North Dakota Outdoors: Taking a closer look at N.D. game wardens

The work of North Dakota game wardens is so much more than checking hunting and fishing licenses. The men and women wearing a badge and working the frontlines of game and fish law enforcement are the first called when a hunter has a question or a landowner is dealing with deer depredation. They're the individuals keeping personal watercraft operators safe while making sure poachers aren't taking more fish and wildlife than legally allowed.

Each year Scott Winkelman, chief game warden, provides a closer look at the past years work and calls to service. Here's what he had to say:

One of the standout accomplishments of our enforcement division in 2023 was our swift and effective response to multiple search and rescue operations. In the face of challenging weather conditions and diverse terrains, our officers demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment to ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts. Their efforts undoubtedly saved lives and reinforced our division's reputation for excellence in emergency response.

Behind the scenes, our enforcement division undertook and successfully concluded several large, long-term investigations, targeting illegal activities that posed a threat to North Dakota's wildlife and ecosystems. The meticulous efforts of our officers led to the apprehension of individuals involved in wildlife trafficking, poaching and other illicit activities. These victories not only uphold the principles of conservation but also send a clear message that illegal actions will not go unpunished.

Recognizing the vital role of a well-trained and motivated team, we implemented strategies to enhance recruitment and retention. We focused on creating a supportive and rewarding work environment, providing ongoing training opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among officers. These efforts resulted in a more robust and resilient team, ready to face the challenges of protecting North Dakota's natural resources.

The completion of complex investigations, and the improvements in recruitment and retention collectively contribute to a legacy of excellence that will undoubtedly continue in the years to come. The North Dakota Game and Fish enforcement division remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the state's wildlife and preserving its natural beauty for future generations.

Field Contacts

In 2023, wardens made 53,411 field contacts, which is a significant number because it shows that we are reaching a lot of people recreating in the field or on the water, Winkelman added. A field contact is any time one of our wardens interacts with someone in the field while checking their license, bag limit, whatever. These interactions allow our wardens to answer questions and point people in the right direction. As I've said before, it's a friendly interaction and is good all around.

Incidents 2023 – Top 10 Counties

(An incident is defined as any situation that requires a response from a game warden. It does not have to be a crime. The situation could be, for example, a stranded angler.)

Ramsey – 197, Barnes– 192, Williams – 170, McLean – 165, McKenzie - 153, Cass - 149, Mountrail - 144, Burleigh - 137, Ward - 132, Stark - 122, Total: 3,229

Citations 2023 – Top 10 Counties

Ramsey - 262, Williams - 141, Benson - 131, Barnes- 129. Mountrail - 114, Burleigh - 104, McKenzie - 98, Logan - 77, Stark - 77, McLean - 74, Total: 2,548

A full report is available free at the Game and Fish website here and https://gf.nd.gov/node/7096