MINOT, N.D. — I would like to direct your attention to a Facebook page called North Dakota Lock Out. It was created after the debate in the Legislature earlier this year over SB2315. That bill would have reversed the backward presumption of public access to private land in our state. Currently, those wishing access for activities like…
If Hunting Groups Keep Winning Political Battles Over Posting Land They Could Lose the War
As it was originally introduced, SB2315 would have ended the presumption of open access to rural land for activities like hunting. Under current law, if property owners like farmers and ranchers don’t want want the public on their land they have to post it as closed. The intent of SB2315 was to turn that requirement…
Plain Talk: ND Stockmen’s Association Says Change in North Dakota’s Land Posting Laws Is Needed
Julie Ellingson from the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association is on the Plain Talk Podcast today. Her group is backing legislation which would change state law regarding the posting of land. Currently land is presumed to be open unless it’s posted otherwise. The law would end that presumption, meaning land owners no longer have to post.…
Doug Leier: You Don't Need Hunting Or Fishing Skills To Work For The Game And Fish Department
January and February typically generate a few phone calls and emails from parents, teachers, school counselors and high school and college students about careers in the outdoors. I had a conversation with a counselor recently that might help answer some of those questions. The counselor has a student who loves to hunt and fish, and…
Doug Leier: What You Need To Know About Ice Fishing Rules And Regulations
This year winter has kind of softly tiptoed into the Midwest, to the joy of pheasants and deer and somewhat to the dismay of ice anglers and everyone else who likes or needs snow. However, it’s late December and we’re finally getting some better ice fishing conditions, so it’s a good time for a refresher…
Doug Leier: If You Want To Go Spearfishing You Need To Register
It’s almost December, and if there’s a transition time for outdoor activities, this is it. I felt it the last week of deer season as rain turned to snow, and the wind blew out the extended fall and brought in more “normal” temperatures. When that happens, it doesn’t take long for serious ice to start…
Doug Leier: Your Deer Hunting Questions Answered
Every year the North Dakota Game and Fish Department receives questions from deer hunters who want to clarify rules and regulations. Some common questions are listed below. What is the proper procedure for tagging a deer? The law says upon taking possession of your deer you need to immediately tag it. Cut out the date…
Doug Leier: Will Bighorn Sheep Be Available For Hunting In North Dakota Again?
This is the first fall in many years that North Dakota has not had a bighorn sheep hunting season. Even though the number of licenses has always been low, typically ranging from three to six a year over the last two decades, interest was always high, with odds of receiving one of these once-in-a-lifetime licenses…
Doug Leier: Good Hunting Is About A Good Attitude
I was having a conversation with a friend of mine about our attitudes and perceptions. The back-and-forth went from complaining about the weather to a fear of flying, and it got me to thinking about hunting. A bright sunny day with no wind is usually not very good for duck hunting in October, but such…
Doug Leier: PLOTS Program Has Been Successful
Next to sunflowers, Private Lands Open to Sportsmen signs are probably the most visible yellow objects found across the prairies of North Dakota this autumn. Over the past years, PLOTS signs have become synonymous with quality habitat open for hunting access. The signs mark the boundaries of parcels of private land that landowners have opened…