Bullfrog populations in Minnesota are spreading rapidly due to the popularity of bullfrog tadpoles being used in backyard water gardens. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is concerned about the impact this species can have when released outside of its natural range...

[Read the rest of this article...]

While many outdoor writers champion the latest and greatest gadgets and technological advances that complement our outdoor experiences, I prefer to invest a good share of my time and attention in issues such as habitat, ethics and safety...

[Read the rest of this article...]

It was naptime and I was about to nod off. It was then that the first fly of spring chose to show up. That maddening, monotone drone drawing closer, then moving away – then back again. So much for a nap. Gotta kill a fly...

[Read the rest of this article...]

The spring tour of North Dakota Game and Fish Department advisory board meetings will bring agency decision-makers to eight towns across the state over the next few weeks. These public meetings, held in spring and fall each year, facilitate interaction between hunters, anglers, trappers, landowners and Game and Fish staff tasked with managing the state’s varied natural resources...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Every year about this time, a few anglers question North Dakota’s year-round fishing season. It’s not so much an opposition as it is a curiosity, because many North Dakotans are aware that Minnesota closes its season for game fish from late February to mid-May...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Federal rules removing the Great Lakes population of wolves from the endangered species list took effect in Wisconsin and Michigan as well. Wolves will be managed in Minnesota by state statute, rule and under a wolf management plan...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Last week, I explained how the severe winter 10 years ago hurt North Dakota’s resident wildlife, particularly pronghorn, deer and upland game. It was also a challenge for humans, but the record snowfall and cold during the winter of 1996-97 was nothing compared to what the state’s citizens would have to deal with when the snow began to melt...

[Read the rest of this article...]

What stands out in my work for the Game and Fish Department that winter was the stress on wildlife and people alike. Deer were herded up and seeking food and shelter anywhere possible. That often meant dependence on livestock feed supplies, I was one of several dozen Game and Fish employees statewide who did what we could to help minimize the impact...

[Read the rest of this article...]

The legislative process in North Dakota only takes place every two years. With that in mind, all hunters, anglers, trappers, and anyone who spends time outdoors, needs to engage in the process now, rather than later this year after those bills become law and changes in how you spend time outdoors have been implemented...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Remember spring and summer of 2006? If you didn’t experience it, I’m here to tell you it was about as bad as it gets for the summer months. I’ve always been told that six months of dry weather doesn’t make a drought, but I’ll counter that it sure is a good start...

[Read the rest of this article...]

There are 710 nuts, bolts, screws and washers in a drawer at home. I know. I counted 'em. Well, ok, I estimated...

[Read the rest of this article...]

It was just over a year ago that Terry Steinwand, long-time fisheries division chief for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, took over as director of the agency. As 2006 draws to a close, here’s a short reflection on the past year, in his words...

[Read the rest of this article...]

I’ve always hesitated when it comes to making predictions, especially regarding hunting, fishing or trapping issues and seasons. However, I am not averse to letting others share their thoughts on what we might expect in 2007.

This week, we take a look ahead at what will likely be significant issues within the fisheries and wildlife divisions of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, with fisheries chief Greg Power and wildlife division chief, Randy Kreil...

[Read the rest of this article...]

This week we’ll take a look back at the outdoor issues and topics that shaped North Dakota in 2006, through interviews with fisheries and wildlife division leaders for the State Game and Fish Department...

[Read the rest of this article...]

I'm a thankful and appreciative kind of guy. I've always tried to see Lake Sakakawea, for instance, as the glass that’s still half full. As we advance past Thanksgiving into the holiday season, there's reason to give thanks for hunters, anglers, trappers and all who enjoy spending more time outside than in...

[Read the rest of this article...]