| Summary: | North Dakota also offers some of the best goose hunting in the nation. Hundreds of thousands of Canada geese, whitefronts, and snow geese stage on the state's wetlands and federal refuges during their annual migrations. Half-day goose shooting; waterfowl rest areas, and Canada goose closures have helped keep more geese in the state for longer periods of time. Among the other game birds that stage here in the fall are swans and sandhill cranes. Furbearers are also an important part of North Dakota's wildlife resource. Animals ranging from muskrats to coyotes provide many hours of recreation for thousands of sportsmen who hunt, trap, or photograph them. Much of the wildlife resource in the state is made up of nongame animals, sometimes defined as those species not hunted, trapped or fished. More than 90 percent of the state's wildlife resource falls into this category. Many hunters and nonhunters express their support for the Game and Fish Department's nongame program through donations to the nongame fund. Activities such as the nongame wildlife photo contests, wildlife photography workshops, blue bird house construction, developing outdoor wildlife learning sites, and conducting winter bird surveys are just a few of the "things offered to those interested in enjoying our nongame wildlife resource. In addition, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is actively involved in programs directed toward fostering interest and respect for fish and wildlife and perpetuating our hunting and fishing heritage. Educational programs such as Project WILD and Project WET involve teachers and students with training and educational materials aimed at better understanding and appreciating the wild world around us. Hunter education programs and special hunting and fishing opportunities for youngsters are also a part of the overall effort to foster appreciation for wildlife. Boat and water safety classes for youngsters are conducted throughout the state. The special "Pathway to Fishing and Hunting" event at the North Dakota State Fair offers thousands of youngsters the opportunity to learn about fishing and shooting in a demonstration with hands-on experience. Other efforts include: special issues of North Dakota OUTDOORS, the magazine, and North Dakota OUTDOORS the video; Falcon Magazine, a special kids publication; and volunteer efforts from North Dakota citizens which give children opportunities to leam about the outdoors through selected supervised activities. Looking to the future, environmental issues involving land and water management call for continuing public scrutiny and involvement to ensure that North Dakota fish and wildlife resources are maintained for children. Without citizen involvement, the public interest will likely be poorly served. 550 Chapter 10 Physical Characteristics
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