House approves longer pheasant hunts for nonresidents

DALE WETZEL

Associated Press


BISMARCK, N.D. - Visiting sportsmen would be able to hunt pheasants for a few more days under legislation approved by the House, with supporters saying the change would help out-of-staters feel more welcome.

"The perception is out there that North Dakota doesn't want out-of-state residents to come in," said Rep. Duane DeKrey, R-Pettibone. "Largely, what this bill does is try to change that perception."

He hears frequent complaints from rural merchants about a decline in the number of out-of-state hunters and the business they bring, DeKrey said. "This is really a lot of rural economic development ... and we need it," he said. "We need those hunters to come back."

Under present law, a nonresident hunter may buy a small game license for 10 consecutive days, or for two periods of five consecutive days each.

The change, which the House approved 68-22 on Monday, lengthens the single period to 14 days, and the split periods to seven consecutive days each. The bill now goes to Gov. John Hoeven, who will decide whether to sign it into law.

Rep. Dawn Charging, R-Garrison, said the legislation would help match up licenses for small game and waterfowl.

Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, said the change was not needed. Most visiting hunters who hunt small game already spend less than five days afield, he said.

"The reality is, the system is working," Carlson said. "I don't think this is necessary to have a psychological bill so that everybody feels better. That doesn't sell hamburgers."

Rep. Jon Nelson, R-Wolford, called the measure "mostly a perception bill."

However, the measure "sends a positive signal to not only nonresidents, but to the rural communities that thrive on that business activity," Nelson said.