By Doug Leier North Dakota watercraft owners getting set for open water fishing should know that 2026 marked the beginning of a new three-year registration cycle. Whether you're getting ready for a summer on the lake or planning a quiet paddle down a local river, making sure your watercraft registration is current is a...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging homeowners to remove birdfeeders now and check their property for food sources that could attract bears. While most female bears with cubs and yearlings are still near their denning areas, some full-grown bears are starting to emerge from their dens in search...

The most recent Minnesota moose population estimate is approximately 4,470 animals, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' 2026 population survey. Results suggest that after a steep decline from a population estimate of 8,000 in 2009, Minnesota's moose population appears to have somewhat leveled, f...

Elk, moose and bighorn sheep applications must be submitted online before midnight, March 25. Applicants can apply by visiting My Account at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's website, gf.nd.gov. Elk, moose and bighorn sheep lottery licenses are issued as once-in-a-lifetime licenses in North Dakota. Hunters wh...

The state Game and Fish Department's annual spring aerial mule deer survey is scheduled for April 1-24 in western North Dakota and typically takes about two weeks to complete, weather permitting. During the survey period, people could notice low-flying small airplanes over some parts of the badlands. Game and Fish biol...

North Dakota's waterfowl season opens for residents Sept. 26, while nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl Oct. 5. The resident-only portion of the season has been extended from seven days in previous years to nine days in 2026. This change, which was first presented to the public starting summer 2025, provides addit...

By Doug Leier North Dakota's hunting seasons represent far more than tradition or recreation. For most it's almost part of our DNA. Yet, each year I hear a familiar question: Why don't we just close down the deer or pheasant seasons to help repopulate? It's almost counter intuitive. We love it so much but we're willing...

By Doug Leier North Dakota's hunting seasons represent far more than tradition or recreation. For most it's almost part of our DNA. Yet, each year I hear a familiar question: Why don't we just close down the deer or pheasant seasons to help repopulate? It's almost counter intuitive. We love it so much but we're willin...

Anglers fishing on Upper Red Lake during the 2026 open-water season that starts Saturday, May 9, will have a five-walleye possession limit, with only one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed. This is the same regulation that was in place for the 2025 open-water season. "Upper Red Lake walleye have been managed at...

North Dakota's 2026-28 fishing proclamation is set, with regulations effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028. New fishing licenses are required April 1. Anglers can find the North Dakota 2026-28 Fishing Guide online at the state Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or at Game and Fish Department offices...

Weekly CO report District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-03-16 CO Ben Huener (Roseau) checked walleye and Pike anglers on Lake of the woods. Tip up angling is slow for most folks, with mostly small fish being reported. Anglers are still reminded to only buy dead bait that has been certified VHS free. Violations f...

GFP Seeking Public Comment on Elk Action Plan Pierre, S.D. - During the March South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission meeting, the department provided information on the draft revision of the Elk Action Plan and recent public input. Elk populations in South Dakota occur in the Black Hills and a few limited a...

North Dakota anglers, hunters and trappers should note that new licenses are required beginning April 1. Licenses can be purchased online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Once the license is processed, hunters and anglers will have the option to print a hard copy and/or download...

New high-resolution camera and sound enhance user experience Falcons in the nest, photo taken with new camera in 2026 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' FalconCam is live for the 2026 nesting season. This year's livestream is using a new camera that offers a much sharper view of peregrine falcons - and, for...

By Doug Leier Whether you go by the calendar or conditions on the ground, winter in North Dakota is always a season of transition. Officially, the books say it starts Dec. 21 and wraps up March 21. For me, winter started with a true cold and snow snap just before Thanksgiving. For some, it didn't truly feel like winter...

Weekly CO report District 1 - Baudette area Last updated: 2026-03-10 CO Nick Bruesewitz (Karlstad) patrolled the area trails for snowmobile activity. Time was spent providing the laws and ethics talk to a snowmobile safety class in Karlstad. Enforcement action was taken for a variety of snowmobile-related violations. C...

USA Today 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards has nominated Minnesota's Gitchi-Gami State Trail for Best Recreational Trail. Nominations are selected by a panel of experts and USA Today 10BEST editors. This Minnesota Department of Natural Resources-built and -managed paved trail is currently 36-miles. It crosses multiple sta...

Camping and lodging reservations for Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are available 120 days in advance, meaning reservations for early July are now open. For those who plan to camp this summer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is sharing some helpful tips. Start by finding the right location Fir...

The North Dakota Game Wardens Association is sponsoring scholarships for the fall semester for higher education students interested in majoring in wildlife law enforcement or a related field. Applications must be submitted by email to ndgamewardens@gmail.com no later than May 1.

Unoccupied fish houses must be removed from all waters beginning March 15. Fish houses may be used after March 15 if they are removed daily. In addition, anglers are encouraged to look around and clean up the site if any trash is found left behind.