North Dakota retired upland game biologist continues to return to the field after nearly 60 years

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – On this week’s phase of North Dakota Outdoor Mike Anderson introduces us to a retired upland sport biologist who nonetheless will get out within the discipline each spring and summer time.

Jerry Kobriger was a longtime upland sport administration supervisor who retired from the North Dakota Sport and Fish Division in 2007 after 43 years with the company. Kobriger nonetheless helps half time throughout spring and summer time with upland chook census and brood surveys.

“The job actually hasn’t modified that a lot over the 59 years, nevertheless it’s concerned sharptail grouse census, prairie rooster census, sage grouse census within the spring to find out the breeding inhabitants. And also you do brood surveys within the summertime of all these species. Some had been for ruffed grouse too, and pheasant surveys,” stated Kobriger.

In mid-Might Kobriger was parked on a backroad in southwest North Dakota counting sharptailed grouse throughout their annual mating ritual.

“You must survey the entire space by sight and sound as a result of the grounds transfer and as a way to get the correct rely of the entire township, you must do an inventory and website survey each spring. I imply, simply because there was no floor right here final 12 months, that doesn’t imply there received’t be one this 12 months,” stated Kobriger.

And there’s a motive Jerry Kobriger remains to be counting birds after practically 60 years.

“It’s only a good job and also you don’t have any individual trying over your again over your shoulder on a regular basis both. That’s a superb level,” stated Kobriger.

Biologists are utilizing a variety of know-how lately when managing wildlife, however Kobriger has a easy piece of recommendation to observe for the youthful technology of biologists.

“And that’s simply don’t lose contact with the outside and with the sphere,” stated Kobriger.

Kobriger nonetheless has one purpose he desires to perform earlier than he retires for the second time.

“I stated should you let me work not less than sooner or later subsequent 12 months, then I’ll have 60 years in. And I feel that’s going to be an endpoint,” stated Kobriger.

Kobriger admits it is going to be onerous to name it quits after subsequent 12 months’s surveys.

“Simply take pleasure in it. And I take pleasure in going out early within the morning. It’s a pleasant time to be out right here,” stated Kobriger.

Kobriger’s profession began with the division in 1964. Most of his time was spent because the upland sport administration supervisor in Dickinson.

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