The North Dakota Game and Fish Department encourages hunters, anglers and landowners who have witnessed a fish or wildlife violation to file a report with the Report All Poachers program. Witnesses should note vehicle description, including make, color, license plate number and state issued. Description of the violator should also be considered.
The RAP line offers rewards from $100 to $1,000 depending on the nature and seriousness of the crime for information that leads to conviction of fish and wildlife law violators. Reports can also go directly to game wardens or other law enforcement agencies. Callers can remain anonymous. Witnesses should report a violation by calling the RAP telephone number at (800) 472-2121.
----------------------------
G&F award honors Theodore Roosevelt
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is promoting a Theodore Roosevelt award that recognizes North Dakota youth who have advanced outdoor skills and are active in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or 4-H.
Bill Jensen, the department's coordinator for the award, said the award is inspired by Roosevelt's spirit and writings. "Our agency developed the award in 2008 to honor the 150th anniversary of the birth of this remarkable American," he said. "Our goal is to promote the development of a healthy mind and body, good citizenship, a strong conservation ethic, an understanding of North Dakota's natural history, and the ability to handle oneself while engaging in a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities."
Fact Box
Dog photos sought
The Minot Daily News is once again requesting that hunters photograph their dogs in the field this fall and submit their favorite photos for possible publication on these pages. The purpose is to emphasize what flushing and pointing dogs do in the field to make a hunter's day more rewarding.
Entries will be accepted by e-mail only to kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com. Submissions should include the name, breed and age of the dog, the date the photo was taken, approximately where it was taken and a contact number for the owner of the dog.
Brief comments explaining the photo or comments about the dog are welcome and will be considered for publication.
As in past years, the photographs will be compiled and published in this Outdoors section following the completion of the upland game hunting season in January.
Existing programs developed by Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4-H constitute more than 80 percent of the award requirements. The remaining criteria are composed of educational programs that the Game and Fish Department provides, such as hunter education, National Archery in the Schools and learning about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.
Adult advisers wishing to obtain copies of the Theodore Roosevelt Award Workbook can download and print them off the education/outreach link at the Game and Fish Web site, (gf.nd.gov).
-----------------------
Motorists warned to watch for deer
Late October through early December is the peak period for deer-vehicle accidents. Motorists are reminded to watch for deer along roadways. Motorists are advised to slow down and exercise caution after dark to reduce the likelihood of encounters with deer. Most deer-vehicle accidents occur primarily at dawn and dusk when deer are most often moving around.
Motorists should be aware of warning signs signaling deer are in the area. When you see one deer cross the road, look for a second or third deer to follow. Also, motorists are urged to pay attention on roadways posted with Deer Crossing Area caution signs.
If an accident does happen, a local law enforcement agency should be contacted. Also, a permit is required to take parts or the whole carcass of a road-killed deer. Permits are free and available from game wardens and local law enforcement offices.
A few precautions can minimize chances of injury or property damage in a deer-vehicle crash.
Always wear your seat belt.
Don't swerve or take the ditch to avoid hitting a deer. Try to brake as much as possible and stay on the roadway. Don't lose control of your vehicle or slam into something else to miss the deer. You risk less injury by hitting the deer.
If you spot deer ahead, slow down immediately and honk your horn.
No published research supports the effectiveness of deer whistles on vehicles.