North Dakota

Behind the Badge | North Dakota Game and Fish

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2023

Deciding to Make the Name

District Recreation Warden Corey Erck

With out fail, months after the looking seasons have closed, recreation wardens will encounter somebody, someplace who says, “I nearly referred to as you throughout deer season”, or “it is best to have been working in a sure space in October.”

That’s adopted by tales about all of the egregious violations they witnessed the earlier looking season.

But, when requested why they didn’t name it in on the time, you hear a really lengthy listing of excuses, none of which incorporates “I wasn’t close to a cellphone.”

If the individual did witness a severe violation months in the past, it is extremely troublesome and unlikely to efficiently prosecute the offending people that lengthy after the very fact.

My recommendation to witnesses to perceived recreation violation is to name it in directly.

It’s straightforward to do. You may name the Report All Poachers quantity (701-328-9921), and stay nameless if you want, or just name 911 and the dispatch heart will route the decision so the closest recreation warden can reply.

For those who do witness a violation, try to get as a lot data as you possibly can with out confronting the suspected violators.

Detailed descriptions of automobiles and individuals are crucial, images are nice if doable.

Some of the necessary items of knowledge can be a car license plate quantity if it may be obtained. With mobile phone cameras it’s not unusual nowadays for witnesses to acquire video proof of violations as effectively.

The earlier a recreation warden can reply, the higher the probabilities of catching these concerned and prosecuting them.

If you’re uncertain for those who ought to name or not, lean closely in favor of the previous and go the data alongside in order that the sport warden can determine if it seems to be a violation.

A number of the greatest instances I’ve made in my profession as a recreation warden have come from a easy cellphone name.

In 2004, a person out deer looking witnessed a deer shot out of the window of a pick-up. After the deer was shot, the car was pushed into the sphere and the deer was thrown within the again with out being tagged. When the suspects got here again to the street the witness was in a position to learn the license plate of the pick-up. I acquired the preliminary name and began an investigation that night that might result in 30 unlawful deer and eventual prices laid on a few dozen individuals concerned within the looking social gathering.

One other newer case concerned two males fishing for bluegills at a small lake. An observant teenager seen that the 2 males stored each fish that they caught. Suspecting that they had been over their restrict the teenager referred to as the RAP quantity and I used to be in a position meet up with the duo earlier than they left the lake. They had been in possession of greater than 90 bluegills. Contemplating the each day bluegill restrict is 10 per individual, they had been closing in on possessing 5 occasions the authorized restrict. Each males had been issued citations and had been required to seem earlier than a decide.

In each instances, the callers got a money reward for the data.

I can consider quite a few occasions individuals have referred to as in fishing over limits or double trippers, a lot of which led to profitable prosecutions. There may be a lot good that comes from involved sportsmen and girls dialing the RAP quantity.

As famous, callers are eligible for a money reward if the individual is discovered responsible of a felony recreation or fish violation.

RAP receives cash from the public sale of confiscated objects used within the fee of recreation and fish violations. These funds are used to pay these rewards.

What an unbelievable deterrent it’s if the few dishonest hunters and anglers know they’re being watched by the bulk who’re sincere. Please do your half in serving to to guard the wildlife of North Dakota and make the decision.

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North Dakota

The most deadly time to drive is between Memorial Day and Labor Day

Published

6 hours ago

July 21, 2024

Press Room

The most deadly time to drive is between Memorial Day and Labor Day

NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — The hundred-day span between Memorial Day and Labor Day is marked as the most deadly period on the road here in North Dakota.

According to the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s 2022 crash summary report, fatal crashes are twice as likely during this time.

That’s why North Dakota leaders are urging drivers to not fall into a “false sense of security” during the bright and cheery days of summer.

According to Travel and Leisure, North Dakota has been marked as the state with the most reckless drivers.

There’s a range of reasons for this from drunk driving to speeding. But another reason is that when the snow clears, North Dakota drivers are eager to get out more and drive faster than they would in the snow, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division director.

And because North Dakota has some of the lowest citation fees in the nation, ranging from $5 to $100, the Highway Patrol’s safety and education officer says that drivers aren’t given enough deterrents to drive safely.

However, with growing concerns about safety, there could be talk of increasing citation amounts in coming legislative sessions.

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North Dakota

NDGF taking proactive measures to prevent aquatic nuisance species from spreading

Published

13 hours ago

July 20, 2024

Press Room

NDGF taking proactive measures to prevent aquatic nuisance species from spreading

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Aquatic nuisance species are nonnative plants, animals and pathogens that can threaten our aquatic resources. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is taking proactive measures to stop the spread of ANS into our waterbodies by conducting watercraft inspections at popular boat ramps statewide.

“We got watercraft inspectors that are working throughout this summer around the state of North Dakota to check boats, to educate boat owners to do the right things at ramps, make sure boats are all clean, drain, dry before recreating here,” said Ben Holen, NDGF Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator.

What can anglers or watercraft recreationists expect when they come to an ANS inspection?

“A watercraft inspector will ask a few questions, only takes a couple minutes, and then they look at the hull of the boat. They’re looking at the engine area, looking at the anchor and also looking at all drain compartments, making sure all water is out of that watercraft. Everything is drained. Everything is cleaned, drained, dry before you get on that water body,” said Holen.

These watercraft inspections are voluntary and most people are cooperative and thankful the Game and Fish Department is spearheading efforts to stop the spread of ANS.

“We see a lot of our fishermen are really educated about aquatic nuisance species. They’re pulling their plugs every time, removing vegetation, doing the right things. Occasionally there are slip-ups, but that’s why our inspectors are out here making sure that those boats are good to go,” said Holen.

It’s not only fishing boats that are inspected, it’s all watercraft.

“So whether you’re a jet skier, a kayak, a canoer, a wakeboarder, you all play a part in curbing the spread of aquatic nuisance species in North Dakota,” said Holen.

The purpose of these inspections is to educate the public so they can help curb the spread of ANS.

“We can’t be at every ramp, every single circumstance, so hopefully some of these recreationists can take the tools that they learn from watercraft inspectors and apply them on their own when they’re out there recreating on their own and do a self-inspection,” said Holen.

The Game and Fish Department is committed to safeguarding our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

“So we really, really like to keep it that way and keep these resources pristine for a long time,” said Holen.

For more information on Aquatic Nuisance Species, visit gf.nd.gov

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North Dakota

How gas prices have changed in North Dakota in the last week – 7/19/2024

Published

20 hours ago

July 20, 2024

Press Room

How gas prices have changed in North Dakota in the last week – 7/19/2024

STACKER — The typically busy summer driving season tends to lead to more demand for gasoline and, in turn, higher prices at the pump. But that hasn’t happened this summer, and analysts aren’t sure of the reason.

“[Drivers] appear to be staying off the road, and the recent scorching heat is possibly to blame. Maybe things will pick up soon,” AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement Thursday, adding that prices could dip even lower.

Prices are several cents above their levels a month ago, but a gallon of gas is still cheaper than it was this same time last summer. The U.S. has been producing a large amount of gasoline to bolster domestic supply, another factor that can push prices downward. The total amount of gasoline in the U.S. supply is slightly above the five-year average, according to Energy Information Administration data.

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in North Dakota. Gas prices are as of July 19.

North Dakota by the numbers
– Gas current price: $3.39
– Week change: $0.00 (0.0%)
– Year change: -$0.08 (-2.3%)
– Historical expensive gas price: $4.80 (6/15/22)

– Diesel current price: $3.65
– Week change: -$0.01 (-0.2%)
– Year change: -$0.13 (-3.3%)
– Historical expensive diesel price: $5.62 (6/25/22)

Metros with most expensive gas in North Dakota
#1. Minot: $3.48
#2. Bismarck: $3.48
#3. Grand Forks (ND only): $3.27
#4. Fargo-Moorhead (ND only): $3.24

States with the most expensive gas
#1. California: $4.72
#2. Hawaii: $4.70
#3. Washington: $4.27

States with the least expensive gas
#1. Mississippi: $3.00
#2. Louisiana: $3.10
#3. Texas: $3.12

This article originally appeared on Stacker, and was produced and distributed through a partnership with Stacker Studio. It has been republished pursuant to a CC by NC 4.0 License.

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