North Dakota Game and Fish Department

North Dakota Game and Fish Department This is the official North Dakota Game and Fish Department page. https://gf.nd.gov/comments

The creation in 1930 of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department was a continuation of efforts to preserve fish and game species in the state. At its inception the enforcement of game and fish laws was the department’s primary conservation tool. Over the years the legislature has increased enforcement authority and assigned regulatory powers to the agency aiding its efforts to preserve fish and wildlife and their habitats. Social media comment policy - https://gf.nd.gov/social-media-comment-policy

10/01/2026

In this week’s NDO Webcast, survey coordinator Chad Parent talks about how your hunter harvest survey data is used by the Department to help manage game populations.

09/30/2026

In this episode of NDO Podcast (gf.nd.gov/ndo-podcast), we visit with Martin Shervey, forest health manager with North Dakota Forest Service, about the recent finding of Emerald Ash Borer in Burleigh county, other tree diseases, and what steps you can take to have healthy trees.

The r***e range at Maclean Bottoms will be closed for cleanup on Wednesday, September 30th from 5:30 p.m. until sunset.A...
09/29/2026

The r***e range at Maclean Bottoms will be closed for cleanup on Wednesday, September 30th from 5:30 p.m. until sunset.

All are welcome to join the Dakota chapter of Pheasants Forever and North Dakota Game and Fish to help replace targets and clean up the range area.

09/28/2026

The North Dakota Fur Harvester Education Program continues its efforts to recruit and educate future trappers. Learn more in this week's NDO News.

We are continuing to monitor reports of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in southwestern and central North Dakota.EHD...
09/24/2026

We are continuing to monitor reports of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in southwestern and central North Dakota.

EHD is caused by a virus spread by several species of biting midges.

New advances in technology are being utilized to better understand the genetic variation of the virus that causes EHD to determine if the virus changes from year to year and across the state.

Characterizing the genetics from collected samples of the virus in North Dakota is an important step that may inform disease mitigation options.

ℹ For more information on EHD visit gf.nd.gov/wildlife/diseases/hd

👉 To report a sick or dead deer visit gf.nd.gov/wildlife/diseases/mortality-report

09/24/2026

Watch this week's NDO Webcast before hitting the field this fall for some simple hunting safety tips.

THIS SUNDAY! 🦬🌲Get outside and celebrate Teddy Roosevelt Days at McDowell Dam! Bring the whole family for a day of outdo...
09/23/2026

THIS SUNDAY! 🦬🌲

Get outside and celebrate Teddy Roosevelt Days at McDowell Dam! Bring the whole family for a day of outdoor fun, activities and a little Roosevelt-inspired adventure.

📅 Sunday, Sept. 27 | 1:00-4:30 p.m.
📍 McDowell Dam Recreation Area

Behind the Badge - Coot CrimeWritten by District Game Warden Justin McFallSummer in North Dakota is a time for people to...
09/22/2026

Behind the Badge - Coot Crime
Written by District Game Warden Justin McFall

Summer in North Dakota is a time for people to get out and enjoy the beauty the state has to offer. But understand, we are not the only ones who enjoy it. Numerous different bird species occupy the state during warmer months as they nest in our numerous ponds, sloughs and lakes. These waters are vital to many shorebirds and waterfowl species, and it is there where many different species start their journey.

One sunny summer evening I received a call from a local landowner who had a disturbing report. The landowner said they had observed a young individual operating a jet ski who had made several passes through a flock of American coots resting on the water of a local lake. The landowner said that when the individual passed through the flock of coots, several were left floating in the water.

Equipped with a photo of the young individual, I responded to the area and located the jet ski from the photo parked at a local cabin site. I met with the occupants of the cabin site and found the parents of the young individual in the photo. I showed them the photo, and they agreed that it was their son. I then met with their son who was nervous to talk to me. He told me that he saw the coots but did not get too close to them.

I then asked the parents to look at their jet ski. While walking up to the jet ski, I spotted a dead coot in front of the jet ski on shore. I examined the coot and found it was missing a wing along with various other trauma. I showed the coot to the young individual and explained the severity of the situation and how the coots chased by a jet ski were defenseless. The young individual appeared to be regretful and a citation was issued.

Our wildlife does not have a voice to advocate for itself. Without proper protection, situations like these can take a toll on wildlife populations. It is the responsibility of all to ensure we have a healthy population not only for hunting, but ensuring the next generations can experience the joys of the outdoors as much as we did. Please be mindful that we share this beautiful state with wildlife and give them the space they need.

Be safe out there.

09/21/2026

Find out how the 2026 pheasant season is shaping up in this week's NDO News.

09/17/2026

Photographers!

Did you capture an unforgettable moment of North Dakota’s outdoors? We’d like to see!

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department calendar photo contest is open. Winning photos will be published as the 2027 calendar for the December 2026 issue of North Dakota OUTDOORS.

The first-place photo will be featured on the cover, as a month inside and will receive $350. Runner-up photos will be featured as a month inside the issue and will receive $200.

Visit gf.nd.gov/calendar-photo-contest for more information and to submit images.

Submission deadline is Oct. 6, 2026.

Address

Bismarck, ND
58501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17013286300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when North Dakota Game and Fish Department posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category