Anglers are reminded that three North Dakota lakes will close to fishing for several months beginning in November. The State Fair Pond in Ward County, McDowell Dam in Burleigh County and Lightning Lake in McLean County are closed to fishing from Nov. 1 through March 31.
Anglers should refer to the current North Dakota Fishing guide for open water and winter fishing regulations.
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30-day notice needed for fishing tourneys
Organizers planning fishing tournaments, including ice fishing contests this winter, are reminded to submit an application to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at least 30 days prior to the start of the event. The 30-day advance notice allows for review by agency staff to ensure the proposed tournament will not have negative consequences or conflicts with other proposed tournaments for the same location and/or time. Tournaments may not occur without first obtaining a valid permit from the department.
In addition, the number of open-water tournaments on lakes Sakakawea and Oahe, the Missouri River and Devils Lake are capped each year, depending upon the time of the year and location. Tournament sponsors for these water bodies must submit their application to the department prior to Jan. 1 to ensure full consideration.
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3F2 deer hunters reminded of regs
Hunters with a deer license in unit 3F2 are reminded of preventive measures intended to reduce the likelihood of spreading chronic wasting disease within North Dakota. Hunters harvesting a big game animal cannot transport a carcass containing the head and spinal column outside of the unit unless it's taken directly to a meat processor. However, the head can be removed from the carcass and transported outside of the unit if it is to be submitted to a CWD surveillance drop-off location or a licensed taxidermist.
In addition to carcass transportation guidelines, hunting big game over bait is prohibited in unit 3F2. Bait includes grain, seed, mineral, salt, fruit, vegetable nut, hay or any other natural or manufactured food placed by an individual. Bait does not include agricultural practices, gardens, wildlife food plots, agricultural crops, livestock feeds, fruit or vegetables in their natural location such as apples on or under an apple tree, or unharvested food or vegetables in a garden.