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Outdoors

Whooping crane migration underway

Whooping cranes are in the midst of their spring migration, and sightings will increase as they make their way through North Dakota over the next several weeks. Anyone seeing these endangered birds as they move through the state should report sightings so the birds can be tracked. The whooping cranes that do travel through North Dakota are part of a population of about 500 birds on their way from wintering grounds in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to nesting grounds at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada, a distance of about 2,500 miles. Whoopers stand about 5 feet tall ...

Anglers, trappers, hunters licenses needed

North Dakota anglers, trappers and hunters are reminded that new licenses are required as of April 1. Licenses can be purchased online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Once the license is processed, hunters and anglers will have the option to print a hard copy and/or download the license to a smart phone or mobile device, which is helpful when asked to show proof while hunting or fishing in rural areas that lack cellular service. Licenses can also be purchased at more than 140 vendor locations throughout the state. The 2023-24 small game, ...

Paddlefish tags available online

North Dakota’s paddlefish snagging season opens May 1, and snaggers should note the sale and distribution of paddlefish tags are similar to last year. Paddlefish tags are available for purchase online at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, at license vendors and during normal business hours at Game and Fish Department offices in Bismarck, Dickinson, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Lonetree (Harvey) 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.

Deer gratis applications deadline June 7

Landowners interested in a 2023 deer gratis license must apply online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. The deadline for applying is June 7. General deer and muzzleloader lottery applications will be available online in early May, also with a deadline of June 7. Gratis applicants who have previously applied online will automatically have their land description forwarded to this year’s application. However, any changes with land descriptions from last year’s application must be made prior to submitting the 2023 application.

Get set for spring turkey season

While the appearance of an American robin, emergence of a crocus or the first pitch at spring training might signal to some that spring has arrive, the real spring season opens April 8 with the turkey season and continues through May 14. This year 7,142 spring turkey tags were available, ...

2023 spring snow goose season details

I saw my first Canada goose of the year on a sunny Tuesday afternoon on February 7 about 4:30 p.m. Yes, I know the exact date and time as I texted a friend who spends more time outdoors than I do talking and writing about it. He confirmed that he spotted a few earlier in the day. While ...