North Dakota Administrative Rules Hearing Scheduled for Sept. 5
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will hold a public hearing to address proposed new rules and amendments to North Dakota Administrative Code Title 30. The hearing is scheduled for 1:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5 at the agency’s main office in Bismarck.
The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to implement statutes. The proposed rules changes are not expected to have an impact on the regulated community in excess of $50,000.
The purpose and an explanation of the proposed rule changes follow:
Chapter 30-03-01.1 – Bait Vendors. Changes dealing with smelting for bait vendors in recreational fisheries (reinstates old language formerly found in old fishing proclamations). Clearly defining what bait is legal to import into North Dakota. Other changes include allowing for permitted private fish ponds to be stocked by bait vendors with fathead minnows, a relaxation of an equipment size restriction for wholesale bait vendors, and eliminating some reporting requirements.
Chapter 30-03-03 – Construction and Use of Fish Houses for Winter Fishing. A change to insert the word “unoccupied” structure. This will allow any structure to be on the ice as long as it is occupied. In the end this regulation will further assist in the enforcement of potential “litter” of a structure first on the ice and then, more importantly, sinking into the water.
Chapter 30-04-02-01 – Public Access and Use. A change to increase the penalty amount for certain violations as long as it is written or posted accordingly.
Chapter 30-04-02-05 – Firearms. An amendment to prohibit the use of tracer rounds and/or exploding targets on all wildlife management areas.
Chapter 30-04-02-14.1 – Tree Stands and Ground Blinds. An amendment to add permanent and portable ground blinds. Also, currently all tree stands on wildlife management areas must be identified with a metal or plastic tag displaying the owner’s name, address and telephone number. By adding language, the Department is proposing to clarify that the identification tag needs to be visible for enforcement inspection. In addition, an amendment to allow hunters to use their hunter education number instead of their name, address, and telephone number.
The proposed rules may be reviewed at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, 100 N. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND 58501-5095, or on the Department’s website at gf.nd.gov/. A copy of the proposed rules may be requested in writing, or by calling (701) 328-6305, or emailing ndgf@nd.gov. Written or oral comments on the proposed rules must be received by Sept. 15, 2013 for consideration.
Anyone who attends the public hearing and needs special facilities or assistance relating to a disability should contact the Department at least seven days before the public hearing.
