Monthly Archives: May 2019

Fishing for Free June 1-2

North Dakotans who want to give fishing a try are reminded they can fish for free June 1-2.

That is the state’s Free Fishing Weekend, when all residents age 16 and over can fish any North Dakota water without a license. Residents age 15 and under do not need a fishing license at any time of year.

Fishing regulations and information on fishing waters is available on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov, and in the current regulations guide available at license vendor locations.

This weekend (June 1-2) is North Dakota’s Free Fishing Weekend. During those two days, all North Dakota residents can fish any state water without a license. Anglers, share your love of fishing by taking a neighbor, a friend, or handful of kids to a nearby water. Introduce them to a slice of North Dakota’s wonderful natural resources that may be common to you, but often overlooked by them.

Summer Safety on the Water

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department urges boaters to keep safety in mind when enjoying time on the water.

A boat should have enough life jackets on board for all passengers. North Dakota law requires all children ages 10 and younger to wear a personal flotation device while in boats of less than 27 feet in length. The law also requires all personal watercraft users to wear a life jacket, as well as anyone towed on skis, tubes, boards or other similar devices. However, state law allows an individual who is at least 16 years of age to windsurf or boardsail without wearing a PFD.

Water users should make sure to wear life jackets that are the appropriate size, and in good condition. Water skiers and tubers should wear a life jacket with four nylon straps rather than one with a zipper, 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.

It is also important that children wear a PFD while swimming. Swimmers should know the water’s depth, as serious injuries can occur from diving into water. Large objects hidden below the water’s surface can lead to significant injury.

Failure to wear a personal flotation device is the main reason people lose their lives in water recreation accidents.

North Dakota boaters also are reminded that marine VHF radios are an important part of boat safety that should not be improperly used by operators. These radios are intended for boat operators who are in distress and facing an emergency situation.

Regulations to help ensure safe boating this summer are found in the 2018-20 North Dakota Fishing Guide. A more comprehensive listing is available in the North Dakota Boat and Water Safety Guide or the Boat North Dakota education book.

Be Courteous at Boat Ramps

North Dakota boaters are reminded to exercise patience and plan accordingly when heading to a lake or river this summer.

The state 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 the 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. 

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, unloading gear, draining all water and inspecting for and removing any vegetation. Remember to leave plugs out when transporting boat.

North Dakota Archers Place at NASP Nationals

North Dakota archers placed in the top 10 in every category at the National Archery in the Schools Program Western National Tournament, held recently in Salt Lake City, UT.

State Game and Fish Department NASP coordinator Jeff Long said North Dakota’s young archers had a great showing, particularly the elementary kids.

“We took first place in both boys and girls for individuals, and the team took first place as well,” Long said.

Danica Onchuck of Hankinson claimed the top spot in both elementary girls 3-D and bull’s-eye competitions, while Alex Weisenburger of New Rockford took first place in the elementary boys 3-D category and third in bull’s-eye.

Other elementary girls place winners were Matilda Moch, Edgeley, third in bull’s-eye; Kiara Fredrick, Wilton, third in 3-D; Jourdyn Bucholz, Griggs County Central, sixth in 3-D; and Claire Wehsler, North Sargent School, ninth in 3-D.

Also placing in the elementary boys division were Tucker Schacher, Wilton, second in 3-D and ninth in bull’s-eye; William Bergquist, Wilton, second in bull’s-eye and third in 3-D; Brady Hanson, Edgeley, fourth in bull’s-eye; Jayson Schlenker, Barnes County North, fifth in 3-D; and Hayden Risty, Wilton, eighth in bull’s-eye.

Place winners in the middle school girls division were Zoey Bohnenstingl, Lidgerwood, fourth in 3-D; Rylee Suhr, Griggs County Central, sixth in 3-D and seventh in bull’s-eye; and Ariana Onchuck, Hankinson, 10th in bull’s-eye.

In the middle school boys division, Brady Sand of Mayville-Portland-Clifford-Galesburg placed fourth in 3-D and ninth in bull’s-eye.  

In high school girls, Gracie Gunderson of Medina finished fifth in 3-D and seventh in bull’s-eye, while Edgeley archer Sydni Berg placed fifth in bull’s-eye.

In the high school boys competition, Joshua Wiebusch of Wahpeton placed fourth in bull’s-eye and sixth in 3-D, and Andrew Hill from Oakes was seventh in 3-D. 

Wilton’s elementary team took first place in 3-D and second in bull’s-eye.

Hankinson’s high school team finished second in bull’s-eye and third in 3-D.

Some North Dakota archers went to Louisville, KY for eastern nationals and two students finished in the top 10.

Oakes elementary students Braysen Sagert finished in eighth place in the 3-D boys competition, and Shayle Zimbelman took ninth place in the 3-D girls division.

Reminders to Prevent the Spread of ANS

North Dakota anglers, water recreationists and anyone working in lakes or streams are reminded to follow these simple regulations to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Know the laws, as each state and province have their own rules and regulations. North Dakota regulations include:

  • Do not import live aquatic bait.
  • Use only legal bait species.
  • Transport live bait in containers of five gallons or less.
  • Properly dispose of unused bait.
  • Drain water and remove vegetation from all equipment when leaving a waterbody.
  • Remove drain plugs and keep out or open during transport.

Clean, drain and dry any equipment (recreational or commercial) that is used in any waterbody.

  • Clean: remove plants, animals and excessive mud from trailers, hulls, motors and other equipment such as fishing rods.
  • Drain: drain all water, including bilges, livewells and bait buckets.
  • Dry: allow all equipment to dry completely or disinfect before using again. If necessary, use sponges or towels to remove excess water and allow compartments to dry.

Report any plant or animal that seems out of place.

  • Visit the online reporting form at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.
  • Call Jessica Howell, Game and Fish ANS coordinator, 701-368-8368.

Leave Baby Animals Alone, Watch for Deer

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department offers a simple message to well-intentioned humans who want to pick up and rescue what appear to be orphaned baby animals this time of year – don’t touch them. Whether it is a young fawn, duckling, cottontail rabbit or a songbird, it is better to just leave them alone.

More often than not, young animals are not abandoned or deserted, and the mother is probably 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 it is in an unnatural situation, such as a young songbird found on a doorstep. In that case, the young bird could be moved to the closest 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.

In addition, motorists are reminded to watch for deer along roadways. During the next several weeks young animals are dispersing from their home ranges, and with deer more active during this time, the potential for car‑deer collisions increases.

Workshops for Educators Scheduled

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is sponsoring workshops in Dickinson, Valley City and Bismarck for teachers, environmental educators and anyone else who works with youth.

Pollinators in the Classroom is June 12-13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, and June 25-26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Valley City State University in Valley City.

Participants will examine different animal species, receive the new Urban Pollinator curriculum with three distinct sections, and explore urban pollinator gardens and learn how to develop one in a local community or near a school.

The fast-paced workshop offers a hands-on approach educators can use in their classrooms and on field trips, and in discussing classroom and curriculum integration. All supplies are provided.

Curriculum materials are suitable for both elementary and secondary teachers. 

Herpetology and Citizen Science in the Classroom is June 20 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Game and Fish Department’s main office in Bismarck.

Participants will learn about reptiles and amphibians of North Dakota, including species identification, basic biology, life history and territories. 

In addition, participants will learn how to incorporate Citizen Science in the Classroom, specifically the HerpMapper platform, and will spend time outdoors looking for species of interest.

More information on the workshops, including registration, fees and graduate credits, is available by visiting the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. 

Catchable Trout, Catfish, Pike Stocked

North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries personnel have already stocked 30 local fisheries with catchable trout, catfish and pike, with additional lakes still to be stocked in early May.

Approximately 10,000 11-inch rainbow trout, 600 2- to 4-pound rainbow trout, 1,200 adult catfish, 1,100 adult pike and 1,100 1- to 3-pound cutthroat trout were recently stocked in community fisheries around the state.

Fisheries production and development section leader Jerry Weigel said these stockings put catchable fish in waters that are easily accessible.

“Many have fishing piers and are a great opportunity for a first-time angler to catch fish,” Weigel said.

  • Adams – Mirror Lake (catfish)
  • Barnes – Hatchery Kids Pond (rainbow)
  • Burleigh – Cottonwood Park Pond (pike), OWLS Pond (cutthroat, rainbow), Wilton City Pond (rainbow)
  • Cass – Brooks Harbor Pond (rainbow, cutthroat), Casselton Pond (rainbow), North Woodhaven Pond (rainbow)
  • Eddy – New Rockford Pond (pike)
  • Golden Valley – Beach City Pond (rainbow)
  • Grand Forks – Turtle River (rainbow)
  • McKenzie – Arnegard Dam (catfish), Watford City Park Pond (catfish, rainbow)
  • McLean – Camp Loop Pond (rainbow, pike), Custer Mine (rainbow), Painted Woods Pond (rainbow), Riverdale City Pond (rainbow)
  • Morton – Gaebe Pond (catfish, rainbow), Krieg’s Pond (catfish), Porsborg Dam (cutthroat, rainbow)
  • Mountrail – Stanley Pond (catfish)
  • Ransom – Mooringstone Pond (rainbow)
  • Renville – Glenburn Pond (catfish)
  • Richland – Mooreton Pond (cutthroat)
  • Stark – Belfield Pond (catfish, rainbow), Dickinson Dike (catfish, rainbow)
  • Stutsman – Little Britches Pond (rainbow, cutthroat)
  • Ward – State Fair Pond (rainbow)
  • Williams – East Spring Lake Pond (pike), Kettle Lake (rainbow), West Spring Lake Pond (catfish, rainbow)

In addition to these fisheries, Game and Fish personnel will continue stocking numerous trout lakes the next few weeks, including Ryan Park Pond (Grand Forks), Little Heart Pond (Morton), Langdon City Pond (Cavalier), Hazen Creek (Mercer) and Oliver County Sportsmen’s Pond (Oliver). 

Hunters, Anglers Take Note of New Legislation

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department tracked 40 outdoors-related bills during the 2019 legislative session, 21 of which were passed by both chambers and signed into law.

The following bills take effect Aug. 1, unless the bill includes an emergency clause which indicates it is already in effect.

HB 1021 – Included in the Information Technology Department’s appropriation, during the 2019-21 interim, a 14 member land access committee (with nine voting members) will study access to public and private lands for hunting, trapping, fishing and related issues, including trespass violations and penalties, and provide recommendations regarding a land access database with capabilities of electronic posting. The study committee may establish a trial electronic posting and hunter access information system in up to three counties prior to Aug. 1, 2020, and report findings and recommendations to the 67th legislative assembly.

HB 1066 – Returns the funding limit to the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund to $20 million per fiscal year.

HB 1209 – Allows the use of dogs in the recovery of big game animals.

HB 1246 – Defines the eligibility requirements relating to gratis licenses for hunting big game and to provide a legislative study.

HB 1286 – Amends the century code relating to law enforcement agencies reporting seizures and forfeitures.

HB 1366 – Allows the use of a telescopic sight on a crossbow with a maximum power of 8×32.

HB 1383 – Alters the North Dakota Public Service Commission’s century code relating to mitigating environmental impacts associated with energy development.

HB 1412 – Allows the use of night vision, thermal vision or infrared light with a power source of not more than six volts while hunting coyote, fox, raccoon or beaver during the open season, and on a predatory animal attacking and attempting to destroy poultry, livestock or other property.

HB 1462 – Changes the seven white-tailed deer licenses to four any-whitetail and three any-antlered deer licenses, that are provided to the outdoor adventure foundation to be used by youth with life-threatening illnesses.

HB 1503 – Requires an individual who enters private property and installs a device for observing, recording or photographing wildlife to either receive written permission from the landowner, or identifies the device with a permanently affixed metal or plastic tag with a registration number issued by the Game and Fish Department, or the individual’s name, address and telephone number.

SB 2017 – Appropriates $83,803,632 to the Game and Fish Department for the biennium beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2021.

SB 2034 – Defines the terms “firearm” or “weapon” and clarifies who can carry, including a minor under age 15 carrying a muzzleloader under direct supervision.

SB 2055 – Allows Game and Fish to get approval from either the legislative assembly or budget section for each land acquisition of at least 10 acres or $10,000.

SB 2058 – Amends the century code relating to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, whereas grant applications that are eligible to be forwarded to the North Dakota Industrial Commission must receive favorable recommendation from a majority of the outdoor heritage advisory board members.

SB 2138 – Allows advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants, in addition to a physician, to verify the physical condition necessary for individuals to qualify for a shoot from a stationary motor vehicle permit.

SB 2165 – Amends the tax department’s section of the century code relating to gross receipts, specifically that gross receipts does not include the amount of compensation received from an insurance company for the loss of a stolen or destroyed watercraft that had been previously taxed if that compensation is used as a trade-in credit on the purchase of a replacement watercraft.

SB 2239 – Defines open records laws/exemptions of animal tracking data bases for animal health purposes, including state and federal agencies would be able to collect information to assist in animal disease control or tracking an animal disease. Declared an emergency measure.

SB 2261 – Amends the energy and conversion and transmission facilities section of the century code, relating to conditions imposed on designation of sites, corridors and routes.

SB 2293 – Creates an aquatic nuisance species program fund in the state treasury. Effective Jan. 1, 2020, establishes an ANS fee of $15 for each motorboat licensed in North Dakota to run concurrent with motorboat licensure, and an ANS fee of $15 to be paid for the calendar year for every boat that is not licensed in North Dakota. Effective April 1, 2020, establishes a $2 surcharge on each resident fishing license and combination license, with the exception of a resident age 65 and older fishing license, permanently or totally disabled fishing license, or a disabled veteran fishing license. In addition, includes a $3 surcharge on each nonresident fishing license and each nonresident waterfowl license.

SB 2342 – Any boat operated between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. may not produce a noise in excess of 88 decibels for more than 10 minutes.

SB 2358 – Relates to Red River Valley water supply project contract terms, elimination of voter approval requirements and notice of proposed water management systems.

First Fish

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is reminding parents to capture their little angler’s first catch on a specially designed First Fish certificate.

First Fish has no qualifying weights or measurements. The only requirement is the successful landing of a North Dakota fish. Certificates are available to all who request them, and have ample room for all the important information, such as name, age, lake and a short fish story, plus a blank space for a photograph big enough to contain the smile of the happiest little angler.

Free certificates are available by contacting the Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300, or email ndgf@nd.gov.