NDGF Newsletter - June 7

[Swany]

Sorry it's been awhile since I posted these, I had to get back on the listserv:

Fall Turkey Season Set, Online Apps Available by June 9

North Dakota’s fall turkey season is set with 5,755 licenses available to hunters, according to Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor for the state Game and Fish Department.

This year’s figure is down 15 percent from last year. However, an additional 1,300 licenses may be used early this fall in specific hunting units if turkey reproduction is exceptionally good this spring.

Harvest and population data from hunting units in the southwest and along portions of the Missouri River indicate turkey numbers have decreased due to poor production and chick recruitment in 2008 and 2009.

“The decrease in the number of licenses this fall is consistent with our management strategy of reducing licenses when the population has fallen below normal levels within a unit,” Kohn said.

Above-average snowfall the last two winters and normal rainfall this spring has greatly improved habitat conditions in much of the state, Kohn said. “Turkeys will benefit from this improved nesting and brooding habitat,” he added. “It should result in better production and increased brood survival in many parts of the state this summer, provided conditions during this time are not too wet and cold.”

An experimental hunting season will continue for the USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Lab in Mandan. A maximum of 30 licenses will be available. These licenses will be available at the Game and Fish Department once a person first obtains a permit from USDA-ARS.

An experimental turkey bow hunting season will continue within the city of Bismarck to help control a growing population of birds in residential areas. A maximum of 25 licenses will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals who are licensed to bow hunt deer within the city. These licenses will be available at the Game and Fish Department in Bismarck once a person has a valid city archery permit.

Hunting units 21 (Hettinger and Adams counties) and 53 (Divide and Williams counties) will remain closed to fall turkey hunting in 2010 because of low turkey numbers.

The fall wild turkey season extends from Oct. 9 through Jan. 9, 2011.

Prospective hunters, including gratis applicants, can apply online, or print out an application to mail, beginning June 9 at the state Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. Paper applications will be available in mid-June from Game and Fish Department offices, county auditors and license vendors.

Applications are also accepted at the department’s toll-free licensing line, (800) 406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.

Applications for the fall season must be postmarked no later than June 30. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply in the first lottery. Nonresidents can apply for fall turkey licenses that are still available following the first lottery.

 

Fur Harvester Classes Scheduled in Bismarck, Jamestown

The North Dakota Cooperative Fur Harvester Education program is sponsoring fur harvester education classes in Bismarck and Jamestown for anyone interested in learning about trapping or furbearer hunting.

The free 16-hour course is set for Bismarck Aug. 17, 18 and 21 at the Game and Fish Department’s main office. The class in Jamestown will be held Sept. 14, 16 and 18 at the Game and Fish district office.

Students will learn about traps, trapping and snaring techniques, furbearer biology and fur care. A field day provides students with the opportunity to make a variety of land, water and snare sets.

Upon completion, graduates are issued a certification card that is recognized by any state requiring trapper education prior to purchasing a license.

Anyone interested in signing up for the class should access the Game and Fish Department website at gf.nd.gov, click on the online services link, and “online course enrollment” under the hunter education heading.