North Dakota Outdoors: It's That Time of the Year

Twice each year, North Dakota Game and Fish Department staff gather at agency headquarters in Bismarck. One meeting takes place in August before most hunting seasons open, while the other is held in early December after most popular seasons close.

These staff meetings are a great opportunity for wildlife and fisheries biologists, game wardens and others to meet face to face and learn about issues or concerns between divisions and from different parts of the state.

As an outreach biologist in eastern North Dakota, I look with great anticipation to the chance to mix and mingle with temporary employees, and people from Williston to Devils Lake. Just how are anglers and staff impacted by excessively low Missouri River water levels near Williston? How many yellow triangular PLOTS signs are being feverishly pounded into the rock-hard soil of central North Dakota?

As one can imagine, there’s no shortage of formal and informal topics and it’s all good. Ranging from the effects of ongoing drought on fisheries, wildlife and hunting, to plans for a mountain lion season and results from a State Wildlife Grant project that provides insight into previously limited turtle data from the Missouri River, and plans to continue studying otter populations expanding in North Dakota waters.

At the recent summer meeting, a couple of items stood out. First, it’s no secret that Missouri River flows and levels of lakes Sakakawea and Oahe are in dire shape. For me, understanding the equation of how low water is affecting smelt, the prime forage of walleye and other predatory fish, underscored the incredible fishing that Lake Sakakawea has provided the past few years.

As a matter of fact, it was pointed out that decreased smelt production means fish that are hungry. Fish living in Lake Sakakawea are on the prowl and that has meant an increased catch rate for anglers. Essentially, the fishing is great, but that doesn’t tell the complete story.

Walleye size and length ratio or growth rates are declining. So while anglers are happy with plentiful fish, the future is not as bright as the smiles behind the pictures on boats and at cleaning stations.

I’m not trying to say the sky is falling, but what is certain is that continued low lake levels are not good, and it’s unknown how long the great fishery can withstand depleted forage. Time will tell.

As North Dakota embarks on a fall hunting season, there’s no shortage of topics and issues, and rest assured we’ll spell them out in coming weeks. From the annual staff meeting, I wanted to pass along the optimism carried by most staff members followed with a request for assistance.

Indications are that most game populations are in good shape, despite the stress of a few months of drought. Ducks, deer, goose and pheasant hunting will provide an array of opportunity.

That said, even with higher gas prices, hunters will travel from east to west and south to north in coming months. The track record for hunters is stellar when it comes to obeying rules and warnings regarding off-trail vehicular travel. As you take to the field this fall, make sure you and your hunting group are aware of the latest fire danger index, and be prepared to report any fires that you might encounter.

Leier is a biologist with the Game and Fish Department. He can be reached by email: dleier@nd.gov