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Outdoors

Fireworks prohibited, camping restrictions lifted for holiday

Outdoor enthusiasts should note that possession or use of fireworks on state wildlife management areas is prohibited. The primary objective of a wildlife management area is to enhance wildlife production, provide hunting and fishing opportunities, and offer other outdoor recreational and educational uses compatible with these objectives. Only activities that would not disrupt the intentions of how these areas are managed are encouraged, and fireworks are not compatible. In addition, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department will lift the Tuesday-Wednesday no-camping restriction for ...

Pronghorn survey begins

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual aerial pronghorn survey will begin Monday, July 1, and is scheduled to be completed within two weeks. During the survey period, small airplanes will sometimes fly low over parts of western North Dakota. The survey determines pronghorn abundance, herd demographics and fawn production. This data is used to set the number of licenses for the fall hunting season.

Pheasant crowing counts up statewide

The number of roosters heard crowing during the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 2024 spring pheasant crowing count survey was up 37% statewide from last year. The primary regions holding pheasants showed 28.8 crows per stop in the southwest, up from 19.5 in 2023; 21.5 crows per stop in the northwest, up from 16.6; and 16 crows per stop in the southeast, up from 12.8. The count in the northeast, which is not a primary region for pheasants, was 5 crows per stop, up from 3.3 last year. Pheasant crowing counts are conducted each spring throughout North Dakota. Observers drive ...

Launching, loading boats

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department encourages boaters to plan accordingly when launching and loading a boat. Here are a few simple reminders to ensure a fluent transition at the ramp. Launching – Don’t pull onto the ramp until your boat is ready to launch. – Prepare for launching in the parking area. Remove covers, load equipment, remove tie downs, attach lines and put in drain plug before backing onto the ramp. – When ready, pull in line to launch. Wait your turn. Be courteous. Loading – Don’t block the loading area with your boat until your tow ...

Guide and outfitter exam scheduled

The next guide and outfitter written examination is Saturday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. Preregistration is required no later than Friday, Aug. 9, by calling the department’s enforcement office. In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations, certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid, and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter. Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the ...

Survey indicates decline in breeding duck numbers

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 77th annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.9 million birds, down from 3.4 million last year. The 2024 breeding duck index was the 30th highest on record and stands at 17% above the long-term (1948-2023) average, according to Mike Szymanski, department migratory game bird supervisor. Szymanski said the decline in breeding duck numbers has a lot to do with the loss of CRP and perennial grasses on the landscape used for nesting cover by ducks. “There should be a pretty good nesting effort by ducks ...