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Hunters can narrow their pursuits even within the more popular activities, such as targeting wood ducks, which occupy a different niche, within the overall spectrum of duck hunting
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Variety is the spice of life … outdoors. And we have a lot of it in North Dakota.
Often lost among the ducks, bucks, roosters and honkers that get most of the attention are many autumn opportunities that are largely overlooked by the masses, but are appreciated and pursued by smaller groups of enthusiasts. When added together, North Dakota hunting truly has something for everyone.
For example, while the crow season isn’t quite the gala event that makes the deer opener an unofficial holiday, it sets the tone as the first hunting season to open each autumn. For the few people who specifically hunt crows, it’s a great way to get the fall started.
As we move into the latter days of October, pronghorn, sandhill crane, sage grouse, prairie chicken and other seasons have already generated thousands of hours of hunting happiness for those who choose to spend a few days hunting something besides pheasant or waterfowl. And we have still to come the popular deer season, which has nearly twice as many hunters taking the field as any other single hunting option.
But before deer season starts, the prairies, badlands, Turtle Mountains, Pembina Gorge and everywhere in between enable us to enjoy the full bounty of fall.
For the sake of statistics, here’s some data from last year to digest as deer gun season stares approaches.
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Our northern woods attracted 463 people who spent a day hunting ruffed grouse.
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Around 3,500 different hunters took part in last fall’s antelope season. A hundred chased sage grouse and nearly that many took part in the state’s first prairie chicken hunt in 60 years. Our northern woods attracted 463 people who spent a day hunting ruffed grouse.
Did you know that nearly 3,000 North Dakotans hunted cottontail rabbits last year, while squirrel hunting attracted 1,708 participants? And you can add to that 8,604 turkey hunters and nearly 2,500 sandhill crane hunting hunters.
What do the numbers mean? They positively underscore the desire for hunters to explore and find satisfaction in opportunities not named pheasant, duck, deer or goose.
A good example is found in the squirrel and rabbit statistics, which also detail the list of counties where most of the hunting takes place. Several counties in eastern North Dakota have high rabbit and squirrel highest harvests, which underscores the popularity of hunting, and indicates many hunters are versatile and will go after those species that are close by, in addition to making longer trips.
In short, hunters just like to hunt, and many will exchange popularity for proximity, if they don’t have to drive extensively.
All told, given the worst case scenario of one of our more popular species falling on hard times, such as pheasant or deer numbers crashing because of a harsh winter, there will still be plenty of opportunities for people to spend time outdoors.
Here’s another idea. The overall numbers of hunters in the field would suggest that if you’re looking for a less congested hunt, or are hungry to taste something new in the frying pan, take a closer look at some of these other options.
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In 2004 one hundred hunters chased sage grouse.
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Taking the philosophy even further, hunters can narrow their pursuits even within the more popular activities, such as targeting wood ducks, which occupy a different niche, within the overall spectrum of duck hunting. Another example might be hunting squirrels with a call rather than a stalk-and-spot method.
If variety is the spice of life, when it comes to hunting don’t just reach for the salt and pepper. In North Dakota, I think you’ll find your appetite satisfied.
And the same can be said for fishing. As October gives way to November, take another half-day and give the rod and reel another workout. You might be surprised what might wind up on the other end of the line. It just might not be a walleye.
Leier is a biologist with the Game and Fish Dept. He can be reached via email: dleier@state.nd.us
Photo credits to the ND Game and Fish Department
