JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – There are still plenty of opportunities for hunters in North Dakota.
Doug Leier, ND Game and Fish Outreach biologist, reminds you that there are many opportunities remaining for hunters around the state.
The statewide duck and white-fronted goose seasons close Dec. 4. However, duck hunting in the high plains unit reopens Dec. 10 and continues through Jan. 1.
In addition, the season for Canada geese closes Dec. 17 in the eastern zone, Dec. 22 in the western zone and Dec. 30 in the Missouri River zone. Light goose hunting closes statewide Dec. 30.
Archery deer, fall turkey, sharp-tailed and ruffed grouse, partridge and pheasant hunting seasons continue through Jan. 1.
The season for tree squirrels closes Feb. 28.
Leier also reminds you to be careful on the newly formed ice.
A few reminders include:
– Edges firm up faster than farther out from shore.
– Snow insulates ice, which in turn inhibits solid ice formation, hiding cracks, weak and open water areas.
– Ice can form overnight, causing unstable conditions. Ice thickness is not consistent, as it can vary significantly within a few inches.
– Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal thinner ice. The same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged trees, brush, embankments or other structures.
– Anglers should drill test holes as they make their way out on the lake, and an ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around.
– Daily temperature changes cause ice to expand and contract, affecting its strength.
The following minimums are recommended for travel on clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in winter it’s a good idea to double these figures to be safe: 4 inches for a group walking single file; 6 inches for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup/truck.
And some life-saving safety tips:
– Wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone.
– Carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers to pull yourself back on the ice if you fall through.
– If someone breaks through the ice, call 911 immediately. Rescue attempts should employ a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that’s not possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as a last resort, but do this by forming a human chain where rescuers lie on the ice with each person holding the feet of the person in front.
– To treat hypothermia, replace wet clothing with dry clothing and immediately transport the victim to a hospital.
Doug Leier appears every Thursday morning at 7:40 on the JD in the Morning Show on Big Dog Country 95.5.