Gullickson spends his time working with 14 wildlife clubs, both national and local, that deal with local wildlife and game animals.

“Minot is very rich in wildlife clubs, and they all support each other,” Gullickson said.

Born in Minot, Gullickson has spent his career in the Ward County area and started in 1999 in Minot as an outreach biologist, a new position at the time. As an outreach officer, he works with the game warden and acts as a liaison between the public and the department.

Gullickson said not only is Ward County a good place for local hunters and anglers, it is a destination for many people. Thousands are attracted each year by the turkeys, deer, waterfowl and other game that find excellent habitat in the area. An often overlooked species in Ward County, Gullickson said, is the pheasant. He said many Ward County hunters drive to the southwestern part of the state when “there are some great opportunities right in your own backyard,” he said.

Ben Pifher/MDN A sign is posted outside the plot of land managed by the North Dakota Game & Fish on the state fairgrounds.

Fishing piers also are available on the Souris River in Minot, which offers great fishing in addition to Lake Darling and other local waterholes. Another place to fish is the North Dakota State Fair pond, where fish are available all year with the same regulations as other bodies of water in North Dakota. The pond on the fairgrounds is free to fish during the nine days of the fair and no license is required during that time.

Gullickson said there are events throughout the year, including the Youth Outdoor Festival, just before each Labor Day at the fairgrounds, at which nearly 500 youth show up and learn about wildlife from local clubs.

Nearly 67,350 fishing licenses and 61,228 combination licenses that cover hunters, anglers, furbearers and small game are issued to North Dakota residents. These licenses are valid throughout the state.

“The other thing that’s unique about Ward County are the various types of habitat. There are uplands, wetlands, grasslands, tree rows, crop fields and the river corridor that are all homes to a variety of game,” Gullickson said.

Ward County also offers great opportunities for those who aren’t looking to hunt, trap, or fish – those who enjoy non-consumptive activities. Many people travel to the area for activities such as bird watching and butterfly watching, due to the wide variety of species from both the western and eastern halves of North America. North Dakota is a migration corridor for several species, including the monarch butterfly, whooping crane and bald eagle. According to Gullickson, there are around 365 species of birds that either nest or migrate through the state.

When looking for permission to use someone’s land for outdoor activities, it is recommended to ask the landowner. Many landowners will let people use their land. They just want to know who is there. There are two ways landowners can restrict people from entering their land – through physical posting or electronic posting. To find out if there are electronic postings for a certain plot of land, contact the North Dakota Game & Fish or use its app.

For those interested in getting started in outdoor activities, the various clubs around Minot are great places for all ages to learn and network. There are also game feeds, at which samples of different types of game are available to try. Local vendors are another resource for those wishing to learn.

Gullickson said before applying for a hunting license, prospective hunters must take and pass a hunter’s safety course. This teaches the basics of handling a firearm or bow, as well as teaches humane methods of harvesting game. Lifejackets are important to remember for those who are interested in participating in watercraft activities as well, and for those who enjoy ice fishing, they are reminded no ice is considered safe and the quality of the ice should be considered before walking on a frozen lake.