Wildlife Management Area Regulations Prohibit Fireworks

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department reminds citizens that possession or use of fireworks on state wildlife management areas is prohibited.

The primary objective of a wildlife management area is to enhance wildlife production, provide hunting and fishing opportunities, and offer other outdoor recreational and educational uses that are compatible with these objectives. Only activities that would not disrupt the intentions of how these areas are managed are encouraged, and a fireworks display is not compatible.

In addition, the Game and Fish Department will lift the Tuesday-Wednesday no-camping restriction for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday on only those WMAs that have this two-day restriction in place. This waiver will allow overnight camping July 3-4.

Other WMA regulations include:

· An equipment registration number, or the individual’s name, address and telephone number, must be displayed on all equipment requiring identification, such as ground blinds, tree stands, cameras and traps.

· Use of drones, or any unmanned radio-controlled aircraft, is prohibited unless authorized by the Game and Fish director.

· Construction or use of a permanent tree stand or permanent ground blind is prohibited. Portable tree stands are allowed.

· Placing of bait for any purpose is prohibited.

· Unless otherwise designated, motorized vehicles are restricted to established trails or parking areas.

· Paintballing and geocaching are prohibited.

· Disposal of waste materials is prohibited except in garbage containers.

· Camping for longer than 10 consecutive days is prohibited. However, some WMAs are closed to camping, while others have further restrictions.

· Group activities involving more than 25 people require a permit.

A complete list of the WMA regulations is available on the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.