The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's annual fall wetland survey indicates approximately 23 percent fewer wetlands available for duck hunting than last year. Mike Szymanski, migratory game bird biologist, said the number of wetlands decreased statewide, but huntable conditions persist further east in the state.

"Hunters will definitely need to get out and scout to find places to hunt," Szymanski said.

Most of the state had little spring run-off, but the northeastern and southeastern portions of the state had more water carry over from last fall, Szymanski said.

Wetland numbers continue to decline in the central and northwestern portions of the state as drought conditions persist. "Few wetlands remain in the western two-thirds of the state, and although conditions declined statewide, the eastern one-third of the state certainly has huntable water," Szymanski said.

Wetland habitats across North Dakota have been declining in recent years due to drought. Minimal runoff because of a lack of snow, and infrequent summer rains, did not replenish wetlands any further than about 20 miles west of U.S. Highway 281.

The wetland survey is conducted in mid-September just prior to the waterfowl hunting season to provide an assessment of conditions duck hunters can expect.

-- Daily News Staff

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Keep safety in mind in pheasant season

North Dakota's fall hunting activities pick up considerably Oct. 11 with the opening of pheasant season. With that in mind, hunters are reminded to take proper safety measures while out in the field this fall.

Jon Hanson, hunter education coordinator for the state Game and Fish Department, said of the 19 hunting incidents reported in North Dakota last year, 14 were shotgun related during the upland game season.

"The majority were caused by hunters swinging on pheasants and not seeing other members of their hunting party who were not dressed in orange," Hanson said.

While wearing orange clothing is not required for upland hunters, the Game and Fish Department highly recommends it.

Limits are three roosters daily and 12 in possession. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Hunters, regardless of age, must have a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate and general game and habitat license. In addition, hunters ages 16 and older need a small game license.

-- Daily News Staff

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PLOTS, state WMAs welcome residents

Out-of-state hunters are reminded that state law does not allow nonresidents to hunt on North Dakota Game and Fish Department owned or managed lands during the first week of the pheasant season. Private Land Open To Sportsmen acreage and state wildlife management areas are open to hunting by resident hunters only from Oct. 11-17. Nonresidents, however, can still hunt those days on other state-owned and federal lands, or private land. The law applies to all small game, waterfowl, furbearer and big game hunting on PLOTS and state wildlife management areas during the first seven days of the pheasant season.

-- Daily News Staff

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