By Doug Leier, NDG&F Dept. The State Game and Fish Department recently posted the 2017 version of the North Dakota Private Land Open to Sportsmen or PLOTS guide to its website. In addition to the updated maps showing PLOTS acres and other public lands available for hunting this year, the guide also has a question-and-answer…

By Nick Simonson The pheasant leech is a great pattern that utilizes those tiny underfeathers which rest beneath the more prominent rump feathers to make up a super-soft body.  Combined with a pheasant marabou tail and collar, this fly is a perfect “on-the-menu” pattern for late summer, as leeches are prevalent and tough to turn…

NDG&F Press Release State Game and Fish Department biologists expect a fall duck flight from North Dakota that is down 8 percent from last year, based on observations from the annual mid-July waterfowl production survey. This year’s brood index came in at 3.68 broods per square mile, down 5 percent from last year. The statewide…

NDG&F Press Release North Dakota’s 2017 waterfowl season is set, with the season framework similar to last year. Noteworthy changes include the daily limit on pintails is reduced from two to one, and the west boundary of the Missouri River Canada Goose Zone, north of N.D. Highway 200, is extended to N.D. Highway 8. Opening…

NDG&F Press Release North Dakota’s 2017 small game and furbearer regulations are set and most season structures are similar to last year. Notable changes include: — Fur harvesters will have an opportunity to take river otters, with a season limit of 15 taken by traps or cable devices. A limit of one per person is…

NDG&F Press Release North Dakota’s early Canada goose season is set, and bag limits and licensing requirements are the same as last year. However, the west boundary of the Missouri River Canada Goose zone, north of N.D. Highway 200, is extended to N.D. Highway 8. The season will open Tuesday, Aug. 15 and continue through…

NDG&F Press Release North Dakota’s deer gun lottery has been held and individual results are available online at the State Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. More than 2,800 antlerless deer gun licenses remain. Only resident applicants who were unsuccessful in the first lottery can apply for remaining licenses. The first lottery application process – deer gun, muzzleloader,…

WHAT’S THE SKINNY?  Fishing any river, stream or creek this time of year – when waters are clear and low – requires tact and knowing when fish are feeding, whether it’s bass, trout or walleye. Use shoreline cover and shadows, and a little bit of camouflage to hide from wary eyes in the water. Learn…

NDG&F Press Release Hosted by the Devils Lake Park Board at Lakewood Bible Camp, the Devils Lake Kids Fishing Camp is open to all youngsters ages 8-13 years old. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is a co-sponsor for the 14th annual Kids Fishing Camp at Devils Lake Aug. 6-11. Game and Fish volunteers…

Pheasants Forever Press Release Pheasants Forever is thrilled to announce Cayla Bendel as the organization’s new Women in Conservation Coordinator for the state of North Dakota. The position will focus exclusively on outreach, education and technical assistance to agricultural producers, landowners and volunteers with an emphasis on accelerating conservation engagement amongst women. Working collaboratively with…

A CASE OF THE MONDAYS? NO WAY!  Get out there early to catch some fish before heading in to work as conditions align for a great first-light bite.  Both nights pose a small chance for more rain, but as for now there’s enough to get grasshoppers growing on the landscape. Use Dakota Edge’s first installment…

Pheasants Forever Press Release Pheasants Forever has appointed Renee McKeehen as the organization’s North Dakota Regional Representative. In her new role, McKeehen will work with 26 local chapters and more than 4,000 members throughout the state to expend funds for wildlife habitat and conservation education on behalf of Pheasants Forever with local, state, and federal…

By Doug Leier, NDG&F Dept. It’s the middle of July and all over North Dakota, milkweed plants are working toward full bloom. While not everyone appreciates the bright pinkish-purple flower pods everywhere they grow, for the monarch butterfly, one of the more well-known representatives of the insect world, this is prime time for continuation of…

GO FRY AN EGG!  It might be that hot today to fry an egg on the sidewalk.  Warm conditions fire up again, with a chance for a few thunderstorms later today.  Plan for a fun August with a great regional event, and for later this fall with your duck stamp.  In the meantime – cute…

NDG&F Press Release The North Dakota Game and Fish Department advises outdoor enthusiasts to be cautious with their dogs around water this time of year, due to potential health hazards associated with blue-green algae. Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Dan Grove said it only takes a few hot days for blue-green algae to bloom. “We have experienced many…

NDG&F Press Release Extensive vegetation growth along docks and boat ramps serves as a good reminder for anglers and boaters to follow aquatic nuisance species regulations. North Dakota Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator Jessica Howell said the Department has received reports of increased vegetation in local waters. “Aquatic plants can be the most abundant in…

NDG&F Dept. Press Release North Dakota’s spring pheasant population index is down 14 percent from last year, according to the State Game and Fish Department’s 2017 spring crowing count survey. R.J. Gross, upland game management biologist, said the number of roosters heard crowing this spring was down statewide, with decreases ranging from 6 to 10…

Friend of the Edge, Adam Sersha of Eveleth, Minn., shares this 36-inch king salmon he caught on a river near Sitka, AK this morning.  With lower flows and clear water, it was easy to see the running fish in the water and made for exciting fights with the kings his group hooked into.  The fish…

NDG&F Press Release North Dakota boaters who are traveling to other states or Canadian provinces should check the aquatic nuisance species regulations of their destination to make sure they are in compliance. While many of North Dakota’s ANS prevention regulations are similar to surrounding states and provinces, state Game and Fish Department ANS coordinator Jessica…

NDG&F Press Release The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 70th annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of 2.95 million birds, down 15 percent from last year. Migratory game bird supervisor Mike Szymanski said even though the index is below 3 million for the first time since 1994, it still…

Andrew Mulso of Marshall, Minn. started the Minnesota muskie season off with a bang with this 54-inch muskie out of Lobster Lake near Alexandria, Minn.  With warm weather settling in after a small front, reports of a good start to the season are coming in from across the border with a number of fish seen…

By Doug Leier, NDG&F Dept. In the past couple of months, many media outlets in North Dakota, especially in the eastern part of the state, published or broadcast stories related to the 20th anniversary of the 1997 Red River flood. With all those historical accounts taking place, it seemed more appropriate to wait a few…