Proposal would expand hunting opportunities on federal refuge lands, DNR resumes 'I Can!' programs etc.

May 8—Plan would expand hunting opportunities

Hunting opportunities at Audubon, J. Clark Salyer and Lake Alice national wildlife refuges in North Dakota would expand under a proposal announced Tuesday, May 4, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The proposal is part of a federal plan to create or expand hunting opportunities at 90 national wildlife refuges and on the lands of one national fish hatchery, according to a news release from the service.

RELATED STORIES:

— Read more hunting stories in Northland Outdoors

— Read more fishing stories in Northland Outdoors

— Read more recreation stories in Northland Outdoors

The proposal continues the Department of the Interior's efforts to increase recreational access on public lands, the agency said in a news release.

"We are committed to ensuring Americans of all backgrounds have access to hunting and fishing and other recreational activities on our public lands," said Martha Williams, principal deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "Hunters and anglers are some of our most ardent conservationists and they play an important role in ensuring the future of diverse and healthy wildlife populations. Our lands have also provided a much-needed outlet to thousands during the pandemic and we hope these additional opportunities will provide a further connection with nature, recreation and enjoyment."

Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities contributed more than $156 billion in economic activity in communities across the United States in 2016, according to the Service's National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, published every five years. More than 101 million Americans — 40% of the U.S. population age 16 and older — pursue wildlife-related recreation, including hunting and fishing.

Several groups, including the National Wildlife Federation, Delta Waterfowl and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, applauded the action, which also would include new or increased waterfowl hunting opportunities at 43 refuges, including 11 for the first time.

"Opening up additional acres for waterfowl hunting is great news for Delta's members and supporters," John Devney, senior vice president of policy for Delta Waterfowl in Bismarck, said in a statement. "We appreciate the good work ... to continue to expand opportunities for hunting on public lands."

The service will seek public input on the proposed rule for 60 days in a comment period that began Tuesday, May 4, with publication in the Federal Register.

More info: http://www.regulations.gov. — Herald staff report

DNR 'I Can!' programs to resume

After a year-long hiatus, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is resuming its series of "I Can!" programs to help beginners of all ages learn new outdoor skills in a Minnesota state park or recreation area.

The programs, which have been revamped in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, will restart on the first weekend in June and continue throughout the summer. Registration for the programs — "I Can Camp!" "I Can Paddle!" "I Can Mountain Bike!" and "I Can Hike!" — began Monday, May 3.

"We provide all the gear for our I Can! programs, along with friendly instructors who can show you how to use it," Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota State Parks and Trails, said in a statement. "Our goal is to make it easy for all Minnesotans to get outdoors, have fun and enjoy the health and wellness benefits of nature."

More info: www.mndnr.gov/ican or contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or (888) 646-6367. — Herald staff report

DNR: Leave deer fawns alone

As it does every year at this time, the Minnesota DNR is asking people to leave deer fawns alone and avoid disturbing or touching them.

Most fawns are born from mid-May to mid-June, and they do not attempt to evade predators during their first few weeks of life. Instead, they remain still to avoid being seen. During these times, fawns are learning critical survival skills from their mothers but are often left on their own while their mothers forage nearby.

Fawns do fine even if they look abandoned or fragile, the DNR said. Even if a fawn is wounded or abandoned as a result of car strike or animal attack, people should not transport it before speaking with a wildlife rehabilitator. More information about what people should do if they find fawns or other species of baby wild animals is available on the DNR website. — Herald staff report

NDGF announces Earth Day winners

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has announced the winners of this year's Earth Day patch contest. Winners in the three age categories were as follows:

—

Ages 6 to 9: Avery Steiner, Bismarck.

—

Ages 10 to 13: MacKenzie Gaul, Pembina, N.D., whose design also was chosen as the overall contest winner.

—

Ages 14 to 18: Emilia Thielman, Fargo.

Each member of a school, Girl Scout, Boy Scout, 4-H club or youth organization who participates in cleaning up public lands through May will receive a specifically designed conservation patch.

Groups participating in the Earth Day project are encouraged to take the following precautions to ensure safety: keep young people away from highways, lakes and rivers; and only allow older participants to pick up broken glass.

Interested participants should contact Pat Lothspeich of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at (701) 328-6332 to receive a reporting form for their project. — Herald staff report