North Dakota Game And Fish Department Recapping
The discussion with Director Jeb Williams recapped highlights and challenges from 2025. Key topics included the Habitat and Access Summit held a year prior, which generated legislative action, specifically around securing additional funding for habitat and access through increased license fees. The department continues essential operations during the legislative session, such as certifying new Hunter Education students and hosting instructor appreciation banquets. Operations discussed included spring fisheries work like egg collection and stocking, and wildlife data collection. Fishing success was noted, particularly in prairie lakes. The department's presence at the North Dakota State Fair via the conservation outdoor skills park was highlighted as a vital public interaction opportunity. Turnover and the training of new game wardens were mentioned. Fall hunting seasons saw positive results for pheasants, grouse, and partridge, though sharptail numbers varied by region. Big game discussions focused on management strategies for deer populations to encourage growth while addressing disease and carrying capacity, alongside positive trends for moose, elk (including a new unit opening), and bighorn sheep (noting the successful harvest partnership with the MHA Nation). Finally, the update of the State Wildlife Action Plan to prevent species from being listed as threatened or endangered was reviewed, as was the recent creation of the Habitat and Access Stakeholder Group for continuous dialogue. The recap concluded with positive news regarding the Governor's Habitat Legacy Program, a partnership with the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts, focused on placing grass on non-productive cropland.