The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual aerial pronghorn survey will begin July 1 and is scheduled to be completed within two weeks. During the survey period, small airplanes will sometimes fly low over some parts of western North Dakota. The survey determines pronghorn abundance, herd demographics and fawn production. This data is used to set the number of licenses for the fall hunting season.
Anglers Encouraged to Report Tagged Fish
Anglers can help fisheries managers by reporting information on tagged fish.
Most tagged fish in North Dakota, except salmon, will have either a metal tag on the jawbone or a small tag attached near the dorsal fin. Tagged salmon have their adipose fin removed and also have a microscopic coded wire tag embedded in their head. Anglers are asked to drop their tagged salmon heads off at Game and Fish offices in Riverdale or Bismarck so that biologists can remove the tag and read it.
North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries biologists say it’s imperative anglers report tagged fish from whatever waters they are fishing in, no matter if they end up in livewells or back in the lake. Anglers are also encouraged to treat tagged fish just like they would treat any other fish they might have caught. Anglers practicing catch-and-release should record the tag number before releasing the fish.
Anglers are asked to record the tag number and report that along with the date and location the fish was caught, approximate size and whether the fish was harvested or released. Tagged fish can be reported on the Game and Fish Department’s website, Home | North Dakota Game and Fish, or call the Department’s main office in Bismarck at 701-328-6300.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department encourages boaters to plan accordingly when launching and loading a boat.
Here are a few simple reminders to ensure a fluent transition at the ramp.
Launching -- Don't pull onto the ramp until your boat is ready to launch. Prepare for launching in the parking area. Remove covers, load equipment, remove tie downs, attach lines and put in drain plug before backing onto the ramp. When ready, pull in line to launch. Wait your turn. Be courteous.
Loading -- Don't block the loading area with your boat until your tow vehicle is ready to load. Wait until you are clear of the launch area to unload gear. As soon as your trailer is in the water, load and secure your boat to the trailer. Remove boat and trailer from the water as quickly as possible. Get clear of the ramp. Pull into the parking area to finish securing your boat, unload gear, drain all water and inspect for and removing any vegetation. Remember to leave plugs out when transporting your boat.
Wildlife conservationists in North Dakota and elsewhere applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act earlier this month, lauding the landmark legislation as the most significant investment in wildlife conservation in a generation. If approved by the Senate, RAWA will provide unprecedented levels of funding for states, along with tribal nations, to conserve and recover imperiled wildlife and plant species.
According to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, RAWA would strengthen the nation’s conservation legacy by dedicating $1.3 billion annually for state-level conservation and $97.5 million to tribal nations to recover and sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations. The funds will be used to accelerate the recovery of the more than 12,000 species of greatest conservation need across the country by implementing strategies identified in each state’s federally approved State Wildlife Action Plan.
If approved as is, it’s estimated that North Dakota could receive about $15 million annually in dedicated wildlife funding. Jeb Williams, North Dakota Game and Fish Department director, said that while RAWA passing the House was momentous, he understands the hurdles the bill must clear to become reality.
“The Senate will now be the next step in the process and discussion continues amongst leadership on the importance of this funding,” he said. “We have 115 species of conservation priority in North Dakota and the backbone of RAWA is to give extra attention to those species, so they don’t become threatened or endangered.”
