North Dakota Game and Fish Board Meetings Set for November 2023

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is concluding its fall series of public meetings across the state. These gatherings provide residents with opportunities to engage with advisory board members and discuss important issues relating to wildlife and natural resources management.

Meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at various locations, with the remaining sessions taking place on the following dates:

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

– **November 17**: District 1 (including Divide, McKenzie, and Williams counties) will meet at the McKenzie County Sportsman’s Club in Watford City, located at 2306 121x Ave NW. The host for this meeting is the club, with Nathan Hovde serving as the contact at (701) 580-0314.

– **November 19**: District 6 (covering Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, Logan, LaMoure, McIntosh, Stutsman, and Wells counties) will convene, although the location and contact information are still to be announced. Jordan Svenningsen, an advisory board member from Luverne, will be present.

– **November 24**: District 8 (Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope, and Stark counties) will also hold its meeting with details pending. Rob Brooks from Rhame is the designated contact.

These sessions are vital for community involvement and input regarding the management of natural resources in North Dakota.

Public Hearing and Other Events

In addition to the advisory board meetings, a public hearing is set for **November 19** at **11 a.m.** at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department headquarters, located at 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck. This hearing will address proposed administrative rule changes concerning regulations on transporting water in bait buckets from infested waters, guide and outfitter examinations, and boating safety.

Interested individuals can review the proposed rules in person or on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov. Comments on these proposals can be submitted until **November 30, 2025**.

Several other events are also on the calendar:

– **December 5-7**: The St. Paul Ice Fishing and Winter Sports Show will take place at the St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 5, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on December 6, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 7. More details can be found at stpaulicefishingshow.com.

– **December 14**: The Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Christmas Bird Count will be conducted. Field participants are needed to help count birds within a 15-mile diameter circle centered on U.S. Highway 2, one mile east of the airport. Those interested can reach out to John Breker, the count compiler, at [email protected].

– **January 9, 2024**: The North Dakota Wildlife Federation will host a Wildlife Social from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fargo Holiday Inn, located at 3803 13th Ave. S. More information can be obtained by calling (701) 390-7196 or via email at [email protected].

– **January 10, 2024**: The North Dakota Wildlife Federation will hold its Speakers and Banquet event from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., including dinner at 6 p.m. at the same venue.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has also announced its fall schedule for its Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series, featuring free webinars every other Wednesday at noon. The sessions cover various outdoor topics, with recordings available for those unable to attend live. More details, including registration information, can be found on the Minnesota DNR website at mndnr.gov/discover.

These initiatives reflect a commitment to public engagement and environmental stewardship, ensuring that community voices are heard in the management of North Dakota’s natural resources.