NDGF Newsletter - June 29th

[Swany]

Boaters Complying with ANS Regulations
North Dakota boaters are doing their part in trying to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species into and within North Dakota. Lynn Schlueter, ANS coordinator for the state Game and Fish Department, said compliance has been outstanding.
“Most watercraft users are aware of our educational efforts and are abiding by ANS regulations,” Schlueter said. “In fact, our enforcement division in Bismarck is reporting that not one citation has been issued statewide.”
Game and Fish Department law enforcement and fisheries personnel are conducting check stations this summer in an effort to ensure compliance. One has already taken place in the Devils Lake area. “Inspections are simple,” Schlueter said. “We make sure all vegetation is removed and water is drained at the boat ramp.”
A summary of the compliance check in Devils Lake indicated 62 boats were inspected in slightly more than two hours. Boats were registered in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma.
“Most knew about ANS problems in their states,” Schlueter said. “Only a few needed some education about our laws.”
Some common problems found during the compliance check included weed fragments in the boat or on the motor, trailer or depth finder, and water left in a few livewells. “Overall, compliance was very good,” Schlueter said. “Anglers were encouraged to keep boats and equipment clean.”
Schlueter said boaters traveling near Devils Lake are encouraged to stop by an ANS inspection site at Cenex West. “The Devils Lake Chamber and Cenex West are operating a boat inspection site for all comers, including locals and out-of-state anglers,” Schlueter said. “Inspections focus on aquatic vegetation in or on the boat, including any equipment and in the livewells, and drained/dry livewells and bilges. Boats with problems are provided use of a power washer and an area for cleaning.”
Detailed ANS information and prevention regulations can be found in the 2008-10 North Dakota Fishing Guide, or by accessing the Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov.
 
Grant Program Aims at Recruiting Young Hunters, Shooters
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department invites clubs and organizations to submit an application for the Encouraging Tomorrow’s Hunters program, a grant program developed to assist in the recruitment of the next generation of hunters and shooters.
Last year, several groups conducted youth pheasant and waterfowl hunts, while others sponsored trap and shooting events. More recently, the Bismarck Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation conducted the second annual M.U.L.E.Y. Day Camp where youth participated in archery and rifle shooting.
Any club or organization interested in conducting a youth hunting or shooting event can get more information, including a grant application, from outreach biologist Pat Lothspeich at (701) 328-6332.
The deadline to apply for a 2009 grant is July 31.     
 
Space Available for BOW
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is still accepting registrations for the 15th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop, held Aug. 7-9 at Lake Metigoshe State Park near Bottineau. The cost is $135 for women 18 years of age or older with an Aug. 1 registration deadline.
The workshop offers 24 different seminars, each of which lasts more than three hours. Classes are held outdoors, and each session contains 45 minutes of lecture with the remainder dedicated to hands-on instruction. Each session has room for 12 women. Participants are limited to four sessions.
Women will learn the basics of hunting and fishing, shooting, navigation, and plants and animals. New classes offered this year include basic boating skills and intermediate archery. Other classes include decoy carving, canoeing, fly-fishing, kayaking, plant identification and predator calling.
Participants will stay in dorms and must provide their own bedding and towels. All camp facilities are handicap accessible. Equipment is provided unless noted in the course description.
To receive an information brochure and enrollment form, contact Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, at (701) 328-6312; ndgf@nd.gov; or visit the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov.
 
Game and Fish Pays $527,000 in Property Taxes
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recently paid $527,160 in taxes to counties in which the department owns or leases land. The 2008 in-lieu-of-tax payments are the same as property taxes paid by private landowners.
The Game and Fish Department manages more than 185,000 acres for wildlife habitat and public hunting in 50 counties. The department does not own or manage any land in Traill or Renville counties.
Following is a list of counties and the tax payments they received.
County   Tax Due   County   Tax Due   County    Tax Due
Adams   159.95   Grant   549.21   Ramsey   1,671.02
Barnes   5,239.08   Griggs   392.45   Ransom   1,407.12
Benson   3,149.60   Hettinger   3,312.38   Richland   16,487.31
Bottineau   4,597.79   Kidder   10,594.31   Rolette   19,839.76
Bowman   1,898.83   LaMoure   6,612.84   Sargent   14,371.14
Burke   803.76   Logan   1,456.19   Sheridan   67,342.84
Burleigh   33,187.72   McHenry   1,596.62   Sioux   442.21
Cass   6,565.68   McIntosh   6,946.80   Slope   1,949.46
Cavalier   26,072.39   McKenzie   30,895.76   Stark   563.77
Dickey   15,462.93   McLean   52,302.87   Steele   9,455.43
Divide   3,262.89   Mercer   14,735.89   Stutsman   6,863.86
Dunn   8,178.62   Morton   18,228.82   Towner   1,776.39
Eddy   3,770.15   Mountrail   12,323.66   Walsh   9,702.12
Emmons   3,266.89   Nelson   5,400.24   Ward   94.70
Foster   2,790.73   Oliver   3,902.54   Wells   49,906.05
Golden Valley   230.54   Pembina   17,139.94   Williams   6,620.87
Grand Forks   11,561.17   Pierce   2,077.02