August 8 , 2007

2007 Small Game and Furbearer Regulations Set

North Dakota's 2007 small game and furbearer regulations have been set and most season structures and bag limits are similar to last year, according to Greg Link, assistant wildlife chief for the state Game and Fish Department. The only significant changes involve the mountain lion and youth pheasant hunting seasons.

The mountain lion season is set up in two zones. Zone 1 includes the portion of North Dakota west of ND Highway 8 from the South Dakota border to the south shore of Lake Sakakawea, and south and west of ND Highway 1804 from the Montana border to a point where ND Highway 1804 lies directly across Lake Sakakawea from ND Highway 8. Zone 2 is the remainder of the state.

Zone 1 will open Aug. 31 and continue through March 9, 2008, or until a season quota of five lions has been met. If the quota is reached, the season will close immediately. The quota includes lions taken by a legally licensed hunter using approved firearms or archery equipment within the designated season. It does not include lions taken by USDA Wildlife Services, the Game and Fish Department, private landowners in defense of livestock, road killed animals, incidental animals taken by traps or cable devices (snares), for human safety issues, and those taken on Indian land.

Zone 2 is also open Aug. 31 through March 9, 2008. There is no quota, therefore the season in Zone 2 will not close early.

The mountain lion season is open only to North Dakota residents. A furbearer or combination license is required. Any mountain lion that is taken must be reported to the Game and Fish Department within 12 hours, and the entire animal must be submitted for analysis. Legally taken animals will be returned to the hunter following analysis.

Any mountain lion other than kittens (lions with visible spots), or females accompanied by kittens, may be taken during the season. No hunting or pursuing with dogs is allowed until Dec. 1.

Hunters ages 15 and younger are eligible to participate in the youth pheasant hunting season slated for Oct. 6-7. Previously, the season was held for youth ages 12-16. The law was changed to allow for the Game and Fish Department to establish a youth pheasant hunting season, and the age requirement of 15 and younger is consistent with the other youth hunting seasons.

In addition, the 2007 North Dakota state legislature passed a law that allows a resident who is on leave and on active duty with the United States military to hunt small game or trap during the season without a license.

Other small game and waterfowl licensing details are similar to last year.

Only North Dakota residents are permitted to hunt waterfowl from Sept. 22-28. Nonresidents will be allowed to hunt waterfowl in North Dakota beginning Sept. 29. Other waterfowl season details will be finalized in mid-August in the waterfowl amendment to the small game and furbearer proclamation.

In accordance with state law, nonresidents are not allowed to hunt on Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas or conservation PLOTS (Private Land Open To Sportsmen) areas from Oct. 13-19.

Hunters should refer to the North Dakota 2007-08 Small Game and Furbearer guides (available mid-August) for more details on small game and furbearer seasons. Waterfowl regulations will be available in late August.