When the topic of conversation is game and fish
violations, most people might assume that high-profile cases like hunting on
posted land or some type of big game hunting violation, such as not tagging a
deer or exceeding the limit, are the most common.
While each of these cases might garner some individual
attention, they are far outnumbered in the frequency category by violations
such as not carrying a license, or not having enough personal flotation devices
on a boat. Those and other statistics were part of the annual enforcement
division annual report published in
the February 2019 issue
of of North Dakota OUTDOORS,
the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s magazine.
In 2018, according to
the report, game wardens issued more than 2,400 citations, compared to 2,500 in
2017 and 2,300 citations in 2016.
Counties with the most
violations were Ramsey (343), Williams (227), McKenzie (202), Burleigh (107)
and Stutsman (94).
The most common
violations and number issued in 2018 were:
●Licensing
(622): failure to carry license (347); and hunting/fishing/trapping without
proper license (219).
●Fishing (487):
exceeding limit (187); aquatic nuisance species violations (86); and excessive
lines (78).
●Boating (445):
inadequate number of personal flotation devices (214); failure to display boat
registration (58); and use of unlicensed/unnumbered boat (52).
●General (263):
loaded firearm in vehicle (60); hunting on posted land without permission (54);
and littering (42).
●Small game
(242): using shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (60); failure to
leave identification of sex on game (56); and exceeding limit (17).
●Miscellaneous
(180): minor in possession (48); criminal trespass (27); possession of a
controlled substance (25); and open container (21).
●Wildlife
management areas/refuge (88): failure to obey posted regulations (50); and
possession of glass beverage containers (21).
●Big game (57):
tagging violations (21); failure to wear orange (10); and chronic wasting
disease violations (10).
●Furbearer (34): shining/using artificial light
(8); and illegal possession/taking (6).
These are what the
numbers show, but what should also be noted is if hunters, landowners or
citizens have information on illegal activity, it’s important to take action as
poachers steal from law-abiding hunters and anglers. A poacher who takes a deer
out of season or an extra limit of fish has reduced your opportunity.
If you value hunting and fishing, you owe it to yourself to report violations.
If you witness or hear about something, contact a game warden directly. Game
wardens are stationed throughout the state and their phone numbers are listed
on the Game and Fish Department website at
gf.nd.gov
You can also call the
Report All Poachers hotline at 701-328-9921. This number is available 24 hours
a day, and will get you connected with a game warden or other law enforcement
officer.
At RAP you can report a
violation and receive a reward for a conviction based on your information.
Rewards can range from $100-$1000 depending on the nature of the crime, and you
can remain anonymous.