ND G&F Advisory Meeting Summary

The North Dakota Game and Fish has completed their statewide advisory meetings for this season. I attended the Bismarck meeting and numerous topics were discussed.

Here is a summary of some of the discussions: 

Hunting

*Deer populations were a hot topic and the plan by the G&F to reduce the number of deer tags in upcoming years. Some of the reasoning for the lower populations was:

-Recent harsh winters
                                Fawn production is down in most all areas

-EHD issues mainly in the SW part of the state

EHD has been confirmed north and south of Minot, in Burleigh County and as far east as Grand Forks

-Reduction of CRP

In 2011, CRP acreage has decreased 250,000 acres and 800,000 acres are planned to come out of the CRP program in 2012. This will continue to impact game numbers as habitat decreases.

            -Oil production in the west

The G&F is developing a relationship with oil and gas companies to help maintain good habitat throughout the west and try to lessen the impact of oil drilling and traffic. 

*Low mule deer populations are a great concern

-One possible recommendation from the department is to eliminate mule deer doe tags in the badlands units. 

*Elk permits in E3 and E4

-With the success of the elk reduction in Theodore Roosevelt Park, the number of elk permits may also be reduced. The plan to reduce the number of elk in the park to 150-200 head is a reality. The last time the elk population in the park was that low was around 1997. The number of permits given out during those years were 47 or 48. 

*CWD in 3F2

-Dan Grove, Wildlife Veterinarian presented the findings of the deer study in 3F2 and did confirm the third deer with CWD. The CWD is documented to spread along waterways and the prion that causes the disease is viable for 15 years once it is on the landscape. Certain soil types make it more infectious.

-Questions about how the G&F will handle this were raised. Some states have tried to totally eradicate deer populations in certain areas however the ND G&F stated this is not an effective management tool.

-One recommendation would be to extend the baiting and feeding from 3F2 to surrounding units. These units would be 3C (west of the river), 3E1, 3E2 and 3E1. Carcass movement restrictions would not be placed in these units. 

*Hunting dates for 2012

-There was some confusion on recent reports as to when seasons for deer and pheasant will be in 2012.  Randy Kreil stated that the opening date for deer is the 1^st Friday before November 11^th. In 2012, this will be on November 9 and the season will run through November 25^th. Pheasant season opens the 2^nd Saturday in October which falls on October 13^th in 2012.

Fishing 

*Paddlefish – Plans are to add a weekend day (Sunday) for those who want to take part in ‘snag and release’ only paddle fishing. The number of dead paddle fish that were found in the river was a concern. It was estimated that close to 1000 paddlefish were found dead below the dam in the river. 
 

*Northern Pike limit increase – Plan is to increase the daily and possession limits on northern pike to five. 
 

*Dark house spear fishing – All bodies of water, except those with muskies, will be open to dark house spear fishing for pike. 
 

*Silver Carp in the James River – Asian carp have been found, 1 near Larimore and 1 below the dam. The possible migration route would be from the 7-mile coulee to Alkali Lake to Spiritwood Lake. The G&F are hoping that the cold waters will force the carp to migrate back to warmer waters.  
 

The spring meetings will be critical as to whether major changes are to take place. Everyone is encouraged to attend                                                                                                 .