By Doug Leier
Late January is sometimes considered a time when not much is going on in North Dakota’s
outdoors. But this year with new boat registrations coming in and the state legislature in
session, it’s a busy time at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Here’s a recap of a few news items from recent weeks or so that still warrant consideration.
Legislative Session
With the North Dakota Legislature convening the first week of January, the Game and Fish
Department set up its website page to track legislation that relates to hunting, fishing and
other outdoor issues during the 2023 session.
Interested outdoor enthusiasts can follow proposed outdoors-related bills by logging onto the
Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.
A brief description of each bill is included, along with the bill sponsor, hearing schedule and
results of floor votes.
Watercraft Registration
North Dakota watercraft owners should note that 2023 is the first year of a new three-year registration period.
Watercraft registrations must be renewed online by visiting My Account at the
Department’s website. A credit card is required.
The price to register motorboats in North Dakota under 16 feet in length, and all canoes, is $18;
motorboats from 16 feet to less than 20 feet in length is $36; and motorboats at least 20 feet in
length is $45. Fees are prorated.
The 2023-25 watercraft registration cycle begins Jan. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2025.
In addition, a state law created in 2019 requires an aquatic nuisance species fee of $15 for each motorized watercraft registered in North Dakota to run concurrent with the three-year watercraft registration period.
For motorized watercraft operated on state waters and not licensed in North Dakota, the law
establishes an ANS fee of $15 to be paid for each calendar year, and to display an ANS sticker
on the watercraft.
New watercraft owners can attach the required documentation, such as the bill of sale or proof
of taxes paid, with the online purchase, or send in the required documentation via standard mail.
A 10-day temporary permit will be issued to allow for processing and delivery of registration and
decals. For timely processing, Game and Fish encourages watercraft owners to submit
attachments online.
Planning an Ice Fishing Tournament?
Organizers planning fishing tournaments, including ice fishing contests this winter, must
submit an application, along with fishing tournament regulations, to the North Dakota
Game and Fish Department at least 30 days prior to the start of the event.
The 30-day advance notice allows for review by agency staff to ensure the proposed
tournament will not have negative biological consequences, or conflicts with other
proposed tournaments for the same location and/or time.
Fishing tournaments may not occur without first obtaining a valid permit from the
department.
