Hunt Fish Protect

10/01/2026

Here’s a fresh look at eastern boat access at Van Hook! If you’re heading to Lake Sakakawea for some fall fishing, take a look before you make the trip.

And scroll down to my ANS post and leave a like and share if you want to protect this lake from invasive species.

10/01/2026

Williston, There’s a moose on the loose! 🫎

Give it plenty of space. Enjoy the sight from a distance, this is one neighbor you don’t need to meet up close! If you see it in passing, cool. Don't go out of your way to see it.

Hunt Fish Protect

UPDATE: The moose is safely out of town!!

UPDATE: now spotted on E Dakota parkway near the walking path.

October 1, 2026 | 8:12 AM

We've received a report of a moose in the area of Hagan school.

If you see them, please give them plenty of space and leave them alone. Do not approach them. Thank you for your cooperation.

09/30/2026

The legislative session is coming up fast and North Dakota has a choice: invest in prevention now or face a much more difficult and expensive fight later.

This proactive proposal would create four full time, POST licensed Watercraft Inspection Specialists, one in each region of the state, to form the backbone of a proactive ANS prevention program. They would operate mobile and permanent check stations, conduct inspections and decontaminations, respond to violations, and assist with sampling, monitoring, outreach and education.

These specialists would remain in the Fisheries ANS Division to ensure their primary mission stays focused on aquatic nuisance species prevention. Game Wardens and inspection specialists would have different areas of expertise but enough shared authority to support one another and handle situations without unnecessary delay.

We do not have to follow the states that have already given up on stopping the spread. North Dakota still has far more uninfested waters than infested waters, and every year we prevent a new infestation is a net win and money saved.

Every year we delay creating these positions and establishing effective inspection regulations moves us closer to a harder and more costly fight.

Inspections on the road, protection away from the water.

If this is something you want to see, hit the share button and help spread the word. Now is the time to act. We cannot change what has already happened, but we can help shape what happens next.

—Hunt Fish Protect

09/29/2026

A little trial and error with the Westin Cam Explore Camera.

For this test, I ran a normal length walleye spinner rig behind the camera on a bottom bouncer. Lesson learned, the leader was longer than it should have been. About 2 feet behind the camera gives better views to see fish approach the lure and, more importantly, what they do when they get there.

Having the lure this far back really limited the view behind it.

Also, this was GREAT clarity for Lake Sakakawea. Keep that in mind if you're thinking about trying to film some underwater footage of your own.

More testing to come.

—Hunt Fish Protect

09/28/2026

https://youtube.com/shorts/vy3Rs5Pz5Fo?feature=share

Opening weekend in North Dakota. This mallard fully committed to my...

09/27/2026

Waterfowl Opener Update from northwestern North Dakota:

It seems like there are fewer local birds around here this year, but that’s by North Dakota standards. There are still birds to be found if you’re willing to put in the scouting.

What’s it looking like in your area?

—Hunt Fish Protect

09/27/2026

Had to bring someone along to show me how to actually bring home birds.

Three mallards came in and the clinic was on. Apparently, it really can be that easy.

The last one sailed a bit, but came down within about 100 yards, with the young pup hot on his tail feathers and ready to make the retrieve.

I was just there to watch the demonstration.

—Hunt Fish Protect

09/26/2026

One of these is a Canada goose, the other is a decoy.

What do they have in common?

Both were taken out in my spread today by someone who will not be named. 😂

09/26/2026

ND Resident Waterfowl Opener Goose Tip!