Open Season: With spring on its way, time to switch gears

As winter gradually relinquishes its clammy hold, hunters and fishermen are experiencing ‘tween time: that seemingly expansive nether-region until spring.

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Darkhouse spearfishing closes March 15

Anglers are reminded that North Dakota’s darkhouse spearfishing season closes March 15.

Spring turkey drawing held, licenses remain

The 2010 spring wild turkey lottery has been held and more than 750 licenses remain in nine units. Only those hunters who do not have a license for the 2010 spring season are eligible to apply.

Flight Lines: Birdlife noticeably absent this winter

Take a look around the state at recent bird reports and a person can’t help but arrive at a somewhat ho-hum conclusion: There really isn’t much out there.

• Common redpoll
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VFW promotes hunter education course

The West Fargo VFW, 308 Sheyenne St., will be the location for a Hunter Education Course offered by instructors Juel Halstenson and Melisa Toepke-Peterson starting March 22, and continuing until March 29.

Open Season: Even if ‘the fish are a bonus,’ it still is a ton of fun to try

“Catching isn’t important,” my dad continues, raising a finger for emphasis. “It’s the time spent outside that’s a blessing.” Who does he think he is – Confucius?

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Sheyenne National Grasslands: An interview with the guy in charge

One of the least appreciated and perhaps underutilized destinations in our area is the Sheyenne National Grasslands.

• Dickcissel at SNG
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Real blast from the past coming to West Fargo

North Dakota Muzzle Loaders and Historical Trade Fair will have something for everyone

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Flight lines: Falling short of county bird challenge

It had been accomplished twice in the past, once in 2005 in Burleigh County, and again in 2007 in McHenry County. But no one that we know of had done it in Cass.

• Red Knot
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Open Season: It’s good to have priorities in check, especially for sportsmen

“Obsessive” is a word I hear often in my presence. “Driven” would be another, and “passionate,” too. But I think the best word to sum up my outdoors enthusiasm is “compulsive.”

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Critter bits: Odds and ends from the wild side

Four years ago, I wrote of a bird that seemed destined to colonize our fair area after having been found in Kindred, a first for Cass County. Well, it’s happened. Nearly every burg a person ventures into these days gives up a Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) or two.

Open Season: A wild imagination, frozen lake lead to memorable time ice fishing

Peering into the muddled, turquoise abyss below, it’s hard not to let one’s imagination run free.

Short-eared owl: The “other” prairie owl

There’s an owl species fairly common to our area with an extreme partiality toward openness, the short-eared owl (Asio flammeus). And like its much larger relative it can be readily seen hunting during daylight hours.

• Short-eared owl

When it comes to ’09 highlights, record catfish steals the spotlight

Looking back on 2009, you have to sift through a lot of outdoors stories to find the best one. But the story of a West Fargo woman who caught a state record catfish wins, hands down.

• Catfish record
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G&F sets tentative season dates

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has set tentative opening dates for the 2010 season.