the 2007 season was 100 percent for bighorn sheep, 92 percent for moose and 60 percent for elk.

Four bighorn sheep units were open in 2007. One license was issued in units B1, B2 and B3, and two licenses were issued for Unit B4. One additional auction license holder was able to hunt any open area. All six hunters tagged adult rams.

The department issued 146 moose licenses last year. Of that total, 130 hunters were successful, harvesting 71 bulls and 59 cows/calves. Harvest for each unit follows:

Hunting Unit

Licenses Issued

Bulls

Cow/Calf

M4

24

12

10

M5

6

4

2

M6

16

12

2

M8

36

16

18

M9

24

11

8

M10

40

16

19

The department issued 435 elk licenses last year. Of that total, 242 hunters were successful, harvesting 156 bulls and 86 cows/calves. Harvest for each unit follows:

Hunting Unit

Licenses Issued

Bulls

Cow/Calf

E1

49

6

13

E2

89

19

26

E3

200

102

33

E4

97

29

14