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Small game, waterfowl, furbearer regulations set

North Dakota’s 2025 small game, waterfowl and furbearer regulations are set, with some noteworthy changes from last year. These changes include: – Opening day for ducks, geese, coots and mergansers for North Dakota residents is Sept. 27. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Oct. 4. – The number of nonresident waterfowl zones increased to six, and a statewide nonresident waterfowl license is no longer available. – A waterfowl habitat restoration stamp is required to hunt waterfowl. – Migratory game birds can be pursued with a floating craft. If the ...

New guiding requirement on Spirit Lake tribal lands

As the 2025 hunting season approaches, the Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife Department is implementing a significant change regarding hunting on tribal lands. Effective this season, all nonmember hunters will be required to have a Spirit Lake tribal member serve as a guide or chaperone while hunting on tribal lands. This requirement mandates that the tribal member guide must sign the non-member hunter’s license, assuming responsibility for the hunter’s activities throughout the duration of their hunt. Furthermore, the enrolled member must possess a valid tribal license that ...

LOCAL OUTDOORS BRIEFS

Fall flight forecast similar to last year Duck brood numbers were up 28% from 2024, but State Game and Fish Department migratory game bird biologists expect a fall flight of ducks similar to last year. The fall flight forecast is based on data from the May breeding duck survey and the July duck brood survey, both conducted annually by Game and Fish biologists. According to John Palarski, migratory game bird management biologist, the department’s 78th annual breeding duck survey conducted in May indicated the 2025 duck index was the 33rd highest on record, down 8.7% from 2024, but ...

NORTH DAKOTA OUTDOORS: A little bit about baitfish in North Dakota

In my job, I try to consume as much outdoors media as possible. You’ve got your favorites and so do I. I’ll acknowledge my bias with North Dakota OUTDOORS, the Game and Fish Department’s official magazine. Many wrongly assume there’s some dark web communication within the Game and ...

Ground squirrels mitigated in Minot AFB housing

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – More than 2,600 Richardson’s ground squirrels have been removed by 5th Civil Engineer Squadron airmen from Minot Air Force Base housing by deliberately focusing on areas with heightened activity over the past few weeks, according to Minot AFB information. Richardson’s ground squirrels are one of two ground squirrels that can be found in North Dakota, according to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The other ground squirrel is Franklin’s ground squirrel. Richardson’s are also called Flickertails or dakrats. Minot AFB Homes has applied its ...