Breaking News

The Game and Fish Department uses indexes to frame population estimates for waterfowl and upland game. While a census is an exact count, the resources needed for an exact population count aren’t a wise use of agency time. The department uses indexes compared to past years and long term to ...

Pronghorn applications due today

The deadline to apply for the 2023 pronghorn hunting season is today. Applicants can apply online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply.

Early Canada goose dates announced

North Dakota’s early Canada goose season dates are set, with bag limits and licensing requirements the same as last year. Opening day is Aug. 15 in all three zones. Closing dates are Sept. 7 in the Missouri River zone; Sept. 15 in the western zone; and Sept. 22 in the eastern zone. Early Canada goose limits are 15 daily and 45 in possession. Limits and shooting hours are different from the regular season, while the zone boundaries remain the same. Shooting hours for early Canada goose are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Residents need a $5 early Canada goose license ...

HIP registration required for migratory bird hunters

Migratory bird hunters of all ages need to register with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, cranes, snipe, doves and woodcock. Hunters must register in each state they are licensed to hunt. Hunters can HIP certify when purchasing a license by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Those who registered to hunt during the spring light goose conservation order in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required only once per year. HIP registration is a cooperative program ...

Small game, waterfowl, furbearer regulations set

North Dakota’s 2023 small game, waterfowl and furbearer regulations are set, and most season structures are similar to last year. Noteworthy items include: — Opening day for ducks, geese, coots and mergansers for North Dakota residents is Sept. 23. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Sept. 30. — The prairie chicken and sage grouse seasons remain closed due to low populations. — Pre-charged pneumatic air guns are legal for taking tree squirrels. Hunters and trappers can find the North Dakota 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Guide, which includes ...

North Dakota Outdoors: Questions answered about ND summer fishing

For some, fishing begins fading in August with the reality of sports practices and school replacing summer vacation. But questions about fishing in North Dakota continue. Here’s a couple with a link to a full question and answer section on the Game and Fish Department website: There are ...