Late-season hunting opportunities end soon
North Dakota waterfowl hunters are reminded the statewide duck and white-fronted goose seasons close today. However, duck hunting in the high plains unit reopens Saturday and continues through Dec. 30.
In addition, the season for Canada geese closes Dec. 20, except for the Missouri River Zone, which closes Dec. 28. Light goose hunting closes statewide Dec. 30.
Archery deer, sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, partridge, pheasant and tree squirrel hunting seasons continue through Jan. 6, 2013. The fall turkey season closes Jan. 13, 2013.
Unfilled doe licenses no longer valid in N.D.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds deer hunters who did not fill an antlerless lottery license during the deer gun season that these licenses are not valid during the muzzleloader season, or the remainder of the archery season.
For several years prior to 2012, hunters with unfilled concurrent season antlerless licenses could continue hunting during the muzzleloader season, using a muzzleloader. Similarly, hunters could also use a bow during the remainder of the archery season to fill these licenses.
All hunters were limited to one deer gun license this year. Since there are no concurrent season licenses, there is no provision to use an unfilled license to continue hunting during the muzzleloader or archery season. Only hunters with muzzleloader, archery or unfilled gratis licenses can participate in those respective seasons.
Tentative N.D. 2013 season opening dates
To help North Dakota hunters prepare for hunting seasons in 2013, the N.D. Game and Fish Department annually provides its best estimate for opening dates for the coming year.
Dates become official when approved by governor's proclamation. Tentative opening dates for 2013 include:
Spring CrowMarch 9
Spring TurkeyApril 13
Fall CrowAug. 10
Early Canada GooseAug. 15
Deer Bow, Mtn. LionAug. 30
DoveSept. 1
Sharptail, Hun,
Ruffed Grouse, SquirrelSept. 14
Youth Waterfowl,
Sandhill CraneSept. 14
Youth DeerSept. 20
Early Resident WaterfowlSept. 21
Regular WaterfowlSept. 28
Youth PheasantOct. 5
Pheasant, Fall TurkeyOct. 12
Mink, Muskrat,
Weasel TrappingOct. 26
Deer GunNov. 8
Deer MuzzleloaderNov. 29