North Dakota Lawmakers Resounding Decision On NR Hunters

North Dakota lawmakers have made a resounding decision that could have really changed hunting in the state.

I'm referring to HB 1237, which Bill Tveit from Hazen, North Dakota introduced. This bill would create and enact a new section to the North Dakota Century Code, 20.1-03, relating to nonresident and small game licenses, and amend and reenact section 20.1-03-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to nonresident hunting licenses.

In a nutshell, this bill would have allowed nonresident upland game hunters to have the capability of buying ONE upland and small game license that would be good for the ENTIRE season, exactly like what resident hunters can do.

This didn't sit too well with North Dakota sportsmen and women.

There was a lot of opposition to this bill from the get-go as numerous people in opposition to the bill spoke at the initial hearing of the bill back on January 24th, including North Dakota Game and Fish Wildlife Division Chief Casey R. Anderson.

North Dakota sportsmen were concerned this bill would make North Dakota even more crowded in the field than it already is during hunting season. North Dakota already has no restriction on the number of nonresident waterfowl hunters, which already causes a lot of pressure and access problems in the state.

Currently, nonresident hunters can buy an unlimited number of two-week upland and small game licenses at 100 dollars each.

HB 1237 had its second reading on February 10th, and it didn't go over too well with lawmakers.

It was firmly defeated in the House, with only 4 yeas, and 86 nays. 

The North Dakota sportsmen that I spoke to were very happy with the end result of the vote and said it was a good day for resident hunters who want to preserve our heritage and quality of hunting.