News Release Archives - September 2008

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September 26, 2008

Pheasant Season Opens Oct. 11

North Dakota’s fall hunting activities pick up considerably Oct. 11 with the opening of pheasant season. With that in mind, hunters are reminded to take proper safety measures while out in the field this fall.

Jon Hanson, hunter education coordinator for the state Game and Fish Department, said of the 19 hunting incidents reported in North Dakota last year, 14 were shotgun related during the upland game season. “The majority were caused by hunters swinging on pheasants and not seeing other members of their hunting party who were not dressed in orange,” Hanson said.

While wearing orange clothing is not required for upland hunters, the Game and Fish Department highly recommends it. “Most of these incidents could have been avoided if the victims were wearing orange,” Hanson said. “And in these cases, they didn’t have it on.”

Hanson stresses the importance of being visible, especially during pheasant season when more people are in the field. “Hunters tend to get excited when roosters flush, and if you are wearing orange you will be noticed,” he said.

Limits are three roosters daily and 12 in possession. Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Hunters, regardless of age, must have a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate and general game and habitat license. In addition, hunters ages 16 and older need a small game license.

For further season information and regulations, hunters should consult the North Dakota 2008-09 Small Game Hunting Guide.

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