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 still 7% above the 1948-2024 average.

“Spring started off dry, with winter bringing below-average snowfall and above-average temperatures in March. Mallards and pintails were seen moving through North Dakota as early as mid-March, but the lack of meltwater in temporary ponds, coupled with frozen semipermanent wetlands meant that many early migrants simply passed through without stopping,” Palarski said. “This contributed to a lower May index this year, along with a declining midcontinent duck population. Fortunately, we received enough rain in parts of the state to boost production, resulting in a fall flight forecast similar to last year.”

The number of broods observed during the department’s July brood survey was up 28% from 2024, but down 2% from the 1965-2024 average. Blue-winged teal and mallards were the most common broods recorded, accounting for 31.7% and 21.4% of all broods tallied, respectively.

Palarski noted that not all species of waterfowl showed declines in the May index. Most diving duck species showed increases, with redheads up 23% – the highest count on record. The total diver index was the highest since 2020 and the second highest in the past two decades.

Game and Fish biologists will conduct a separate survey in mid-September to assess wetland conditions heading into the waterfowl hunting season.

ANS prevention continues

While North Dakota has low numbers of aquatic nuisance species, ongoing efforts to protect state waters from the spread of ANS highlight the need for further education and regulation compliance among water recreationists.

Game and Fish Department staff have conducted 7,500 watercraft inspections thus far in 2025, leading to the draining and removal of water and vegetation on watercraft. And, recently, department personnel intercepted three watercrafts with zebra mussels at Devils Lake.

Ben Holen, Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator, said it is critically important water recreationists review ANS regulations and take a few minutes at the boat ramp to do the right thing each and every time.

“We encourage anglers, pleasure boaters and others to clean, drain and dry all equipment after every use,” Holen said.

Clean and remove all plants or animals from watercraft or equipment prior to leaving any recreational area. Drain and remove water from all equipment prior to exiting designated access points. Not draining water can be extremely hazardous and may cause negligent transportation of ANS to various locations. Afterward, verify that all equipment is dry before using again and consider pressure washing with hot water.

Pronghorn hunting season set

The 2025 pronghorn hunting season is set with 1,310 licenses available in 18 units, an increase of 45 licenses from last year. Licenses are available for all traditional units. Additionally, a new unit,17A, which includes Emmons County and portions of Logan and McIntosh counties west of N.D. Highway 3, will be open.

Each unit will once again have a season that is split into an early bow-only portion, and a later gun/bow season.

The bow-only portion of the season is Aug. 29 (noon) – Sept. 21. Anyone who draws a license can hunt pronghorn with a bow in the unit printed on their license.

From Oct. 3 (noon) – Oct. 19, hunters who still have a valid license can use legal firearms or archery equipment, but must stay in the assigned unit.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply for a pronghorn license. Hunters who have accumulated bonus points and choose not to apply this year will not lose their points, but will not earn a point for next year. However, hunters who do not want a license in 2025 have the option to purchase a bonus point on the application.

Applicants can contact the Game and Fish Department for information on how to apply.

Applicants for a pronghorn lottery license must be at least 12 on or before Dec. 31. The application deadline is Aug. 6.

Remaining deer gun licenses available Aug. 13

More than 1,100 deer licenses are available in four units for North Dakota’s 2025 deer gun season, and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Aug. 13 at 8 a.m. Central time. Residents and nonresidents who have not already received a lottery or landowner license can contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for information.

Hunters who want to purchase additional licenses may do so Aug. 20 at 8 a.m. Central time. At that time, any remaining licenses will be issued as a concurrent season license, which can be used during the archery season with a bow; deer gun season with a bow, rifle or muzzleloader; or during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloader. However, youth under age 14 (at the end of the calendar year) will be issued a concurrent season license for archery only.

There is no limit on the number of concurrent season licenses a hunter can purchase.

Hunters with concurrent season licenses are restricted to the type of antlerless deer printed on the license and must stay in the unit in which the license is assigned.

New wildlife division chief named

Jeb Williams, Game and Fish Department director, announced Bill Haase as the agency’s wildlife division chief.

“Bill’s work ethic, experience and passion for the work that we do will suit him quite well for this position,” Williams said.

Haase replaces Casey Anderson who was appointed deputy director in June.

Haase has worked for the Game and Fish Department for 22 years, the last four as assistant wildlife division chief. Prior to that, he was the wildlife resource management supervisor for 10 years.

Report boat accidents

Boat accidents involving injury, death or disappearance of a person must be reported to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department within 48 hours of the occurrence. If property damage exceeds $2,000, but no deaths or injuries occur, a boat operator has five days to file a report.

These reporting requirements are mandatory whether one or more boats are involved.

Contact the Game and Fish office or a local game warden to report boat accidents.

Oct. 1 deadline for photo contest

Photographers interested in sending photos for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest must follow guidelines for submitting their work.

The contest is open and the deadline for submitting photos is Oct. 1.

The contest has categories for nongame and game species, as well as plants/insects. An overall winning photograph will be chosen, with the number of place winners in each category determined by the number of qualified entries.

Contestants are limited to no more than five entries. Photos must have been taken in North Dakota. Contact the Game and Fish Department for more entry information.