JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Game & Fish Wildlife Biologist Doug Leier says members of the public can help the department out with whooping crane migration.

The whooping cranes that do travel through North Dakota are part of a population of about 500 birds on their way from wintering grounds in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to nesting grounds at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada, a distance of about 2,500 miles.

Leier says animal health officials are also continuing to monitor the current avian influenza outbreak. Residents can also report anything they say there to the Game & Fish Department too.

Avian influenza viruses rarely infect people, but hunters should consider precautions to limit exposure. These include avoiding handling sick animals, wearing gloves when dressing game, washing hands and equipment thoroughly, and cooking meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Leier says paddlefish tags will only be sold online this year. Anglers are also encouraged to view the newest fishing regulations that go into effect April 1st. This includes an increase on the smallmouth/largmouth bass limit from a daily limit of 3 to 5.

For more information, visit gf.nd.gov.

You can listen to Doug Leier talk the great outdoors every Thursday on Big Dog 95.5 FM.