Landowners Seek Doe Hunters

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is currently working with 18 landowners

in 14 hunting units across the state who would like to host hunters with antlerless deer licenses in 2014.

Participating landowners are located in hunting units 2C, 2G2, 2I, 2J2, 2K2, 3A4, 3B3, 3C, 3D2, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1, 4B and 4E.

The program is not intended for buck hunters, but designed to direct hunters with antlerless licenses to specific areas to reduce deer populations.

Interested hunters can get their name on a list of possible participants by accessing the Game and Fish Department’s website at gf.nd.gov. Hunters who do not have Internet access can call the department’s main office in Bismarck at 701-328-6300.

Hunters will provide their address, hunting unit(s) where they hold valid antlerless licenses, and if using rifle, muzzleloader or bow. From this list the department will select the number of hunters landowners have agreed to host. These hunters will be sent the landowner’s name, phone number and any information relating to the landowner’s specific situation.

Hunters must have a valid 2014 deer gun license – the Game and Fish Department does not provide a hunting license with this program.

Not everyone who signs up will end up with a new place to hunt, because not everyone’s schedule will match up with a landowner’s, and more people will likely put their name on the list than there are openings. Currently, participating landowners have openings for about 200 doe hunters.

North Dakota’s 2014 regular deer gun season runs from Nov. 7-23. In addition, the archery season extends through Jan. 4, 2015; the youth season is Sept. 19-28; and muzzleloader runs from Nov. 28 – Dec. 14

North Dakota Deer Management Meetings Announced

The State Game and Fish Department has scheduled eight public meetings in February

to discuss deer management in North Dakota.

Department officials will present an overview of the current deer population and prospects for the future, and look for input on possible options for changes in the way deer licenses are allocated.

“We’re all aware that the state’s whitetail and mule deer populations have declined considerably in recent years,” said Game and Fish Department wildlife chief Randy Kreil. “In 2013 we had approximately 40,000 hunters who applied for a deer gun license and didn’t get one. We’re looking at some ideas that might help get more hunters in the field if deer populations remain similar to what they are now.”

In the long term, Kreil said Game and Fish’s strategy is to build deer numbers to a point that would provide a reasonable chance for anyone who wants to hunt to be able to get some kind of license. “Right now we have a high public interest in deer hunting in North Dakota,” he said. “We’re hoping to come up with some solutions to help us maintain that.”

Each meeting will begin at 7 p.m. local time.

• Feb. 17 – Devils Lake, Lake Region Community College Auditorium
• Feb. 17 – Casselton, City Fire Hall
• Feb. 18 – Dickinson, Ramada Grand Dakota Lodge
• Feb. 18 – Anamoose, Community Center
• Feb. 24 – Tioga, Farm Festival Building
• Feb. 24 – Fordville, Community Center
• Feb. 25 – Bismarck, North Dakota Game and Fish Department
• Feb. 25 – Jamestown, The Bunker

Related articles

• North Dakota Nonresident Any-Deer Bow Licenses
• North Dakota Mule Deer from 3F2 Tests Positive for CWD
• Hunters check 11,967 deer in alternative-methods hunt

North Dakota Nonresident Any-Deer Bow Licenses

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will have 172 any-deer bow licenses

available to nonresidents in 2014.

The deadline for applying is March 1. A lottery will be held if more applications are received than licenses available. Any remaining licenses after March 1 will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants can apply together as a party. A separate check is required for each application.

The nonresident any-deer bow application is available at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. The application must be printed and sent in to the department.

The number of nonresident any-deer bow licenses available is 15 percent of the previous year’s mule deer gun license allocation. The Game and Fish Department issued 1,150 antlered mule deer licenses in the 2013 deer gun lottery.

Related articles

• North Dakota Mule Deer from 3F2 Tests Positive for CWD
• 2014 Licenses and Permits Go on Sale Dec. 16
• January 1 Commission Big Game Permit Application Deadline

Deer Deaths Possible Indicator of EHD

Map of USA with North Dakota highlighted (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Wildlife biologists believe recent reports of white-tailed deer deaths in western North Dakota could indicate the presence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease.

Dr. Dan Grove, State Game and Fish Department wildlife veterinarian, said the reports have characteristics similar to previous EHD events, and initial necropsy results on a freshly dead deer from Burleigh County indicate the potential presence of EHD.

“Deer losses to EHD occur periodically,” Grove said. “Sometimes the incidents are isolated and affect few animals, and in other cases the disease is spread over a large geographic region.”

As of Aug. 28, less than 20 dead deer have been reported to the department in three counties – Bowman, Grant and Burleigh. However, the typical range where EHD is found in North Dakota is southwest of the Missouri River, and in large outbreaks most counties in this region are affected. 

Game and Fish is urging bow hunters and elk hunters in the field in early September to report any observations of dead deer, Grove said, and to report locations quickly so biologists can gauge distribution and severity. “To isolate the EHD virus, the animal cannot have been dead for more than 24 hours,” he added.

Information needed from each report is the species, age, sex and location. “It would be nice if we could get the legal description of the land, or a GPS coordinate, and a photograph if possible,” Grove said. “At the very least, we will need the number of miles and direction from the closest town.” 

EHD primarily affects white-tailed deer, and is most noticeable in western North Dakota when high whitetail populations combine with a hot and humid late summer and early fall. Most deer that die from this are infected before the first hard frost, which kills the biting midges that spread the disease, Grove said.

The last time North Dakota had significant deer deaths from EHD was 2011.

EHD causes dehydration and a high body temperature, causing deer to seek water prior to death. Other clinical and behavior symptoms may include respiratory distress; swelling of head, neck, and tongue; lesions on tongue and roof of mouth; indifference to humans; and in later stages, hemorrhaging from body orifices.

EHD is not a danger to humans. However, hunters should not shoot or consume a deer if it appears sick.

Hunters should report any dead deer observations to the Game and Fish Department at ndgf@nd.gov, or (701) 328-6351. 

Related articles

• Fewer Antlerless Deer Licenses Available in most Michigan Regions for upcoming Season (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Deer Hunting News - Kansas (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)

North Dakota Deer Archery Season Opens Aug. 31

North Dakota’s deer archery season opens Friday, Aug. 31 at noon. Hunters must have an archery license to hunt during the bow season – there are no concurrent season deer gun licenses in 2012.

Bowhunters must follow all regulations of the managing agency when using tree stands on public hunting areas, including displaying the owner’s name, address and telephone number on tree stands left unattended on North Dakota Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas.

The Game and Fish Department annually receives inquiries from bowhunters regarding tree stands that are stolen, moved or tampered with. Tree stands are private property and theft constitutes a criminal violation that should be reported to the local sheriff's department.

Bowhunters are also reminded that hunting big game over bait is prohibited on both public and private land in deer units 3C, 3E1, 3E2, 3F1 and 3F2.

The archery season is open through Jan. 6, 2013. Hunters should refer to the 2012 deer hunting guide for season information and regulations.

Related articles

• South Dakota Archery Hunters Can Apply For Limited Access Permits In Sioux Falls, Blood Run And Adams Homestead (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• South Dakota: Archery, Muzzleloader, Youth Deer, Fall Turkey and Archery Antelope Hunting Seasons Finalized (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Bowhunters needed for MDC wildlife observation survey (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• North Dakota MULEY Day Camp Slated for July 14 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Tagged Salmon and Transported Geese in North Dakota (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

North Dakota Deer Application Deadline is June 6

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

North Dakota deer hunters are reminded the deadline for submitting applications for the 2012 gun season is June 6. Hunters are encouraged to apply online at the State Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov.

The deadline applies to muzzleloader, regular gun, gratis and nonresident landowner, and youth antlered mule deer applications (specifically for antlered mule deer in units 3B1, 3B2, and 4A-4F).

The deadline for regular statewide youth licenses is Sept. 1. In addition, the deadline for submitting an antlerless white-tailed deer gun application for ages 12 and 13 is Sept. 1. Hunters are reminded that completion of a hunter education course is required before applying.

Hunters who choose not to apply online can print out an application to mail at the Game and Fish Department website. Applications are also accepted by calling (800) 406-6409, and paper forms are available at county auditors, license vendors and Game and Fish offices.

Anyone mailing applications to the Game and Fish Department is advised to mail early because some post offices use the following day’s postmark for mail received after regular hours. The department’s online application feature will be deactivated June 6 at midnight.

Related articles

• North Dakota's Deer Season Set, Online Apps Available May 9

  ---

• North Dakota: Nonresident Any-Deer Bow Licenses Issued for 2012

  ---

• 2012 Kansas Nonresident Deer Application Deadline April 27

  ---

• North Dakota Fishing and Hunting Opportunities

  ---

North Dakota Game and Fish Advisory Board Meetings Announced

Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to attend a North Dakota Game and Fish Department advisory board meeting in their area.

These public meetings, held each spring and fall, provide citizens with an opportunity to discuss fish and wildlife issues and ask questions of their district advisors and agency personnel. One of the main agenda items for this round of advisory meetings is North Dakota deer management and possible deer gun license numbers for fall 2012.

The governor appoints eight Game and Fish Department advisors, each representing a multi-county section of the state, to serve as a liaison between the department and public.

Location map of North Dakota, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Any person who requires an auxiliary aid or service must notify the contact person at least five days prior to the scheduled meeting date.

District 3 – Counties: Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette and Towner

Date: April 9 – 7 p.m.

Location: Community Center, Leeds

Host: Leeds/York Wildlife Club

Contact: Rick Darling, 466-2436

Advisory board member: Tracy Gardner, Devils Lake, 662-5639

District 4 – Counties: Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina and Walsh

Date: April 10 – 7 p.m.

Location: Community Center, Minto

Host: Minto Sportsman’s Klub

Contact: Chris Misialek, 248-3978

Advisory board member: Ronald Houdek, Tolna, 262-4724

District 8 – Counties: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark

Date: April 10 – 7 p.m.

Location: High School, Beach

Host: Pheasants Forever

Contact: Misty Farnstrom, 872-4349

Advisory board member: Wayne Gerbig, Amidon, 879-6353

District 5 – Counties: Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele and Traill

Date: April 11 – 7 p.m.

Location: American Legion Hall, Finley

Host: Finley Wildlife Club

Contact: Brian Tuite, 789-0930

Advisory board member: Loran Palmer, West Fargo, 282-8479

District 1 – Counties: Divide, McKenzie and Williams

Date: April 11 – 7 p.m.

Location: Montana-Dakota Utilities, Williston

Host: Upper Missouri United Sportsmen

Contact: Wayne Aberle, 770-6902

Advisory board member: Jason Leiseth, Arnegard, 586-3714

District 6 – Counties: Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells

Date: April 12 – 7 p.m.

Location: Community Center, Litchville

Host: Litchville Wildlife Club

Contact: Joey Botner, 840-2286

Advisory board member: Joel Christoferson, Litchville, 973-4981

District 7 – Counties: Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux

Date: April 12 – 7 p.m.

Location: City Hall, New Salem    

Host: New Salem Wildlife Club

Contact: Gordonna Toepke, 843-7681

Advisory board member: Frank Kartch, Bismarck, 751-3414

District 2 – Counties: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward

Date: April 16 – 7 p.m.

Location: The Club (807 Highway 5 East), Mohall

Host: Mouse River Loop Pheasants

Contact: Brad Moberg, 263-7188

Advisory board member: Robert Gjellstad, Voltaire, 338-2281

Related articles

• North Dakota:Remaining Deer Samples Negative for CWD
• Deer Harvest Down in 2011
• North Dakota: Winter BOW Event Has Openings
• Youth Grant Program Recruits Young Hunters

• North Dakota: Nonresident Any-Deer Bow Licenses (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

ND Tentative 2012 Season Opening Dates

Image via Wikipedia

To help North Dakota hunters make vacation plans and lodging reservations for hunting seasons in 2012, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department annually provides tentative opening dates for the coming year.

Some popular hunting seasons will have opening day arrive nearly a week later in 2012 due to the calendar change. For example, opening day of pheasant season is always the second Saturday in October, which in 2012 is Oct. 13. Therefore, nonresidents will not be able to hunt on state wildlife management areas or Private Land Open To Sportsmen acres from Oct. 13-20.

The opening day for deer, which falls on the Friday prior to Veterans Day, is tentatively set for Nov. 9, the second Friday of November. Veterans Day in 2012 is Sunday, Nov. 11.

Dates become official when approved by governor’s proclamation. Tentative opening dates for 2012 include:

Spring Crow	March 10
Spring Turkey	April 14
Fall Crow	August 11
Deer Bow, Mountain Lion	August 31
Dove	September 1
Sharptail, Hun, Ruffed Grouse, Squirrel	September 8
Youth Deer	September 14
Youth Waterfowl, Sandhill Crane	September 15
Early Resident Waterfowl	September 22
Regular Waterfowl	September 29
Youth Pheasant	October 6
Pheasant, Fall Turkey	October 13
Mink, Muskrat, Weasel Trapping	October 27
Deer Gun	November 9
Deer Muzzleloader	November 30

Related articles

• North Dakota Mule Deer Production Lowest on Record (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• North Dakota: Residents Only on PLOTS, State WMAs (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• North Dakota Upcoming Outdoor Events (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• North Dakota- CWD Surveillance Continues (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• Ohio's Youth Deer-Gun Hunting Season Set for November 19-20 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)