Articles written by North Dakota Game & Fish Department


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  • Put Garbage Where it Belongs

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Jun 24, 2020

    The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds outdoor recreationists to keep it clean this summer by packing out all trash. All garbage, including used fireworks, should be placed in a proper trash receptacle. If trash cans aren’t available, or are full, take the trash and dispose of it at home. It is not uncommon to see garbage piling up around full trash containers. Styrofoam containers are not biodegradable, but are often found wedged in cattails, drifting or washed up on shore. Tires, mattresses and kitchen appliances have found t...

  • WMA Regulations Prohibit Fireworks, Camping Restrictions Lifted for Holiday

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Jun 24, 2020

    The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds citizens that possession or use of fireworks on state wildlife management areas is prohibited. The primary objective of a wildlife management area is to enhance wildlife production, provide hunting and fishing opportunities, and offer other outdoor recreational and educational uses that are compatible with these objectives. Only activities that would not disrupt the intentions of how these areas are managed are encouraged, and a fireworks display is not compatible. In addition, the Game and...

  • North Dakota Fish House Regulations

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Dec 13, 2017

    Winter anglers are reminded that any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made out of materials that will allow it to float. A popular question this time of year is if campers qualify as legal fish houses. The answer is the same for any structure taken on the ice – if it's left unattended, it must be able to float; if it's not able to float, it must be removed when the angler leaves the ice. Other fish house regulations include: - Fish houses do not require a license. - O...

  • Deer Season Questions and Answers

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Nov 1, 2017

    Every year the North Dakota Game and Fish Department receives questions from deer hunters who want to clarify rules and regulations. Some common questions are listed below. Hunters with further questions are encouraged to call the Game and Fish Department at 701-328-6300, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays, or access the hunting and trapping link at the department’s website, gf.nd.gov. What licenses do I need for deer gun season? A fishing, hunting, and furbearer certificate, the general game and habitat stamp or a combination license, and the dee...

  • National Campaign Focuses on Boating Under the Influence

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Jun 28, 2017

    The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will again participate in Operation Dry Water as part of a nationally coordinated effort to increase knowledge about the dangers of boating under the influence. The goal is to reduce the number of accidents and deaths associated with alcohol and drug use on our waterways. Operation Dry Water weekend, June 30-July 2, is the national weekend of heightened enforcement effort directed at boating under the influence laws and recreational boater outreach....

  • Fireworks Prohibited on Wildlife Management Areas

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Jun 28, 2017

    The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds citizens that possession or use of fireworks on state wildlife management areas is prohibited. The primary objective of a wildlife management area is to enhance wildlife production, provide hunting and fishing opportunities, and offer other outdoor recreational and educational uses. Only activities that would not disrupt the intentions of how these areas are managed are encouraged, and a fireworks display is not compatible. Excessive noise and commotion that come with fireworks disturbs...

  • Hunter Education Classes in 2015

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Dec 31, 2014

    Students interested in taking a hunter education class in 2015 should visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov for a statewide list of courses. Many classes will be added over the next several weeks, and the rest will be added throughout the year as they are finalized. To register, click on the online services tab, and “online course enrollment” under the hunter education heading. Classes are listed by city, and can also be sorted by start date. To register for a class, click on “enroll” next to the specific class,...

  • Hunter Education Classes in 2015

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Dec 24, 2014

    Students interested in taking a hunter education class in 2015 should visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov for a statewide list of courses. Many classes will be added over the next several weeks, and the rest will be added throughout the year as they are finalized. To register, click on the online services tab, and “online course enrollment” under the hunter education heading. Classes are listed by city, and can also be sorted by start date. To register for a class, click on “enroll” next to the specific class,...

  • Coyote Catalog Available for Hunters, Landowners

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Dec 24, 2014

    The Coyote Catalog, a statewide effort connecting coyote hunters and trappers with landowners who want fewer coyotes in their areas, has been reopened by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. “I encourage landowners, especially farmers and ranchers who have problems with coyote depredation, to sign up for the Coyote Catalog,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “Hunting and trapping are valuable tools in managing these predators.” This past season, 74 landowners signed up for the Coy...

  • Game Warden Exam Dec. 29

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Dec 24, 2014

    Individuals interested in taking the game warden exam scheduled for Dec. 29 are reminded to register by submitting an online application through the North Dakota State Job Openings website. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a bachelor’s degree. Other requirements are a current North Dakota peace officer license, or eligibility for a license, and a valid driver’s license. Candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills in communications and writing, and must not have a record of any felony convictions. Game wardens enf...

  • Hunter Education Classes in 2015

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Dec 17, 2014

    Students interested in taking a hunter education class in 2015 should visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov for a statewide list of courses. Many classes will be added over the next several weeks, and the rest will be added throughout the year as they are finalized. To register, click on the online services tab, and “online course enrollment” under the hunter education heading. Classes are listed by city, and can also be sorted by start date. To register for a class, click on “enroll” next to the specific class,...

  • Winter Anglers Reminded to Clean Up Ice

    The North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Dec 10, 2014

    The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds winter anglers to clean up the ice after fishing. This not only applies to trash, but fish as well. It is not only unsightly, but it is illegal to leave fish behind on the ice. According to the fishing proclamation, when a fish is caught anglers must either immediately release the fish back into the water unharmed, or reduce them to their daily possession. It is common practice for some anglers to fillet fish on the ice, but if they don’t clean up after themselves, it’s a problem. “When fish...

  • Ice Awareness for Hunters, Anglers

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Nov 26, 2014

    Winter anglers and late-season hunters are reminded to consider ice conditions before traveling onto and across North Dakota lakes, as most small and mid-sized waters currently give the appearance of safe foot travel. State Game and Fish Department boat and water safety coordinator Nancy Boldt said ice thickness is never consistent, especially this time of the year, and can vary significantly within a few inches. “The edges become firm before the center,” Boldt said. “So, with your first step the ice might seem like it is strong enough, but i...

  • Darkhouse Spearfishing

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Nov 26, 2014

    North Dakota’s darkhouse spearfishing season opens on most state waters December 1. The season extends through March 15. Legal fish are northern pike and nongame species. Darkhouse spearing is allowed for all residents with a valid fishing license and for residents under age 16. Nonresidents may darkhouse spearfish in North Dakota if they are from states that offer the same privilege for North Dakota residents. All individuals who participate in darkhouse spearfishing must register with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department prior to p...

  • Sportsmen Against Hunger Accepting Goose Meat

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Oct 8, 2014

    North Dakota’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program can now accept donations of Canada geese taken during the regular waterfowl hunting season. Previously, the program could accept snow, blue and Rossís geese during the regular season, but Canada goose donations were only allowed during the early Canada goose season. This new opportunity for hunters to donate goose meat is part of a two-year pilot program between the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In the past couple of years we have heard from many hu...

  • Camping Restrictions on Some North Dakota WMAs

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Apr 23, 2014

    The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will continue to implement camping restrictions on some wildlife management areas in western North Dakota and along Lake Sakakawea. Overnight camping is prohibited on the following WMAs: Antelope Creek, Lewis and Clark, Big Oxbow, Ochs Point, Neu’s Point (except campers accessing by boat, and only at the point area), Overlook, Sullivan and Tobacco Garden in McKenzie County; Van Hook in Mountrail County; and Hofflund and Trenton in Williams County. Lewis and Clark WMA is closed from one hour after s...

  • Free Fishing Days – June 1-2

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|May 29, 2013

    North Dakota Anglers are reminded they can fish for free June 1-2. That is the weekend North Dakota residents may fish without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. Refer to the 2012-2014 North Dakota Fishing Guide for season information....

  • Whooping Crane Migration

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Apr 3, 2013

    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 birds as they move through the state is asked to report sightings so the birds can be tracked. Whoopers stand about five feet tall and have a wingspan of about seven feet from tip to tip. They are bright white with black wing tips, which are visible only when the wings are outspread. In flight they extend their long necks straight forward, while their long, slender...

  • Game & Fish Advisory Board Meetings Set

    North Dakota Game and Fish Department|Mar 27, 2013

    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. In addition, prior to each meeting this spring, Game and Fish along with other conservation partners, will hold an informational session for landowners interested in qualifying land for the Conservation Reserve Program general signup May...