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Habitat, hunting access summit recording available

Landowners, hunters, lawmakers, wildlife managers and others gathered in mid-December in Bismarck to discuss the importance of wildlife habitat on the landscape and providing access to hunters across the state. About 200 people attended the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Habitat and Hunting Access Summit, at which the evening opened with remarks from Gov. Kelly Armstrong on the importance of hunting to the state’s economy, workforce, but most importantly to North Dakota’s way of life. Department staff gave presentations on the status of habitat and wildlife populations ...

Tentative 2025 season opening dates

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department annually provides its best estimate for opening dates to help hunters prepare for hunting seasons. Dates become official when approved by the governor’s proclamation. Tentative opening dates for 2025 include: Spring Turkey, April 12; Deer and Pronghorn Bow, Mountain Lion, Aug. 29; Dove, Sept. 1; Sharptail, Hun, Ruffed Grouse, Squirrel, Sept 13; Youth Deer, Sept. 19; Youth Waterfowl, Sept. 20; Early Resident Waterfowl, Sept. 27; Pronghorn Gun, Oct. 3; Regular Waterfowl, Youth Pheasant, Oct. 4; Pheasant, Fall Turkey, Oct. 11; Mink, Muskrat, ...

North Dakota Outdoors: Look back at ND spearfishing

Have you ever been darkhouse spearfishing for pike? It’s relatively new compared to most outdoor recreation, having started a mere 25 years ago, but for those who have taken the opportunity it’s hard to compare. I remember the first time I went spearfishing at Spiritwood Lake. Sitting ...

Annual bird count offers avian education

Over the past weekend, Minot was home to its 125th annual Christmas Bird Count, a tradition which started in the pioneer days with hunters and has since evolved into one of the longest running citizen science experiments in the world. Volunteers gather each year at thousands of locations ...

Fort Stevenson to host year-end celebration

GARRISON – Fort Stevenson State Park invites the public to wrap up its milestone 50th anniversary year with an evening of holiday cheer and family fun. From 4-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, the north campground loop will come alive with activities for all ages to enjoy. Get up-close with real reindeer at Campsite 108, from 4-6 p.m. Take a stroll through the north campground loop, illuminated by the warm glow of luminaries. Warm up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, roast marshmallows and soak in the cozy campfire ambiance. Sing along to festive music echoing throughout the ...

Take someone new ice fishing

To encourage greater participation in ice fishing, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is again running the Take Someone New Ice Fishing Challenge from now through Mar. 31, 2025. The challenge began Friday. Invite somebody new along who has never been ice fishing and log your story online for a chance to a win a fish house donated by Runnings. One random winner will be chosen. All other winter fishing regulations apply.