Boaters praised for compliance

North Dakota boaters are doing their part in trying to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species into and within North Dakota.

Lynn Schlueter, ANS coordinator for the state Game and Fish Department, said compliance has been outstanding.

"Most watercraft users are aware of our educational efforts and are abiding by ANS regulations," Schlueter said. "In fact, our enforcement division in Bismarck is reporting that not one citation has been issued statewide."

Game and Fish Department law enforcement and fisheries personnel are conducting check stations this summer in an effort to ensure compliance.

Detailed ANS information and prevention regulations can be found in the 2008-10 North Dakota Fishing Guide or by accessing the Game and Fish Department Web site at http://gf.nd.gov.

Clubs can apply for hunting programs

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says clubs and organizations can apply for the Encouraging Tomorrow's Hunters program, a grant program developed to assist in the recruitment of the next generation of hunters and shooters.

Last year, several groups conducted youth pheasant and waterfowl hunts, while others sponsored trap and shooting events. More recently, the Bismarck Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation conducted the second annual M.U.L.E.Y. Day Camp, where youth participated in archery and rifle shooting.

Any club or organization interested in conducting a youth hunting or shooting event can get more information, including a grant application, from outreach biologist Pat Lothspeich at 701-328-6332.

The deadline to apply for a 2009 grant is July 31.

Game and Fish pays taxes

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recently paid $527,160 in taxes to counties in which the department owns or leases land. The 2008 in-lieu-of-tax payments are the same as property taxes paid by private landowners.

The Game and Fish Department manages more than 185,000 acres for wildlife habitat and public hunting in 50 counties. The department does not own or manage any land in Traill or Renville counties.

Hike to go into petrified forest

Theodore Roosevelt National Park will host a second wilderness hike in the North Unit at 9 a.m. CDT Sunday.

Ranger John Heiser will lead the hike into the petrified forest area of the North Unit, traveling to a remote and seldom visited area of the park. Hikers should meet at the Juniper Campground Picnic Area.

Hiking may be strenuous at times, and participants should wear attire appropriate to wilderness travel, especially sturdy boots and durable clothes.

Participants should bring plenty of drinking water, food, sunscreen and insect repellent, and are encouraged to have binoculars, cameras and a favorite poem or quote in hand. If extreme weather is forecast, the hike may be cancelled, so those interested are advised to call the North Unit at 701-842-2333 for the latest information.

Additional wilderness hikes are scheduled for Aug. 2 and Sept. 6.

Gun club trap league results

The Capital City Gun Club Summer Trap League results after seven weeks are:

Winchester Division

1. Lonesome Dove 14 points; 2. Johnsen Trailer Sales 9 points; 3. Dakota Refrigeration 7 points; 4. Dakota Fire Insurance 4 points; 5. Tesoro 4 points; 6. A & G Auto Mart 4 points

Remington Division

1. Cardinal Insurance 11 points; 2. O.K. Tire 10 points; 3. Full Chokers 8 points; 4. Hardwood Creations 5 points; 5. Grant County State Bank 5 points; 6. Bartlett & West 3 points

Browning Division

1. Cedric Theel Toyota 9 points; 2. Knife River 8 points; 3. MDU 7 points; 4. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 7 points; 5. Mud Ducks 6 points; 6. Dakota, Missouri Valley & Western 5 points

Savage Division

1. Sportsmans Bar 9 points; 2. Brandt's Blasters 9 points; 3. Healthways 8 points; 4. Leingang's 7 points; 5. Energy Tech Systems 6 points; 6. First Steps/Magnum 3 points

Individuals shooting a perfect score of 25 during weeks 1 through 5 are as follows:

Jim Howard, Darryl Howard, Perry Weiner, Ron Day, Brian Haag, Jim Gebhardt, Wayne Unruh, Dan Finan, Vern Jergens, Pete Moyer, Darrin Bosch, Jeff Awarych, Merv Stork, Neil Person, Mike Kemple, Todd Porter, Darren Schneider, Kevin Klein, Doug Dahle, Craig Harrier, Dean Schneider, David Rohrich, Bruce Birkeland, Rick Steiner, Michael Trueblood, Brian Schmid, Jerry Massee, Andrew Schmid, Steve Spilde, Stan Petz, Bruce Klabunde, Paul Tokach, Jon Mitzel, Justin Theel, Jerry Rudnick, Kevin Ritter, John Adams, Troy Estes, Tyrell Murrey and Jeff Brandt.