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Tuesday, November 12th, 2024

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

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Tuesday, November 12th, 2024

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Doug Leier

Doug Leier: A look at how fishing has changed in North Dakota

I took a little good-natured ribbing from fisheries chief Greg Power for a column a little while back referencing his connection to our North Dakota fisheries dating back to Jimmy Carter, bell bottoms and disco music.
While it’s all in jest, the truth is history is one of the best teachers we have.
Power recently gave another history lesson in the March-April issue of North Dakota OUTDOORS. With 75-plus prairie lakes created in the past 20 or so years, coupled with North Dakota’s traditional waters — Sakakawea, Oahe and Devils Lake — fishing in recent years has likely never been better.

Doug Leier: A look at how fishing has changed in North Dakota Read More »

Bighorn sheep population trending upward in North Dakota

The fish and wildlife variety in North Dakota is impressive.
From paddlefish and pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River, to trophy catfish and the recent repopulation of sturgeon in the Red River. North Dakota is home to mountain lions, moose and elk, and also unique furbearers including river otters, fishers, bobcats and American martens.
While few outside of the state would recognize the variety, North Dakotans take pride in sharing the water and land with these unique residents. One of the more notable is the bighorn sheep.

Bighorn sheep population trending upward in North Dakota Read More »

Commentary: Changing technology and a new frontier in the great outdoors

Twenty years ago, I wrote a column about technology. It was inspired by a walk through an early-spring hunting and fishing expo. What I wrote then and what I’m thinking about today with forward-facing sonar and even more evolution really hasn’t changed much at all, has it?
Think back to your last trip outdoors with friends. Chances are, somebody brought along a smartphone. Another friend may have packed hand-held radios. And it wouldn’t be surprising if someone had a GPS unit mounted on the pickup dash or stored in a tackle box or backpack.

Commentary: Changing technology and a new frontier in the great outdoors Read More »

Framework for the 2024 deer gun season in North Dakota now set

The framework for the 2024 deer gun season in North Dakota has been set. The Game and Fish Department has made available 50,100 licenses to hunters, down 3,300 from last year. In addition, muzzleloader licenses decreased by 66 and restricted youth antlered mule deer licenses remained the same.
Total deer licenses are determined by harvest rates, aerial surveys, depredation reports, hunter observations, input at advisory board meetings, and comments from the public, landowners and department field staff.

Framework for the 2024 deer gun season in North Dakota now set Read More »

Research out of North Dakota aims to learn more about the mystery of martens

My first game warden station was in Bottineau, N.D. Having spent time there in junior college, the uniqueness of the Turtle Mountain’s fish, wildlife and habitat was part of the outdoors DNA, which gave north central North Dakota its own unique identity.
One of the few areas with huntable populations of ruffed grouse and the international shared waters of Lake Metigoshe was a draw for hunters, anglers and anyone who appreciates the array of species and opportunities.

Research out of North Dakota aims to learn more about the mystery of martens Read More »

Will North Dakota fishing stay hot in 2024 after what was called a record-breaking 2023 open-water season?

The open water fishing in North Dakota in 2023 was record breaking according to Greg Power, fisheries division chief, and hard water anglers were eager to see if the winter fishing would stay hot. 
“It was incredible how many calls we got … a lot of positive things were said about the walleye fishing in North Dakota in 2023,” Power said. “And it wasn’t any one water.”

Will North Dakota fishing stay hot in 2024 after what was called a record-breaking 2023 open-water season? Read More »

Latest survey reveals record 347 North Dakota bighorn sheep in state’s western grasslands

Two of the most popular species with hunting seasons in North Dakota include harvest numbers you can count on your hands or hands and toes. I’m talking about mountain lions and bighorn sheep.
These two unique species capture the interest of hunters and non-hunters alike. While over 20,000 applications were received for the half dozen bighorn sheep tags, mountain lion hunting is open to individuals with a furbearer tag but limited to one per season.
The Game and Fish Department’s bighorn sheep survey, completed by recounting lambs, revealed a record 347 bighorn sheep in the grasslands of western North Dakota.

Latest survey reveals record 347 North Dakota bighorn sheep in state’s western grasslands Read More »

North Dakota’s firearms deer season opens Nov. 10: Here are answers to hunters’ frequently asked questions

Each deer season is unique. It’s part of what creates the hunting heritage as you reconnect with the same hunting crew at deer camp each year. But no matter how hard you try, there’s bound to be a little different twist each year. A new member joining the crew or, unfortunately, one missing.
While the weather, habitat and field conditions are also bound to change, some of the usual questions arise each year. Here’s a few answers to some of the annual frequently asked questions.

North Dakota’s firearms deer season opens Nov. 10: Here are answers to hunters’ frequently asked questions Read More »

Here’s how to get your deer tested for CWD in North Dakota

If your deer hunting unit is under a chronic wasting disease hunting restriction, if you want to know if the deer you’ve taken had CWD or you are concerned with the future of North Dakota’s deer herd, you should make plans to get your deer tested by the Game and Fish Department.
While there is currently no scientific evidence CWD can pass from deer to humans, wouldn’t you feel better knowing the deer you harvested and ate tested negative? If you want to help biologists track the prevalence and surveillance of this always fatal disease, why not drop off the head or get a handy self sampling kit?

Here’s how to get your deer tested for CWD in North Dakota Read More »

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