Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
State Agencies Promote Benefits of Outdoor Recreation
While the upcoming weekend weather doesn't necessarily remind us of spring, warmer weather is just around the corner. As the days get longer and temperatures rise, people naturally want to head outdoors. But this year it's not business as usual.
North Dakota's outdoors and its health benefits, including stress reduction, lower blood pressure, better sleep, and relief from anxiety, stress, and depression, are likely more important than ever. That's why the North Dakota departments of Parks and Recreation and Game and Fish want to remind citizens who venture outdoors to avoid crowds and practice recommended social distancing.
The Parks and Recreation Department reported higher than usual traffic at state parks and other locations this past weekend and expected more of the same as the weeks continue. "We have been seeing a lot of users out on the trails and biking around the parks," reports ardner. "We saw a lot of people following proper social distancing rules and being respectful toward the natural landscape."
Both Game and Fish and Parks and Recreation have closed all office buildings to public traffic, but Parks' day-use facilities, including trails and boat ramps, remain open. Parks and Recreation reminds visitors that daily passes can be purchased at the iron rangers, and all annual passes can be purchased online.
Game and Fish is also keeping its public outdoor facilities, such as wildlife management areas and fishing waters, open for people to use, but agency staff are keeping an eye on popular shore-fishing areas to assess the level of activity.
Both agencies want to remind users to be mindful while outdoors, stay on marked trails, and if trails are too muddy to use, find another travel route. "If you pack it in, pack it out," both Gardner and Steinwand agreed. "It's important to leave North Dakota's valuable natural resources in the same state in which you found them."
Paddlefish Snagging Harvest Season Canceled
The North Dakota 2020-22 fishing proclamation has been amended and the state Game and Fish Department is canceling the upcoming paddlefish snagging harvest season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the amendment does allow for the possibility of a one-week snag-and-release season May 15-21, which is two weeks later than the normal opening day.
Fisheries chief Greg Power said safety of snaggers, caviar processors and data collection staff are a major concern.
“Paddlefish snaggers concentrate in large numbers in a small area, and often participate in snagging while shoulder to shoulder,” Power said. “There is no realistic way to maintain proper separation.”
Game and Fish is allowing for the possibility of a one-week, snag-and-release season, Power said, because data strongly suggests considerably fewer snaggers will participate.
If there is a snag-and-release season, anglers would only need a fishing license. A paddlefish tag would not be required.
The Northstar Caviar fish cleaning, egg processing and boat shuttle operation will not be open this year.
Game Warden Exam Set for May 29
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has scheduled an examination to select candidates for the position of district game warden. The test is at 10 a.m., May 29, at the department's main office in Bismarck.
Applicants must register to take the exam no later than May 27 by submitting an online application through the North Dakota State Job Openings website.
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a bachelor’s degree at time of hire, have a valid driver’s license and a current North Dakota peace officer license, or be eligible to be licensed. Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check and must not have a record of any felony convictions.
Salary through training for a district game warden is $4,300 per month. For more information, see the district game warden job announcement on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.
R3 Grant Program Applications Due in April
Wildlife, shooting, fraternal and nonprofit civic organizations are urged to submit an application for the Encouraging Tomorrow’s Hunters program, a North Dakota Game and Fish Department grant program designed to assist in the recruitment and retention of hunters and shooters.
The maximum grant allowed is $3,000. The program currently helps fund approximately 40 club and organizational events and projects each year, with an average grant of $1,550.
Grant funds help cover event expenses, including promotional printing; event memorabilia such as shirts, caps or vests; ammunition and targets, and safety protection.
Past funding has enabled groups to conduct pheasant and waterfowl hunts, or sponsor trap and other shooting events, including archery and rifle shooting. Game and Fish has a separate grant program that supports new high school trapshooting teams.
Any club or organization interested in conducting a hunting or shooting event can get more information, including a grant application, from the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or by contacting Outreach Biologist Pat Lothspeich at (701) 328-6332.
The deadline to apply for a 2020 grant is April 27.