BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – April 1st was no joke for hunters in the state of North Dakota.

The Game & Fish Department reports that as of the first of the month, new licensing was required in the state. Game & Fish Wildlife Biologist Doug Leier says residents need new fishing licenses, small game licenses, and general game licenses before they can receive their tags.

Leier says in other outdoor news, snow geese have begun to finally filter into North Dakota.

Leier says motorist should avoid rutting up the muddy and soft roads by parking on solid surfaces and walking to scout. Leier says high water will impact access for a while and to keep that in mind when turkey season kicks off.

You can listen to Doug Leier every Thursday on Big Dog 95.5 FM with JD in the Morning at 7:20 AM.