[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6380548,"mediaKeyId","2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624","parentId",2131225,"title","Lawmakers question enforcement capacity and debate coyote control options","audioSeconds",710,"startMs",3629000,"endMs",4339000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624&start=3629&end=4339","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624/thumbnail_3629000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6380548/North-Dakota/Lawmakers-question-enforcement-capacity-and-debate-coyote-control-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6380548-4b46fe5f97a5d088c47226cffc0c745c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771232105&Signature=TRp9rTlTH0lNqa2r7TYk3k-HiSsaJ1vkbYif8iSJQsSedvj67AzMWplgyOZZ7CqdBEa7BMf9zb4VXHsww2v9mKgD~HOno1YZOcebPQq8gworm5wyivxLWF8iCE8gKMvUf-sEPuDF6x6APzo5eTYUYiaPHZawgS7LFd~DL6KB3-ldP0ZqLBKXV-AgEPU6~-yNBELulwboEkBtZb8vKxXlLC7RPT2iSjOwJrWATU4gis58ATErncL150rxOz55CVZ9n4SB-Bg7wKUg-qkI0vxCBXhfxu6xWfY-ez6~1y9B1hcCyURiWnbDGvNNW4SQ9-c6TTFaOOdOKY12NG1NFncrbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Appropriations - Government Operations Division, ND","date","2025-01-17T00:00:00Z","article","Lawmakers used the Game and Fish Department hearing to press on enforcement staffing levels, vehicle and equipment costs, and coyote management options on private lands.

Administrative Services Division Chief Brian Hossick said enforcement covers public-safety patrols, compliance and investigations and that the division’s vehicles log nearly 2 million miles per biennium. He noted motor-pool cost increases and optional requests for enforcement radios, a replacement fiberglass boat and other equipment; some enforcement items qualify for 50% Coast Guard reimbursement.

Committee members asked about warden retirement and turnover. Hossick said the department normally averages about 10 vacancies per biennium but had recently seen elevated vacancies (about 15 in the current period), including internal promotions that create a cascade of openings.

Representative Kempenek and others pressed the department on growing coyote populations and whether a bounty would be an effective tool. Jeb Williams, director, and Hossick responded that bounties have been shown not to work for population control because coyotes increase reproduction when suppressed and that market demand for pelts is low. Williams added that state law already allows broad removal methods for landowners, the department contributes to USDA Wildlife Services in targeted damage cases and the department operates a coyote-catalog program that matches landowners with hunters seeking coyote opportunities.

The department said population control for coyotes is biologically difficult and that many management tools — including aerial operations, targeted removal in depredation cases and landowner-initiated removal — are used in specific circumstances. Lawmakers requested additional information from the department on turnover and program efficacy.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Appropriations - Government Operations Division Jan 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Committee members pressed the Game and Fish Department on law-enforcement staffing, motor-pool costs and coyote management; department officials said bounties are not effective for long-term population control and described existing tools including USDA wildlife services and landowner authorities.","taxTitle","Appropriations - Government Operations Division, House of Representatives, Legislative, North Dakota","taxId",28887,"location","North Dakota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6380552,"Game and Fish highlights fisheries infrastructure needs and Jamestown aquatic nuisance species lab",2362,2799000,5161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624&start=2799&end=5161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624/thumbnail_2799000.jpg","/articles/6380552/North-Dakota/Game-and-Fish-highlights-fisheries-infrastructure-needs-and-Jamestown-aquatic-nuisance-species-lab","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6380552-df3f283b046d6b2b4d2a02dcbe4624c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771232105&Signature=Xlr9yDAEN34sMn2X2LG0xE2pQ1pNJb0zBT-pGWzPmYMeWeNuL4sC9ZHaax2i9NWorXT3LkJkgWNpYZqCGVPEwEOsZIr7AjVYOyZiecoaQtKd9~6rp6GJz~Eerms2TTVrOPTG-qzef4jFjnmk67-7Hby5uaTneFIpmnI-vp6xGLL0TtMBcmtJk-3l5bnVPjms~1BDZ7LCBg0juBsCnpfTfKKx5pY4bDUI7dmEfzShN96qQXvI17d2SlORPubjxKsmlEBevUiQ9uRfEyLs6~stg5v0T1HrNLhhdxiJ-pwgTGAiEns04DC5-xQzCjTPQkpREd54A~lCjRbyvQdcjyHNfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Game and Fish Department told the committee that fisheries infrastructure — specifically pond liners, pumps and maintenance of cooperative hatchery operations — remains a pressing one-time capital need.

Administrative Services Division Chief Brian Hossick said the department owns about 40 ponds that require liner replacement on a rotational basis and that pond pumps are aging. He described one-time decision-package requests for pond liners and pumps and noted the department’s cooperative reliance on the Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery for production, calling the partnership an important element of fish stocking efforts.

Hossick said pond-liner life spans are roughly a 10-year cycle depending on conditions and that the department has been working incrementally to replace liners. He added that the Jamestown aquatic nuisance species (ANS) lab and a related bunkhouse/storage project were completed following prior-session approvals and that costs for construction and repairs have changed rapidly.

On aquatic nuisance species work, the department described staffing and inspection activities supported by three ANS fisheries biologists and enforcement inspections at boat ramps and cleaning stations. Hossick also noted recent high stocking numbers: the department reported nearly 14 million fish stocked (second-highest on record) and said that one recent law (House Bill 1538) created a continuing appropriation to fund fishing-development projects such as piers and cleaning stations.

Lawmakers asked whether Jamestown remains the primary ANS operations center; the department confirmed Jamestown remains in operation and described continued monitoring and enforcement work.

","Department cited needs for pond liners and pumps at department-owned ponds, ongoing partnership with Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery and completion of an aquatic nuisance species lab in Jamestown.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6380557,"Game and Fish seeks additional authority and funds to expand private-lands habitat and access programs",2004,2737000,4741000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624&start=2737&end=4741","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624/thumbnail_2737000.jpg","/articles/6380557/North-Dakota/Game-and-Fish-seeks-additional-authority-and-funds-to-expand-private-lands-habitat-and-access-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6380557-d7f773deabe93c33bd1fb2d009003588/orig.mp4?Expires=1771232105&Signature=Bbyy6lGnW11BVdP2Hak-thP4yP4QcZedwMRj2AtbBfLJgfv0ehhq-4yPILQD7kBSOhSmah0FQNtS6B67ZONslsJ1mw~MhEhV14Zbpq8lpOUN6VRKeJhsvCSnl4262zkIdzsN9gkN6NJrvld7O5FvJIrUE4nADJW46YoeovPVJ8b7XGzCfbZSBH69pB1AifkHDk07pOsdHTX7WZX1mcU5zLd5SX7Kfc3mvgWkuj9WyJaipety3kW6ZUFZTNOfM-ugKtn2fhrZs9Jo1mzOR-PYzxdbD6OqcajYqe688FsPahwicEO0ucBP01QZHQRz7469Zsu7fyVNgbrqWfH-AkxbeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Dakota Game and Fish Department asked the Appropriations - Government Operations Division for additional appropriation authority to expand private-lands habitat and access work, a major program focus in the department’s budget presentation.

Administrative Services Division Chief Brian Hossick told lawmakers the department wants to increase private-land habitat acreage and remain competitive with landowner payments. The department described a multi-part request: $2 million for additional plots, $2 million for expanding a range-land legacy program (described as mid-term agreements), and $1 million for habitat development — most of which the department said would be heavily supported by federal funds (examples cited included 75% and 90% federal participation on some projects).

Hossick identified the department’s goal to increase enrolled acreage from about 830,000 acres to 1,000,000 acres and said payment levels vary by land and market conditions. He said the private-lands initiative is funded from interest earned on Game and Fish funds, habitat-stamp proceeds and federal matching dollars.

Representatives asked for more detail on payment-per-acre and mapping of where plots are needed. The department said payment rates vary and offered to provide geographic maps showing historic CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) trends and where access and plot acres have declined.

The department said the private-lands line is not solely for food plots; it also funds walk-in areas, grass and shrub plantings, water-control structures and small land acquisitions around WMAs. The executive recommended budget contains the requested additional authority in optional decision packages; final authorization rests with the Legislature.

","Agency requested additional appropriation authority to expand private land habitat programs and walk-in access, including $2 million for plots, $2 million for range-land legacy and $1 million for habitat development, funded largely with federal matches.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6380561,"North Dakota Game and Fish outlines $115.6 million recommended budget, stresses federal funding and special funds",3019,368000,3387000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624&start=368&end=3387","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2131225-a9f84fd90dec585564d357e14cc37624/thumbnail_368000.jpg","/articles/6380561/North-Dakota/North-Dakota-Game-and-Fish-outlines-1156-million-recommended-budget-stresses-federal-funding-and-special-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6380561-221151b41a8d527c7fb58327a12c9249/orig.mp4?Expires=1771232105&Signature=h-ntn92tzqInu30eGi6cVe6dNDc8najq-Sl37UQVAscn9Ve28DgziYNKYS45a7SwWbRtC6tiJC5hRxl~pI5uUDqh5PU-hg~XGvOEZlDeivnUGzbEzcUWsJSxcEvQ5SUbtMTUFc17ny-y23XeSUaNARBpaeZZ3Ndh5eeHLxaWiROCjACV4akVr3T8Q9bDpY0i7BrVMazpz2jdfAEaze9bL0PBTCaTJc5ETXy4L2aC19sUJtlVz2ZKf~P6Cb1uUoO0zEL0i67asz7WQclkdM-QQ44iRwmXGhMnC4uEHLifYJUuqVgAx2UaSiegV~LwS4~OW~M4MlzlgVoJKhurbf19ZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Dakota Game and Fish Department told the Appropriations - Government Operations Division on the record that its executive recommended budget for 2025–27 is $115.6 million, down from the 2023–25 appropriation of $134.7 million and built on agency special funds and federal grants.

Director Jeb Williams summarized the department's role and thanked lawmakers before turning the presentation to Administrative Services Division Chief Brian Hossick. Hossick said the department receives no general fund dollars and relies primarily on license and registration revenue plus federal grants. He described the department as a special fund agency with roughly 48% state special fund revenue and 52% federal funding, and projected total revenue near $107.9 million.

The department told lawmakers that federal grants include Pittman–Robertson and Dingell–Johnson apportionments, US Fish and Wildlife Service State Wildlife Grants, Army Corps Water Resources Development Act money, Bureau of Reclamation funds and US Coast Guard boat-safety funds. Hossick summarized statutory requirements for the use of license and federal funds, citing Title 20.1 and specifically section 20.10205 for director powers and 20.10217 for license-fee restrictions.

Hossick presented the department’s legislative base of about $104.7 million and the total recommended budget of $115.6 million. The presentation identified a department projection of a $12.9 million Game and Fish fund balance in 2027 under current assumptions and noted statute language (20.10216.1) that fund balances shall not be reduced below $15 million without Budget Section authorization. Hossick said federal revenues were projected at about $55.7 million for the biennium and highlighted that federal grants often require state matches and have obligation windows (commonly two years).

Committee members pressed on license-fee structure and vacancy savings. Hossick said the department regularly evaluates fee competitiveness with other states and provided counts: roughly 100,000 resident general game licenses, 50,000 nonresident general game, about 142,000 resident fishing licenses and 56,000 nonresident fishing licenses. He reported a 2024 deer gun lottery of 50,100 licenses with about 75,000 applicants, and record youth deer participation of about 6,500. The department said it has about 170 full-time employees and roughly 70 seasonal staff and reported modest vacancy savings in the current biennium.

The presentation also outlined decision packages and optional requests incorporated in the recommended budget, including one-time capital requests, IT and motor-pool adjustments, increased operating costs for fisheries and enforcement, and a compensation package reflected in the executive recommendation. Hossick noted optional requests totaling about $9.9 million above a $103 million departmental base.

Williams closed by reiterating conservation and access priorities and the department’s intent to concentrate on its core habitat and access mission.

No formal committee votes or legislative actions were recorded during the hearing.

","The North Dakota Game and Fish Department presented its 2025-27 budget to the Appropriations - Government Operations Division, emphasizing reliance on state special funds and federal grants, a $115.6 million executive recommendation and no request for general fund dollars or new permanent FTEs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawmakers question enforcement capacity and debate coyote control options

Game and Fish highlights fisheries infrastructure needs and Jamestown aquatic nuisance species lab

Game and Fish seeks additional authority and funds to expand private-lands habitat and access programs

North Dakota Game and Fish outlines $115.6 million recommended budget, stresses federal funding and special funds