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Outdoors

Tough winter challenged wildlife, landowners

A winter that started in early November and hung around until April like an unwanted guest tested the endurance of wildlife and landowners, both fixtures on the landscape familiar with unpredictable North Dakota weather. “North Dakota has one of the toughest climates in the lower 48 and this winter was certainly one of the most difficult we’ve seen,” said Bill Haase, state Game and Fish Department assistant wildlife division chief. “Winter was difficult on wildlife and people, and we appreciate all those landowners out there, especially livestock producers who had the ...

Whooping crane sightings in ND not uncommon

WHITE SHIELD -- Whooping cranes were spotted in the White Shield area this week. "It's not rare for them to be sighted in North Dakota as we are in the primary corridor for the spring and fall migration, but due to their status as endangered species we do appreciate any reports we get,” ...

Electronic posting of private lands in ND

While working the Outdoors Show in winter one of the more frequent discussions centered on electronic posting of private land for hunting. For example, one landowner didn’t appreciate a neighboring hunter/landowner accessing land left unposted by others before returning to hunt his own ...

Third consecutive record count of bighorn sheep

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 2022 bighorn sheep survey, completed by recounting lambs in March, revealed a record 347 bighorn sheep in the grasslands of western North Dakota, up 4% from 2021 and 15% above the five-year average. The count surpassed the previous record of 335 bighorns in 2021. Altogether, biologists counted 96 rams, 206 ewes and 45 lambs. Not included are approximately 40 bighorn sheep in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and bighorns introduced to the Fort Berthold Reservation in 2020. There was an increase in the survey for the ...

Paddlefish snagging season opens May 1

North Dakota’s paddlefish season opens May 1, and snaggers should note that the sale and distribution of tags are similar to last year. Paddlefish tags are available for purchase online at the Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, at license vendors, and during normal business hours at Game and Fish offices in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Jamestown, Lonetree (Harvey), Riverdale and Williston. Snaggers buying tags online or at a vendor should plan accordingly and allow for a few days delivery as tags are distributed through the mail. The season is scheduled to ...

Fort Stevenson holds evening hike series

GARRISON – Fort Stevenson State Park will host its third event of its Evening Hike Series on May 6 from 9:30-10:30 p.m.    In recognition of the full moon in May called the Flower Moon, the Full Flower Moon Fairy Hike will be a fun evening exploring a section of trail lit by a kaleidoscope of glowing objects.  The hike is self-guided and starts at the park Visitor Center.  Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome on the hike.  Six evening hikes are planned throughout the year as part of the series, each offering a unique outdoor hike experience.  The park ...