Game & Fish Update

Spring Turkey Season Set, Applications Available
North Dakota’s wild turkey population continues to do well in much of the state, allowing the state Game and Fish Department to make available a record number of licenses for the spring hunting season, according to Stan Kohn, upland game bird biologist.

A total of 6,425 wild turkey licenses are available, an increase of 260 from last year. Nine units have more licenses available than last year, while only one unit has fewer.

This marks the third consecutive year the Game and Fish Department has set a record number of licenses for the spring season, Kohn said, due to a strong statewide population. “The only exception this year is in Dunn County,” Kohn said, “and licenses reflect this.”

Hunters can apply online, or print out an application to mail, at the department website, gf.nd.gov. Anyone who applies online and provides an email address will receive an email from the department with results once the drawing has been held.

Lottery and gratis applications are available at game and fish offices, county auditor offices and license vendors. Persons can also apply by calling 800-406-6409. A $4 service charge is added with this feature.

Applications for the spring season must be postmarked no later than Feb. 15. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply. The spring turkey season runs from April 8 through May 14.

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Spring Light Goose Season Opens Feb. 18
North Dakota’s spring light goose season opens Feb. 18, and hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program before venturing out into the field.

Residents can hunt during the spring season by having last fall’s 2005-06 bird licenses. Otherwise, hunters will need to purchase either a 2006-07 combination license; or a small game, and general game and habitat license. Licenses are available only from the Game and Fish Department’s Bismarck office, the department’s website at gf.nd.gov, or by calling 800-406-6409.

Those purchasing a license are able to register with HIP at that time. Otherwise, hunters should call 888-634-4798. The HIP number is good for the fall season as well, so spring hunters should save it to record on their fall license.

Nonresidents need a 2006 spring light goose season license. The cost is $50 and the license is good statewide. Nonresidents who hunt the spring season remain eligible to buy a fall season license. The spring season does not count against the 14-day fall hunting season regulation.

A federal duck stamp is not required of either residents or nonresidents.

The spring season is only open to light geese – snows, blues, and Ross’. Species identification is important because white-fronted and Canada geese travel with light geese. The season is closed to whitefronts, Canada geese, swans and all other migratory birds.

The statewide season is open through May 7. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. There is no daily bag limit or possession limit. Electronic and recorded calls as well as shotguns capable of holding more than three shells may be used to take light geese during this season.

There are no waterfowl rest areas designated for the spring season. Hunters should note that private land within the waterfowl rest areas closed last fall may be posted closed to hunting.

Non-toxic shot is required for hunting all light geese statewide. Driving off established roads and trails is strongly discouraged during this hunt because of the likelihood of soft, muddy conditions. To maintain good landowner relations, hunters are advised to seek permission before hunting on private lands or attempting any off-road travel during this season.

All regular hunting season regulations not addressed above apply to the spring season. For more information on regulations refer to the 2005 North Dakota Waterfowl Hunting Guide.