Updated Waterfowl Report - Last For The Season

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Nov. 21, 2007

N.D. STILL HAS DUCKS AND GEESE, SAYS USFWS

Diehard waterfowl hunters can still find some good hunting opportunities in North Dakota. According to the final weekly report of the season from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hunters able to find open water could encounter good numbers of ducks or geese. However, even those birds could quickly disappear.

More than 100,000 snow geese remained at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare early this week. Manager Dan Severson says the refuge was also holding 5,000 Canada geese and fewer than 5,000 ducks.

Most of the 200,000 snow geese that stopped in the Crosby and Noonan areas last weekend have departed. Manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District estimated only about 10,000 snow geese remained near Crosby at mid-week.

Waterfowl numbers in Mountrail County have dropped to almost nothing.
Biologist Mike Graue of Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge says there may be a few birds in the Powers Lake area or on bigger water in the southern part of the county, but hunting opportunities are very limited.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge held 200,000 snow geese early this week. The refuge, located northwest of Minot, also had more than 10,000 ducks and about 1,000 tundra swans. Law enforcement officer Shawn Tripp expects the lake to freeze over by next week.

J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge in north-central North Dakota was “pretty quiet” at mid-week. Biologist Todd Grant says a few ducks, Canada geese and tundra swans remain, but most of the snow geese have moved on.

Most of the large flocks of snow geese that visited northeastern North Dakota last week have moved on. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District reports a few Canada geese lingering in the area, and some scaup on larger bodies of water, but not much else.

Early this week, the area around Audubon National Wildlife Refuge was boasting of some of the best snow goose numbers of the season. Biologist Craig Hultberg says most large bodies of water are holding geese, but few ducks are being found.

Some harvested fields in Wells and Stutsman counties still have huntable numbers of ducks and geese. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District reported quite a few open wetlands early this week.

Large flocks of snow geese were seen early this week in southwestern and northwestern Barnes County. Manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District adds that some scattered groups of mallards were showing up on large wetlands and in harvested corn fields. Hunters were encountering a few scattered flocks of Canada geese.

Large numbers of snow geese were hanging around south-central North Dakota. Deputy refuge manager Travis Carpenter of the Kulm Wetland Management District says harvested corn fields in Dickey and McIntosh counties were especially attractive to snow geese, but good numbers could be found elsewhere. However, he notes that most ducks have moved out of the area.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding areas held good numbers of birds early this week. Biologist Paulette Scherr estimated 34,000 mallards, more than 5,000 snow geese, at least 3,000 Canada geese and 350 tundra swans early this week. She adds that the area between Carrington and the refuge held up to 500,000 snow geese, about 300 Canada geese and more than 10,000 mallards in several huge flocks.

Southeastern North Dakota continues to offer good waterfowl hunting opportunities. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge suggests hunters try the Kraft Slough and Milnor areas. She says good numbers of snow geese, mallards and Canada geese remain, but will be moving to bigger water soon.

Northern Burleigh County held quite a few snow geese early this week. Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge biologist Mike Rabenberg says northern Burleigh and Kidder counties also have some scattered pockets of scaup, canvasbacks, redheads and mallards, while the refuge was still holding up to 5,000 Canada geese, some white-fronted geese and about 5,000 snow geese early this week.

Waterfowl numbers are fluctuating at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern South Dakota. Biologist Bill Schultze says the number of snow geese has dropped from 380,000 last week to 250,000 early this week. The tundra swan population at the refuge has dipped from 2,400 to 1,800, but the number of ducks has jumped to 160,000 from 125,000 last week, and Canada geese increased from 4,000 last week to 5,000. Schultze notes that all area wetlands were open early this week, but cold temperatures being forecast could ice things over and drive out most waterfowl.

Deer hunters are reminded that some portions of national wildlife refuges may be closed. They are encouraged to check at refuge headquarters if they are unsure.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Nov. 14, 2007

STILL SOME GOOD WATERFOWL HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES, SAYS USFWS

Recent warm temperatures have encouraged some ducks and geese to remain in North Dakota beyond their typical departure date. However, this week’s report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the birds could be on their way out any day now.

Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare has posted a large increase in snow goose numbers, but manager Dan Severson says strong winds and colder temperatures could force them out. He observed snow geese migrating out of Canada on Tuesday, and reported up to 300,000 on the refuge on Wednesday (Nov.14). Another 10,000 mallards and 3,000 Canada geese were also using the refuge at mid-week.

About 100,000 snow geese were still present in Divide County at mid-week, split between the Crosby and Noonan areas. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District says very few ducks and Canada geese remained, although both were present in large numbers just across the border in Canada, and they occasionally come south to feed.

Some good opportunities remain in Mountrail County for hunters willing to spend some time scouting. Biologist Nate Carle of Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge says waterfowl numbers are down, but he reports flocks of up to 1,500 mallards on some wetlands, plus a few flocks of 10,000-15,000 snow geese. Carle notes that recent warm temperatures reopened many wetlands.

About 100,000 snow geese have made their way to Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Minot. Biologist Duane Anderson says the refuge was also holding 2,000 Canada geese, about 15,000 ducks–mostly mallards–and 500 tundra swans at mid-week. He warns that strong northwesterly winds and colder temperatures may drive many of the birds out.

North-central North Dakota held large numbers of snow geese late last week, but most fed for a day and then moved on. Biologist Todd Grant of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says three days of strong northwest winds early this week pushed most birds out. The return of cold temperatures is expected to ice over most wetlands.

Northeastern North Dakota may be witnessing the final stage of the waterfowl migration. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District reports seeing large flocks of snow geese scattered throughout the area. She is also finding large rafts or scaup and other diving ducks on deeper water. Dixon notes that most corn has been harvested, presenting additional field hunting opportunities.

Large numbers of mallards have gathered on big wetlands north of Valley City, with smaller numbers to the south. Biologist Matt VanThuyne of the Valley City Wetland Management District also reports good-sized flocks of snow geese west of Litchville. He says some diving ducks have also moved into the area. VanThuyne believes the best opportunities are for field hunters.

Good numbers of snow geese and Canada geese have reached Sargent and Ransom counties. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge says some mallards are spread out through much of southeastern North Dakota, but no large numbers of diving ducks are being reported. She suggests hunters try the Kraft Slough area, as well as the Milnor and Oakes areas.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge was holding up to 10,000 mallards at mid-week, but only 2,000 Canada geese, 500 tundra swans and very few snow geese. Biologist Paulette Scherr says she found several large flocks of up to 1,000 mallards, some scaup and some huge flocks of snow geese in the area south of Carrington

Hunters were reporting large concentrations of snow geese in Dickey and McIntosh counties early this week. Deputy refuge manager Travis Carpenter of the Kulm Wetland Management District says good numbers of mallards are being found in harvested corn fields, and some gadwalls and shovelers are still around.

Wells and Stutsman counties still have plenty of ducks and some snow geese. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District says the corn harvest is about 90 percent complete, and warmer temperatures last week opened most wetlands.

Large numbers of snow geese were reported early this week near Dawson and on the Kidder-Stutsman county line to the east. Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge manager Paul VanNingen says hunters should also be able to find Canada geese and some pockets of mallards. He notes that the recent warm temperatures opened many wetlands, and the progress of the corn harvest has resulted in more places for waterfowl to feed.

Hunters were still encountering fair numbers of snow geese and Canada geese at mid-week near Audubon National Wildlife Refuge. Biologist Chad Klindtworth reports open water and flocks of snow geese scattered in east-central McLean County, but very few ducks. There was an unconfirmed report of three whooping cranes near Turtle Lake on Nov. 7.

Snow geese continue to pour into Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen, S.D. Biologist Bill Schultze says the refuge’s snow goose population jumped from 220,000 last week to 380,000 on Wednesday (Nov.14). 

Wetlands opened up during the past week, but the number of ducks using them has decreased. Schultze pegs the refuge’s duck population at 125,000, but says the number of Canada geese in the area has dropped from 5,000 to 4,000, while the tundra swan population held steady at 2,400.

Law enforcement officers remind waterfowl hunters they must have a signed migratory bird hunting stamp, or duck stamp, in their possession.

Deer hunters should remember that some portions of national wildlife refuges may be closed. They are encouraged to check at refuge headquarters if they are unsure.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov 

Media Contact: For more information, call the managers and biologists listed.
Note: The Nov. 21 waterfowl report will likely be the final one.

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Nov. 7, 2007

COLD TEMPS MOVE WATERFOWL; SOME GOOD HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN

Cold temperatures and strong winds have driven many ducks and geese out of North Dakota, but hunting opportunities remain good in some parts of the state and excellent in others. However, the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service warns that the birds could move out quickly.

Some of the best duck hunting opportunities are in southeastern North Dakota. Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Kristine Askerooth says mallards have been moving into the area since the weekend. She reports flocks of more than 5,000 mallards feeding in harvested fields near Milnor, Forman, Hankinson and south of Lidgerwood. Askerooth notes there has been an increase in the numbers of Canada geese, but no large flocks of snow geese and few divers. She says the thin ice that forms overnight on small wetlands has been melting off by noon on most days.

A lot of snow geese have reached northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says additional mallards have been moving in, and she is also seeing large rafts of scaup and other diving ducks on Devils Lake. However, cold overnight temperatures are icing over many wetlands.

Large numbers of snow geese have moved through northwestern North Dakota this week. Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District says the Noonan area had about 100,000 snow geese on Monday, but was down to 30,000 the next day. The Crosby area held another 50,000. Kessler reports the single-digit overnight temperatures have frozen nearly all the wetlands, and virtually no ducks remain. He says very few small groups of Canada geese and tundra swans have been seen on ice on a few wetlands.

Many of the snow geese that arrived at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare in late October have moved on. Refuge manager Dan Severson estimates the refuge was holding about 20,000 snow geese at mid-week, along with 2,000 Canada geese and up to 20,000 ducks. He says the ducks are almost all mallards. Severson warns that the numbers are changing daily, and most lakes are frozen over.

The hard freeze early this week forced most waterfowl out of Mountrail County. Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge operations specialist Chad Zorn says a few pockets of ducks and swans remain, but hunting opportunities are extremely limited.

Most ducks and tundra swans have left Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Minot, but snow goose numbers may have seen an increase at mid-week. Manager Tom Pabian believes the refuge was holding at least 40,000 snow geese–with large groups at opposite ends of the refuge. Another 2,000 Canada geese remain.

Fair numbers of ducks and geese remained on Audubon National Wildlife Refuge near Coleharbor at mid-week. Wetland manager Kathy Baer says northern Sheridan County is holding large numbers of snow geese–both on the remaining open water and in harvested fields.

Cold temperatures and strong winds have moved many birds out of the Valley City area, but average numbers remain. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District reports seeing some large groups of Canada geese and scattered groups of snow geese, as well as increasing numbers of diving ducks on large wetlands. He says most of the crops in his five-county district are off, and birds are feeding in harvested corn fields.

Hunters are finding large flocks of mallards in harvested corn fields in Dickey, LaMoure, Logan and McIntosh counties. Refuge manager Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says some Canada geese remain in the area, and flocks of snow geese are moving into and through the area.

Most of the geese have migrated out, but good numbers of mallards remain at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge north of Jamestown. Biologist Paulette Scherr believes the refuge and surrounding areas are holding 13,000 mallards, but only 1,000 or so Canada geese, about 1,000 snow geese and 800 tundra swans. She suggests hunters head for big water and follow the birds. Scherr notes food supplies are plentiful, but wetlands are icing over rapidly.

The cold nights have chased many of the ducks and geese out of Wells and Stutsman counties. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District says the corn harvest is progressing well, presenting fair opportunities for hunters seeking the remaining mallards. He also reports a good snow goose movement through the area. However, Flann says most ducks are gone and many wetlands are freezing.

Colder temperatures have driven most of the ducks and geese out of Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties, although several thousand snow geese arrived at mid-week. Refuge manager Paul VanNingen says the refuge is also holding some Canada geese, tundra swans and a few diving ducks, but most have moved to larger, deeper water. He warns sandhill crane hunters there was a confirmed sighting of five whooping cranes near Wing early this week.

The number of snow geese at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen, S.D. has almost tripled from last week. Biologist Bill Schultze says the refuge was holding 220,000 snow geese, along with 5,000 Canada geese, about 125,000 ducks and 2,400 tundra swans at mid-week. He reports mallards continue to be the dominant duck species, with some pintails, gadwalls and green-winged teal, although a few small flocks of lesser scaup have arrived. Schultze says some of the smaller wetlands have frozen over, but he believes the larger ones will remain open.

Anyone witnessing a wildlife violation is urged to call the Report All Poachers hotline at 800-472-2121. Callers can remain anonymous and could receive a reward.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Oct. 31, 2007

WATERFOWL NUMBERS INCREASING; SOME FLYING THROUGH THE STATE

Hunters in many parts of North Dakota can expect to see increased numbers of waterfowl. The weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows greater numbers of ducks and geese have entered the state. However, many birds remain in Canada and could stay until wintry weather drives them out.

Waterfowl populations have taken a big jump at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare. Manager Dan Severson says the increase started late last week, and figures from early this week show 70,000 snow geese, some 4,000 Canada geese and up to 20,000 ducks on the refuge. He explains that most of the ducks are mallards located on the lower half of the refuge, but adds the northern half has also seen an increase. Severson says white-fronted geese are continuing to migrate through the area, with some stopping at the refuge before moving on. About 500 tundra swans continue to use the refuge.

About 100,000 snow geese have reached northeastern Divide County. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District says the birds are primarily on lakes north of Noonan and south of Crosby. He notes that large groups of Canada geese and snow geese are being reported just north of the border in Saskatchewan. Kessler says ducks are hard to find in northwestern North Dakota, and hunters report just a few scattered small groups of giant Canada geese. The area continues to attract whooping cranes, with three of the protected birds reported early this week.

Large rafts of dabbling ducks are being reported on bigger lakes in Mountrail County. Biologist Connie Mueller of Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge also noted a slight increase in the number of diving ducks, with scaup and ring-necked ducks showing the largest gains.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge reports a steady increase in the number of snow geese on the refuge located northwest of Minot. Biologist Duane Anderson estimates that there are close to 40,000 snow geese on the refuge, along with 2,000 Canada geese and 20,000 ducks–including more diving ducks. The refuge’s tundra swan population has grown to 1,500, most of which are on the upper end of Lake Darling.

Staff members at J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge in north-central North Dakota are hearing reports of large numbers of snow geese just 20 miles into Canada, but very few birds have reached the refuge. Manager Gary Erickson says the area was very quiet at mid-week.

A lot of ducks and geese moved through central North Dakota late last week and early this week, but only 10,000 have stayed at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge. Biologist Craig Hultberg says most of the migrants simply stayed a few days and then took off. He believes hunters will encounter few opportunities until wintry weather brings the next wave of birds out of Canada.

Hunters are finding large flocks of snow geese moving into northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says a few large flocks of mallards are also being reported, but many wetlands are drying up, and hunters will have to do some scouting to find birds. Dixon adds the corn harvest is going strong, presenting additional opportunities for field hunters. A few more flocks of lesser Canada geese are being seen, and additional diving ducks are showing up around Lake Alice.

Waterfowl numbers are holding steady at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge north of Jamestown. Wetland manager Stacy Whipp says a staff member reported hearing snow geese going over the area on Tuesday night, but on-the-ground numbers have changed little.

Hunters in Wells and Stutsman counties are finding more concentrations of mallards. Biologist Andy Jewett of Chase Lake Wetland Management District reports more diving ducks in northern Wells County, and quite a few giant Canada geese on large bodies of water. However, not many snow geese have arrived in the area.

A lot of mallards have moved into the counties surrounding Valley City. Biologist Matt VanThuyne of the Valley City Wetland Management District says southwestern Barnes County should offer the best hunting opportunities, but hunters should do well throughout the five-county district. He adds the harvest is progressing, and hunters are finding large flocks of mallards in harvested fields. On the other hand, VanThuyne says he has not seen many diving ducks yet.

The southeastern corner of North Dakota has attracted more waterfowl. Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Kristine Askerooth reports seeing flocks of 500-1,000 ducks, plus lesser Canada geese and a few scattered flocks of more than 5,000 snow geese. She cautions that good water conditions mean the birds are spread out and hunters will have to scout.

Snow geese, mallards, lesser Canada geese and white-fronted geese are showing up in greater numbers in southeast central North Dakota. Refuge manager Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says the migration has begun, and the birds are spread out throughout his four-county district. He also reports crop harvesting operations are in full swing.

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties posted steady or declining waterfowl populations this week. Biologist Mike Rabenberg says only a few hundred sandhill cranes remain on the refuge, along with about 1,000 Canada geese and perhaps 5,000 ducks. He has noticed an increase in the number of mallards, plus more canvasbacks and goldeneyes. Rabenberg says northern Burleigh and Kidder counties are starting to pick up additional snow geese and lesser Canada geese.

For the second week in a row, waterfowl numbers have posted large increases at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen, S.D. The snow goose population has jumped from 12,000 last week to 80,000. Refuge biologist Bill Schultze says mallards are the dominant species in the 130,000 ducks on the refuge, but there are still good numbers of pintails and green-winged teal. He did not notice an increase in diving ducks in the past week. The population of Canada geese has grown from 3,500 last week to 5,000 and they are scattered throughout the refuge. Most of the 2,750 tundra swans on the refuge are in northern Sand Lake. Schultze adds the area crop harvest is progressing well, with more than half of the operation completed.

Hunters using waterfowl production areas are reminded that their vehicles are restricted to established trails.

Anyone witnessing a wildlife violation is urged to call the Report All Poachers hotline at 800-472-2121. Callers can remain anonymous and could receive a reward.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Oct. 24, 2007

WATERFOWL MIGRATION PICKING UP; USFWS SAYS WHOOPERS ARE HERE, TOO

Strong northerly winds early this week moved large numbers of ducks and geese into North Dakota, but the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that many of them kept going. Hunters are urged to be on the lookout for whooping cranes, after at least five sightings were reported in recent days.

A major waterfowl migration has been taking place in northwestern North Dakota. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District says strong northwest winds pushed major flights of snow geese, white-fronted geese and sandhill cranes through the area. At mid-week, Kessler reported 5,000 snow geese south of Crosby, another 10,000 north of Noonan and an additional 1,000 near Lignite. No large groups of ducks have been noted, but Kessler says there should be increases in some areas. In addition to scattered groups of sandhill cranes, he reports recent whooping crane sightings in central Burke County and western Divide County.

Waterfowl populations are on the increase at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare. Refuge manager Dan Severson says ducks, geese and sandhill cranes were migrating into and through the area at mid-week, with some snow geese and ducks stopping at the refuge. He reports most white-fronted geese kept going, but about 15,000 snow geese have settled on the north end of the refuge. Most of the 15,000 ducks are mallards, and the majority are on the lower half of the refuge. A recent influx of lesser Canada geese has brought that total to about 3,000. Severson says the tundra swan population is holding at 500.

The waterfowl migration remains slow in Mountrail County. Biologist Mike Graue of the Lostwood Wetland Management District reports a major sandhill crane movement through the area for the four days ending Monday, and he adds that some of them have stayed. However, he says he has not seen any snow geese yet. Graue notes that two whooping cranes stopped briefly on Monday at Thompson Lake near the Lostwood refuge headquarters.

There’s been another increase in waterfowl numbers at Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge in Ward and Renville counties. Law enforcement officer Shawn Tripp says hunting pressure is up, and some hunters are taking their limits of birds.

A few more migrating waterfowl have reached central North Dakota. Audubon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Craig Hultberg estimates the refuge now holds up to 25,000 ducks and geese–mostly Canada geese–although a few snow geese arrived early this week. He believes tundra swan numbers on the refuge have peaked at 1,000.

Strong north winds brought a big push of waterfowl through south-central North Dakota early this week. Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge manager Paul VanNingen says the refuge was holding 7,000 Canada geese and 5,000 sandhill cranes on Monday and Tuesday, but he believes many moved on. He had not noticed any change in duck numbers by mid-week, and adds that tundra swan hunters are finding birds on some wetlands in northern Burleigh and northern Kidder counties. VanNingen cautions hunters that whooping cranes were seen on the ground with sandhill cranes near McKenzie early this week.

More snow geese have moved into north-central North Dakota. Biologist Gary Eslinger of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says the north end of the refuge has attracted about 10,000 snow geese, and Lord’s Lake on the Bottineau-Rolette county line was holding about 2,500. Northern portions of the refuge were also hosting up to 15,000 ducks and 5,000 tundra swans at mid-week. Hunters are reporting an increase in the number of lesser Canada geese in the Rugby area.

Waterfowl numbers seem to be holding steady in northeastern North Dakota. A few more flocks of snow geese are being reported in Towner and Ramsey counties, and there might have been a slight increase in the number of lesser Canada geese. Hunter pressure has been steady.

Quite a few migrant ducks, geese, sandhill cranes and tundra swans moved through Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge early this week. Biologist Paulette Scherr says some local birds may have joined the movement, but good opportunities remain–especially for field hunters. She adds that the birds seem to be spread out more than last week, and that area wetlands are drying up rapidly.

Good numbers of snow geese, white-fronted geese and lesser Canada geese have been moving through southern Wells and northern Stutsman counties. Chase Lake Wetland Management District manager Tomi Buskness says the area is also hosting more sandhill cranes and a few more tundra swans, although duck hunters last weekend enjoyed only fair success at best. She warns sandhill crane hunters that three whooping cranes were seen near Woodworth late last week.

Despite good water conditions in the southeast part of the state, there aren’t many waterfowl. Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Kristine Askerooth says there was a moderate movement of ducks and a few tundra swans last week, but they didn’t stop, and hunting remains slow.
She adds the area corn harvest is about half done.

Waterfowl numbers are up slightly in the Valley City area. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District reports seeing groups of lesser Canada geese migrating through the area and small groups of giant Canada geese. He says duck hunters are seeing few birds.

A few more sandhill cranes, tundra swans and lesser Canada geese have moved into southeast central North Dakota. Travis Carpenter, deputy refuge manager of the Kulm Wetland Management District, also reports a slight increase in the number of ducks in the area, but hunters note that the remaining local ducks are becoming wary.

In northeastern South Dakota, Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge has recorded increases in waterfowl numbers. Biologist Bill Schultze says the snow goose population was grown from 20 last week to 12,000 at mid-week. 

The number of Canada geese has jumped from 1,200 to 3,500, and includes quite a few flocks of lesser Canada geese. Some 100,000 ducks are now using the refuge; up from 40,000 last week. Many of the newcomers are mallards, pintails, green-winged teal and canvasbacks, although redheads and wigeon are also starting to show up. Schultze says the refuge is also holding about 1,500 tundra swans.

Law enforcement officers report some hunters are still failing to leave proper identification on their harvested birds. Waterfowl hunters must leave one fully feathered wing or the fully feathered head attached to their birds during transportation or shipment to the final destination.

Upland bird hunters are reminded they are restricted to nontoxic shot while on waterfowl production areas.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 
 
From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Oct. 17, 2007

WATERFOWL MIGRATION SLOW, BUT SOME SNOW GEESE ARRIVING

Mild temperatures, light hunting pressure and abundant food supplies are holding many ducks and geese in Canada, although the first flocks of snow geese are being reported in North Dakota. According to the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, waterfowl hunters still need to do some scouting in order to find birds.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas continue to hold about 10,000 ducks and an equal number of Canada geese. Biologist Paulette Scherr says some canvasbacks and other diving ducks have started moving in, and she is seeing a few small flocks of snow geese. She adds that hunters are finding good waterfowl numbers in the McHenry area. Scherr notes that about 500 tundra swans are using the refuge.

Waterfowl numbers are holding steady in southeastern North Dakota. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge says a few more migrant Canada geese have arrived, and hunters are finding pockets of ducks in the Oakes area, but continuing rainfall has made roads muddy. She adds that the rain has also slowed the corn harvest.

A few migrants are starting to reach northern Stutsman and southern Wells counties. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District reports seeing more canvasbacks and other diving ducks. He says field hunting has been productive in southwestern Wells County.

Very few new birds have reached the Kulm area. Refuge manager Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says some hunters are still doing well, but local birds are becoming harder to decoy. Erickson reports very few lesser Canada geese have arrived, and he has yet to see any snow geese.

Some migrant Canada geese, a few snow geese and white-fronted geese, as well as greater numbers of sandhill cranes have arrived at Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties. Biologist Mike Rabenberg estimates the refuge was holding 7,000 Canada geese, more than 5,000 sandhill cranes and quite a few diving ducks plus green-winged teal, pintails and mallards at mid-week. He believes the best hunting opportunities continue to be in northern Burleigh and northern Kidder counties.

Waterfowl numbers remain low in the Valley City area. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District says he noticed a minor migration of lesser Canada geese last weekend, and adds that the giant Canada geese are still around the area in small groups.

Small flocks of snow geese are becoming more common in northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District reports seeing snow geese in Towner and Ramsey counties, along with a few more diving ducks and a few flocks of lesser Canada geese.

North-central parts of the state are also attracting more snow geese. Biologist Gary Eslinger of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says numbers of snow geese and lesser Canada geese have picked up in eastern portions of the area, and he is starting to see some big rafts of diving ducks on large lakes.

Hunters in central North Dakota are starting to notice a little more movement. Audubon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Craig Hultberg says the refuge was holding up to 20,000 ducks and geese at mid-week. He also reports additional diving ducks on some of the larger ponds and some green-winged teal in surrounding areas.

More ducks and geese have reached Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge. Law enforcement officer Shawn Tripp says snow geese, lesser Canada geese and white-fronted geese have arrived, along with about 100 tundra swans. He adds most ducks are now in full plumage, making identification easier.

Waterfowl populations at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare are slowly beginning to increase at mid-week. Refuge manager Dan Severson says duck numbers have grown to 10,000 and an influx of lesser Canada geese has boosted that total to 2,000. The first white-fronted geese have arrived, some 200 snow geese remain on the north end of the refuge, and tundra swan numbers are holding at about 500.

Hunters continue to face very limited opportunities in Mountrail County. Doug Leschisin of the Lostwood Wetland Management District some sloughs in the eastern part of the county have water and ducks, but hunters will have to scout. He reports very little waterfowl movement over the past week, and says he hasn’t seen any snow geese yet.

Northwestern North Dakota hunters probably have fewer opportunities than they did a week earlier. Refuge manager Tim Kessler of the Crosby Wetland Management District reports scattered groups of giant Canada geese and small bunches of local ducks can still be found in eastern Divide and western Burke counties, but there has been no migration into the area. He adds that the large numbers of sandhill cranes that arrived late last week have moved on.

Very little change is being reported in waterfowl populations at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen, S.D. Biologist Bill Schultze says there has been a small increase in canvasbacks, but most of the 40,000 ducks on the refuge are mallards and pintails. He adds that some lesser Canada geese have been seen in the area, and the number of tundra swans on the refuge has grown from 230 to 450. Schultze adds that wet weather this week has continued to slow the corn harvest.

Sandhill crane hunters should note that whooping cranes have been reported in North Dakota, migrating with sandhills. Although the only confirmed sighting so far this fall has been in northwestern North Dakota, the protected birds could show up almost anywhere in the state.

Some hunters are being asked if they will allow their harvested birds to be tested for avian influenza. Employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal and state agencies are taking swabs of harvested waterfowl, although the highly pathogenic form of the disease has not yet been found in North America. Sample testing of hunter-killed birds supplements samples taken elsewhere from live wild birds. Hunters observing unusual bird behavior are asked to contact the closest wildlife agency.

Upland bird hunters are reminded they are restricted to nontoxic shot while on waterfowl production areas.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov 

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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Oct. 10, 2007

WATERFOWL MIGRATION SLOW; FIRST WHOOPING CRANES REPORTED

The waterfowl migration continues to move very slowly in North Dakota. 

According to the weekly report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, cooler temperatures haven’t had much effect on duck and goose numbers. Biologists warn hunters that the first whooping cranes have been reported moving through the state.

The first lesser Canada geese have reached southeastern North Dakota. 

Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge biologist Kristine Askerooth says there has been very little migration so far. She adds that some teal remain in the area, and local birds seem to be grouping. The area’s corn harvest is just getting started, so there are still few field feeding ducks. Askerooth says most wetlands remain in good condition.

Decent numbers of mallards, gadwalls and Canada geese can still be found in LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh and western Dickey counties, but migrating birds haven’t arrived yet. Refuge manager Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says the local birds have been hunted quite a bit, and are becoming decoy-shy. He adds more crops have been harvested, making more land available for feeding birds.

Good numbers of giant Canada geese remain in the Valley City area, but overall waterfowl numbers may have dropped off a little. Wetland manager Ed Meendering of the Valley City Wetland Management District says the immediate outlook for hunters is average at best, with no major influx of birds. He adds that a few tundra swans have started moving into the area.

Waterfowl numbers seem to be holding fairly steady in northern Stutsman and southern Wells counties. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District says a few more diving ducks may have moved in, but hunters reported seeing fewer Canada geese in the area.

Hunters should have good opportunities in the area around Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge. Biologist Paulette Scherr reports increasing numbers of ducks and geese in the area. She says the refuge is holding about 10,000 ducks–mostly mallards– and another 10,000 Canada geese. Scherr says migrant geese make up about one-quarter of the total. She notes that some green-winged teal are still being seen.

A few more lesser Canada geese have reached Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties. Biologist Mike Rabenberg says the refuge is holding about 5,000 ducks–mostly pintails and green-winged teal– plus some mallards and gadwalls and the first few diving ducks. The sandhill crane population on the refuge has probably dipped below 2,000, and Rabenberg reported quite a few moving over the refuge at mid-week.

Many waterfowl hunters in central North Dakota continue to struggle. Gary Williams, deputy project leader at Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, reports seeing a few small flocks of lesser Canada geese, but not much else. He says wetland conditions aren’t very good, and ducks are hard to find. Some flocks of sandhill cranes were reported moving over the refuge at mid-week

The first signs of the fall migration are starting to appear in northeastern North Dakota. Biologist Cami Dixon of the Devils Lake Wetland Management District says hunters in the northern part of the district are starting to see a few snow geese, lesser Canada geese and tundra swans. She reports hunter success seems to have dropped off a little, but many locally-raised birds remain in the area.

Hunting opportunities remain fair in parts of north-central North Dakota. Biologist Gary Eslinger of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says wetland conditions remain poor in the northwestern portion of the area, but are somewhat better in central and eastern sections. He says the Upham area has seen an increase in sandhill crane numbers in the past few days, and he has heard some flocks of snow geese flying over, but hasn’t seen any on the ground.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is still holding good numbers of Canada geese and ducks. Law enforcement officer Shawn Tripp reports seeing the first snow geese over the weekend, and hunters tell him there is no shortage of waterfowl.

The first few snow geese have reached Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare, but overall waterfowl numbers remain low. Refuge manager Dan Severson says about 50 snow geese arrived on the north end of the refuge early this week. He reports no large migrations of ducks or geese in the area, but notes scattered groups of Canada geese are located throughout the length of the refuge, with a total of about 1,000. Severson adds that duck numbers are up to about 4,000–mostly mallards–but also including the first few divers.

Sandhill cranes continue to move into parts of northwestern North Dakota. Biologist Monte Ellingson of the Crosby Wetland Management District reports about 500 sandhill cranes north of Noonan and another 500 northwest of Crosby. He says the few ducks in the area are in southeastern Divide County, which has better wetland conditions.

A few more lesser Canada geese have reached Mountrail County. Operations specialist Chad Zorn of Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge says he has also seen a slight increase in the number of sandhill cranes, but overall waterfowl migration remains slow. Zorn adds that some hunters have been able to find small pockets of mallards, but the county is dry.

More waterfowl have reached Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen, S.D. this week. Biologist Bill Schultze says the refuge’s duck numbers have grown from 26,000 last week to 38,000, with the biggest increase in pintails, plus smaller jumps in mallards and green-winged teal. He reports some small flocks of ducks are starting to feed in some of the harvested fields near the refuge. Schultze adds that the first few snow geese arrived at mid-week, and tundra swans numbers have been increasing throughout the week.

Law enforcement agents have noticed that some hunters fail to leave the required identification on birds they harvest. One fully feathered wing or the fully feathered head of all waterfowl, snipe, crane and woodcock; and one leg and foot, or the fully feathered head, or the fully feathered wing of pheasant, partridge and grouse must remain attached during transportation or shipment to its final destination.

Nonresidents are reminded they will not be allowed to hunt on lands owned or managed by the N.D. Game and Fish Department from Oct. 13-19. The ban covers PLOTS acreage, as well as state wildlife management areas. However, nonresidents can still hunt other state-owned land, private land or federal lands such as waterfowl production areas during that time.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov


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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE  

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Sept. 26, 2007

MIGRATION SLOW AS NONRESIDENTS JOIN N.D. WATERFOWLERS

Nonresident waterfowl hunters will join their North Dakota counterparts in the field on Saturday, but bird numbers aren’t much improved from last week, and neither are wetland conditions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports the waterfowl migration is moving very slowly, and potholes continue to dry up.

Southeastern North Dakota continues to provide some of the best hunting opportunities. Biologist Kristine Askerooth of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge says hunters have been doing well in the Hankinson, Milnor, Rutland and Forman areas. Most of the ducks being taken are mallards, gadwalls and shovelers, with only a small number of teal remaining in the area.
Askerooth warns hunters to be sure of their identification before shooting, as many young birds are not fully colored. Although the refuge is only holding about 1,000 Canada geese, a few migrants are starting to arrive.
She adds that most wetlands are full, except for the small ones, which are dry or drying up.

LaMoure and Dickey counties are holding scattered flocks of ducks, although no large numbers of new birds have reached the area. Biologist Jeremy Thury of the Kulm Wetland Management District also reports small groups of
5 to 50 Canada geese are common.

Southern Barnes County reports good numbers of teal and mallards, but no large concentrations. Range technician Terry Gwilliams of the Valley City Wetland Management District says Canada geese are starting to bunch up, but he has not seen any large flocks.

Northern Stutsman and southern Wells counties should again offer good opportunities. Biologist Chris Flann of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District says opening weekend hunters found good water conditions and plentiful mallards in those areas, but gadwall and teal were numerous in other parts of the district. Numbers of Canada geese also remain high.

The area around Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge has fair to good numbers of ducks and Canada geese. Biologist Paulette Scherr says there hasn’t been any in-migration, but water conditions are good and most wetlands have birds. She reports many field hunters had limits or near-limits of ducks last weekend. The first small flock of snow geese was seen early this week on the refuge.

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties was holding about 5,000 ducks, 1,500 Canada geese and 500 to 1,000 sandhill cranes at mid-week. Manager Paul VanNingen says hunters should be able to find pockets of ducks in northern Burleigh and northern Kidder counties, although it may take some scouting.

Central North Dakota remains dry. Biologist Craig Hultberg of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge believes hunters will have better luck scouting bigger bodies of water in eastern McLean and Sheridan counties than elsewhere in the area. He adds that many of the ducks that were on the refuge last week have moved on, and there has been very little movement in.
Hultberg says he hasn’t seen any snow geese yet, but some sandhill cranes have reached northern Ward and McLean counties.

Small wetlands in northeastern North Dakota are starting to dry up, but conditions remain fair in most of the eight-county Devils Lake Wetland Management District. Refuge manager Neil Shook says most hunters are heading for Nelson County and parts of Benson County. Teal, mallards and gadwall are the most common ducks in hunters’ bags. Shook notes that some tundra swans have been seen in the northern part of the district, and some small flocks of lesser Canada geese are showing up.

Hunters in north-central North Dakota aren’t seeing much migration yet.
Project leader Tedd Gutzke of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge reports the refuge continues to hold good numbers of mallards and pintails, but he hasn’t seen any snow geese yet. Gutzke says a couple thousand sandhill cranes and some tundra swans have reached the north end of the refuge. He adds that many of the smaller wetlands have dried up.

A few hundred ducks, Canada geese and sandhill cranes are hanging out in the area north of Noonan, with a few more near Crosby, but most of northwestern North Dakota is very dry. Biologist Monte Ellingson of the Crosby Wetland Management District says he has not seen any snow geese yet.

Mountrail County remains dry, with the best water conditions located between Stanley and Kenmare. Biologist Mike Graue of the Lostwood Wetland Management District says he saw a mix of ducks there, with blue-winged teal and gadwall the most common. The area is also holding some scattered sandhill cranes and Canada geese, but no snow geese yet. Graue notes that a few tundra swans have reached Lostwood refuge.

Waterfowl numbers are holding steady at Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare. Manager Dan Severson says there are scattered groups of Canada geese throughout the entire length of the refuge, but the total is only 700 birds, with no snow geese or white-fronted geese yet. The refuge is being used by about 2,000 ducks, mostly mallards with some gadwalls, pintails and shovelers. Severson reports the area surrounding the refuge is very dry.

About 20,000 ducks have moved into the north end of Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Minot. Law enforcement officer Shawn Tripp says the population of Canada geese in the area appears to be holding steady, but no snow geese have been observed.

For South Dakota hunters, wetland conditions in Brown, Spink and northern McPherson counties are good, providing plentiful habitat for waterfowl and good hunting opportunities. Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge biologist Bill Schultze says the refuge is holding about 700 Canada geese, another 24,000 mallards, shovelers and gadwalls, but no snow geese or tundra swans.
He adds that most crops are still in the field.

Field checks during the first days of waterfowl season found that some hunters neglected to replace the plugs in their shotguns after the spring light goose season. Only shotguns capable of holding no more than three shells can be used

Waterfowl hunters are also reminded that they must register each year with the harvest information program for each state they hunt. They can do that by calling 888-634-4798 and answering a brief survey.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit the Service’s website at www.fws.gov 

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CONDITIONS VARY FOR WATERFOWL HUNTERS, SAYS USFWS

From: Ken Torkelson, USFWS
Sept. 19, 2007 

Waterfowl hunters should have good opportunities in the southeastern and north-central parts of the state, as well as north of Jamestown, including the Devils Lake area, when the season opens for state residents on Saturday. However, a mid-week survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes that water conditions in the northwest and central portions of the state are poor and waterfowl numbers are low.

Some portions of northeastern North Dakota should offer good hunting. Roger Hollevoet, project leader for the Devils Lake Wetland Management District, points to Nelson County and parts of Benson County as having good water conditions and good waterfowl production. He reports seeing flocks of feeding mallards and groups of teal, and expects a very good opening week for hunters. Hollevoet says scouting will be necessary, especially in the western part of the district, which has been drier.

Water conditions are variable in north-central North Dakota. Biologist Dan Duchscherer of J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge says conditions are fair in Rolette and Pierce counties, while McHenry and Bottineau counties are drier. He says the refuge is holding quite a few ducks, fair numbers of Canada geese and a few sandhill cranes.

Hunters in central North Dakota should be able to find pockets of ducks and geese, but no large concentrations yet. Wetland manager Kathy Baer of Audubon National Wildlife Refuge says water conditions are better than last year, but not good. She suggests hunters try Sheridan County, which has more water than McLean or Ward counties.

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Burleigh and Kidder counties was holding about 1,500 Canada geese, about 1,500 sandhill cranes and some teal and gadwall at mid-week. Manager Paul VanNingen says conditions are spotty in surrounding areas, with ducks scattered wherever they find water. He also reports decent localized populations of Canada geese, though some are moving to larger wetlands. 

Hunters in southeastern North Dakota probably won’t find any large concentrations of ducks or geese, but water conditions are good and birds are starting to bunch up. Biologist Jesse Lisburg of Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge advises duck hunters to do some scouting and they will find ducks. He notes that Canada geese are feeding south and northeast of Lake Tewaukon, as well as the Park Lake area near the Sargent-Richland County line, and near Milnor.

Northern Stutsman County has good water conditions and quite a few ducks. Biologist Andy Jewett of the Chase Lake Wetland Management District says even some of the temporary wetlands still have water. He reports seeing quite a few ducks as well as flocks of Canada geese ranging from 20 to a few hundred birds.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge biologist Paulette Scherr expects a fair to good opening weekend for waterfowl hunters. She says the refuge is holding about 500 Canada geese, fair numbers of mallards, gadwall and blue-winged teal, a few diving ducks and a handful of tundra swans. In the surrounding areas, the Alice Waterfowl Production Area in southwestern Cass County and Thiesen Marsh Waterfowl Production Area in northwestern Stutsman County, as well as scattered wetlands in Eddy and Foster counties all had good duck populations.

Hunters in LaMoure and Dickey counties could enjoy a good opening weekend. Refuge manager Mick Erickson of the Kulm Wetland Management District says Logan and McInosh counties aren’t as wet, but ducks are scattered throughout the area. Erickson adds there are no large concentrations of ducks or geese, though he is seeing many small groups of resident Canada geese. He warns that the early start of the season means hunters could have a difficult time identifying birds.

Southwestern Barnes County should offer excellent hunting opportunities this weekend. Biologist Matt VanThuyne of the Valley City Wetland Management District says that area is holding quite a few teal and mallards, but not many geese.

Water conditions are very poor in northwestern North Dakota. Tim Kessler, refuge manager at the Crosby Wetland Management District, says it’s even drier than last year, and production has been poor. Kessler adds that hunters may find some local ducks and Canada geese on deeper wetlands in eastern Divide and western Burke counties.

Mountrail County is extremely dry. Operations specialist Chad Zorn of Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge recommends hunters scout the Berthold area, but he warns that water is hard to find. Despite the dry conditions, Zorn says he has been seeing some gadwall and teal.

Although the area surrounding Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge near Kenmare is very dry, the refuge has enough water to support good waterfowl populations once the migration begins. However, refuge manager Dan Severson says there are few concentrations so far. He estimates the refuge is holding only about 2,000 ducks–mostly mallards, about 700 Canada geese and no snow geese or white-fronted geese. Severson adds that most of the area’s small grain crops have been harvested, providing plenty of areas for waterfowl to feed.

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge near Minot was holding more coots than ducks or geese at mid-week. Law enforcement officer Shawn Tripp says the upper end of the refuge has good numbers of ducks in a variety of species, but only a few Canada geese and sandhill cranes. 

Saturday’s opener will mark the second year of the “hunter’s choice” concept. Under hunter’s choice, the daily limit is five ducks, with these restrictions: two scaup, two redheads and two wood ducks, and only one from the following group: hen mallard, pintail or canvasback.

The only major regulations change from last year is the addition of light geese to the list of geese that are included in all day hunting on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Opening day for nonresident waterfowl hunters is Sept. 29. Nonresidents may not hunt on N.D. Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas or conservation PLOTS areas from Oct. 13-19.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. 

Media Contact: For more information, contact the managers and biologists listed. If you need their phone numbers, contact Ken at 701-355-8528.