Coyote Classic set for Dickinson
The 11th annual North Dakota Coyote Classic is scheduled Jan. 10-12 in Dickinson. In 2012, the event awarded more than $20,000 in cash and prizes.
"It is our biggest event of the year in terms of participation and prize money," said Jamie P. Olson, director. "It has gotten so popular that we've actually had to place a cap on the numbers of teams that can register."
Registration fee is $300 per two-man team and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of 50 teams will be allowed. Payback will be through 10 places along with cash awards to the largest and smallest coyotes. Entry forms can be found at (coyotehunter.net).
Goose, duck seasons end soon
North Dakota waterfowl hunters are reminded the season for Canada geese in the Missouri River Zone closes Dec. 28. In addition, duck hunting in the High Plains Unit closes Dec. 30.
Fish house regulations
Winter anglers are reminded that any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made out of materials that will allow it to float. If it's left unattended, it must be able to float; if it's not able to float, it must be removed when the angler leaves the ice.
Other fish house regulations include:
Fish houses do not require a license.
Occupied structures do not require identification. However, any unoccupied fish house must have the owner's name, and either address or telephone number, displayed on its outside in readily distinguishable characters at least three inches high.
Fish houses may not be placed closer than 50 feet in any direction to another house without consent of the occupant of the other fish house.
Fish houses shall be removed from all waters by midnight, March 15, of each year. They can be used after March 15 if they are removed daily.
Anglers should refer to the 2012-2014 North Dakota Fishing Guide for winter fishing regulations.
Kohn honored by Game and Fish
Stan Kohn, upland game supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, received the agency's Director's Award for professional excellence during the Department's annual meeting Dec. 13 in Bismarck. Terry Steinwand, Game and Fish director, said Kohn has been a dedicated and effective employee for more than three decades.
"Stan has always gone the extra mile for the Department and the sportsmen and women of North Dakota," Steinwand said.
Kohn was mentioned for being a strong supporter of developing sound science and in collecting and using the best data for guiding management decisions. "His work is completed on schedule and is always well done," Steinwand said. "He is a strong supporter of our Department's hunting programs and he works hard to ensure that our hunters are provided the best opportunities in the field."
Sedlacek named Officer of Year
Mike Sedlacek, North Dakota Game and Fish Department district game warden stationed in Fargo, is the state's 2012 Wildlife Officer of the Year. Sedlacek was honored recently by the Shikar-Safari Club International, a private conservation organization that annually recognizes outstanding wildlife officers in each state.
In a nomination letter sent to Shikar-Safari, chief warden Robert Timian said Sedlacek's district is the most populated in the state, which presents many challenges.
"Warden Sedlacek has fostered such a relationship with officers in Cass County that they often call him regarding possible violations, and he works with other law enforcement officers on investigations and complaints," Timian said. "He has developed new relationships with landowners throughout the district, and the end result has led to respect for him and the Game and Fish Department."
G&F recognizes employee efforts
North Dakota Game and Fish Department Director Terry Steinwand recently honored a number of employees with performance-based awards. Steinwand presented the following awards at the department's annual staff meeting Dec. 13.
Greg Gullickson, Minot, received the Public Outreach award, presented to an employee or group for showing a significant effort, ability or accomplishment in interacting with the public while promoting the Department's programs. Gullickson was recognized for his efforts in coordinating the State Fair renovation project. "Greg's ability to pull together this task went beyond our expectations," Steinwand said. "The entire area had to be redone, including major repairs to structures, landscaping and the fishing pond."
Gene Masse, recently retired district game warden from New Rockford, received the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators Officer of the Year award for North Dakota. Each state in NASBLA selects a person for a national award. Among the criteria for receiving the award is boating activity in regards to law enforcement, education, search and rescue, outreach and training.
Renae Heinle, Jamestown, received the Special Projects award, given to an individual or group who implemented a successful new project. Heinle was recognized for her project creativity and resourcefulness on private lands.
Alan Reile, Bismarck, received the Solid Foundation award, presented to an employee who demonstrates exemplary work in their field. Reile was recognized for his aggressiveness in staying on top of the latest technology developments.
Kent Luttschwager, Williston, was presented with the Innovations award, which recognizes staff for implementing a process to improve Department goals and objectives. Luttschwager was recognized for his efforts pertaining to oil and gas activity in the Williston Basin, and for coordinating the recovery efforts of the 2011 flood on several Missouri River wildlife management areas.
Brandon Kratz, Jamestown, also received the Innovations award for his work with aeration systems to improve fish habitat.