Progress 2016 Outdoor Recreation

Minot Daily News

NORTH DAKOTA’S WESTERN TREASURE

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2016

MinotDailyNews.com • Facebook.com/MinotDailyNews

Outdoor Recreation

By KIM FUNDINGSLAND

W

Staff Writer kfundingsland @minotdailynews.com

Kim Fundingsland/MDN

This view of the Little Missouri River and the Achenbach Hills in the North Unit ranks among the most memorable sights for visitors to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

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ATFORD CITY – North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park is not only spectacular in appearance, it is a western United States treasure that defines what a national park should be.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is divided into two units, North and South, and both have wide appeal for visitors. The scenery rivals views seen anywhere in national parks. A variety of colorful hues emerge from the clay buttes of the Badlands.

Canyons are filled with juniper trees and flanked by the ever-present sage.

Wildlife is there too, from the small to the stately mule deer – an icon of the West.

The North Unit is located about 14 miles south of Watford City. The South Unit entrance is on the west side of the city of Medora, located on Interstate 94 in the southwest corner of the state.

“Unlike some of the bigger parks, Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton, we’re not as busy,” said See PARK — Page 2

•

Call Minot Park District at 857-4136 or check us out at

•

www.MinotParks.com

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Park

Continued from Page 1

Eileen Andes, chief of interpretation. “I’ve worked Grand Teton and know how busy they can get.

Here it’s still easy to get away from crowds. Our wildlife is easily viewable, which is something a lot of people don’t realize.”

The list of wildlife includes elk, white-tailed and mule deer, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, wild horses and more. Both units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park are destinations for bird watchers, with many varieties of birds that are primarily found only in the Badlands region.

“We’re at a point in the country where territories tend to overlap a little bit.

As an example, we get both Eastern bluebirds and mountain bluebirds,” said Andes. “No matter what unit you are in it is really a great place for birds. In the North Unit the Juniper Campground can be very noisy when birds are around and the sun starts to come up.”

While deer roam in and out of the park, they are one of the most visible species for park visitors to enjoy. Mule deer can often be seen browsing on vegetative growth throughout both units of the park, particularly during the early morning hours and again late in the afternoon.

Bighorn sheep generally inhabit the higher areas of the park as they prefer to look down, a defense against predators. Sheep are sometimes visible to the general public but are more likely to be encountered during a backcountry hike such as those conducted by park rangers.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. It

was August 1916 when legislation was passed to establish the NPS. “We are planning some events throughout the year,” said Andes. “We will be constantly updating things to do. The big events will be on our website. We definitely invite people to come and encourage people to bring their kids.”

For those visitors seeking solitude, the North Unit is almost certain to deliver.

Due to its location away from major thoroughfares, visits to the North Unit are much fewer than the South Unit. Consequently, the North Unit has earned a reputation as the quietest of the nation’s national parks.

“People who want solitude normally choose the North Unit,” agreed Andes.

“Solitude is definitely what you can get at the North Unit. Eighty-two percent of it is native wilderness. It’s a great place to go hike.”

Both unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park exemplify what a national park should be. It is land protected and preserved for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

Also, reminds Andes, national parks belong to everyone.

“They belong to every citizen of the United States. We can all enjoy them, especially in this centennial year,” stated Andes. “The U.S. was the first country to come up with the idea of national parks to be preserved for everyone. Other countries have copy-catted the ideas, so the NPS contribution is worldwide.”

TOP: Both units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park boast remarkable geologic formations that led to the naming of the “Badlands,” a region with a landscape very different from the remainder of North Dakota and worthy of national park designation.

Photos by Kim Fundingsland/MDN

MIDDLE: Bison can be found roaming freely in both units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Their presence delights visitors throughout the year.

BOTTOM: Countless varieties of rock formations are among the many features of Theodore Roosevelt National Park that fascinate young and old alike.

Campgrounds and scenic drives can be found in both units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The Little Missouri River flows through both units.

Midway between the park the quaint river also passes the Elkhorn Ranch site,

which was once the headquarters of Theodore Roosevelt.

The park’s namesake became president of the United States following the assassination of William McKinley in 1901. He would win reelection in 1904.

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Watercraft, fishing popular in North Dakota

S

By KIM FUNDINGSLAND Staff Writer• kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com

ummer can be a short season in North Dakota but residents know how to make the most of it.

Watercraft of all sorts, from fishing boats to jet skis to sailboats to yachttype craft, can be found on nearly every state lake throughout the summer.

Being on the water, any water, has been increasing in popularity in North Dakota year by year. Sales of watercraft licenses are at an all-time high.

According to Randy Meissner, North Dakota Game and Fish Department licensing manager, statistics reveal a steady rise in the number of watercraft licenses issued by the state.

All boats powered by a motor are required to be registered. Licensing periods cover three years.

The number of powered watercraft licenses issued

by Game and Fish in 2007 was 49,800. That number rose to 59,600 in 2013, the last year in which compete numbers are available. The current three-year licensing period expires at the end of 2016. All indications are that the number of powered watercraft licenses issued for the 2017-2020 period will show another substantial increase.

While the popularity of jet skis and other recreational watercraft continues to grow, fishing success also plays a key role in the number of licenses issued each year by Game and Fish. The number of fishable lakes in North Dakota has expanded greatly during the recent cycle of wet

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TOP: The number of people boating and fishing continues to increase in North Dakota where residents have learned to make the most of the summer season.

Photos by Kim Fundingsland/MDN

BOTTOM: The number of powered watercraft in North Dakota, including personal watercraft, has risen dramatically according to the number of licenses issued by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

years. That has meant more opportunities for fishermen and more places to launch fishing boats.

Fishing license sales in North Dakota tallied 142,700 in 2014. 2015 data had not yet been compiled as of mid-April 2016. However, a 10-year comparison reveals that in 1994 sales of fishing licenses as totaled

by Game and Fish was 86,300, more than 56,000 less than the most current sales numbers available.

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Medora named Mountain Bike Capital of North Dakota

M

EDORA – The Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, in conjunction with the organizers of the Maah Daah Hey 100, announce that Medora has been named the Mountain Bike Capital of North Dakota, according to singletracks.com.

Medora was chosen as North Dakota’s Mountain Bike Capital based on analysis of singletracks.com’s massive mountain bike trail database, survey data from its users across the U.S., and the expertise of its editorial team.

Nick Ybarra, organizer of the nationally-known Maah Daah Hey 100 mountain bike race, says, “They simply could not have picked a better place!

Medora is the only town directly on the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which is some of the best riding in the world, let alone North Dakota. I grew up in this state, and there are a lot of awesome places to mountain bike here, but the Maah Daah Hey is the only trail that is on a ‘world-class level.’”

Medora, which features numerous Maah Daah Hey trail heads is also the gateway community to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and is located in the heart of the North Dakota Badlands.

Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation marketing and communications director, Justin Fisk says, “While we are honored to be named the Mountain Bike Capital of the state, it isn’t a surprise to folks who have experienced the Badlands and Medora for themselves.”

They simply could not have picked a better place!

– Nick Ybarra

organizer of the Maah Daah Hey 100

May 29 Badlands Gravel Battle June 3 The Bully Run - 5K Fun Run & Walk.

July 15 Medora Fossil Dig. Aug. 6 Maah Daah Hey 100 Mountain Bike Race Aug. 20 Maah Daah Hey Trail Run - 5k/10k.

Aug. 25 Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the National Parks System Sept. 10-11 Medora Hot Air Balloon Rally & Badlands Kite Fest

2016 Medora events include:

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What We Do

Kim Fundingsland/MDN

Although Fort Stevenson State Park boasts several modern campsites complete with essential hook-ups, thereʼs also areas for those who prefer primitive camping.

2016

SPECIAL EVENTS AT FORT STEVENSON STATE PARK May 28-30 – Sky Fest Over Fort Stevenson 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Kite flying festival for all ages. Fly your own kite. Build your own kite.

See kites of all sizes and shapes being flown, including stunt kites.

May 30 – Military Service Personnel Day Free military personnel admission into Fort Stevenson State Park.

June 4 – National Trails Day 2 p.m. Ranger guided hike through the parkʼs native prairie. North Dakota bird checklist available.

Hike will start at the Guardhouse Interpretive Center.

June 11 – National Marina Day 1 p.m. Come to the Garrison Bay Marina for an open house. Kiddie boats will be available and children can participate in the rain gutter regatta and minnow races.

June 25-26 – Frontier Military Days 1-4 p.m. Living history demonstrations with military encampment and maneuvers. Skills and crafts of the Indian Wars period on display. Visit the Fort Stevenson Guardhouse Interpretive Center.

June 26 – Visitor Appreciation Day Free admission into Fort Stevenson State Park.

July 4 – July 4 Celebration At dusk. Fireworks display in the picnic area of the park.

July 15-16 – ND Governorʼs Cup Fishing Derby 252 teams completing for the Governorʼs Cup 41st annual championship. Flights to out between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Weigh-ins begin at 3 p.m. in Garrison.

July 16 – ND Junior Governorʼs Cup Fishing Derby 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Youth fishing derby open to age 17. Only charge is the park entrance fee.

July 30 – Club de Skinautique Water ski show featuring trick skiing, pyramids and jumps.

August 27 – Beach Party Garrison Chamber of Commerce Beach Party, live bands and carnival-style entertainment, fun and food for all ages, ʼ50s, ʼ60s and ʼ70s music.

August 27 – Fort Stevenson Regatta The fourth annual Fort Stevenson Regatta will be headquartered out of the de Trobriand Marina.

There will be a captainʼs meeting at 9 a.m. with racing starting at noon.

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Public events at Aububon NWR

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Enjoy a tram ride on the South Shore Auto Tour Route for views of wildlife and habitat. Participants will learn about the refuge and wildlife encountered along the way. Dress for the weather.

Date: Wednesday, June 8 Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

Age: any Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442-5474 ext. 117 Tour limit: 25 Meet at Visitor Center - Free Event.

South Shore Tram Tour

Spend a family-oriented evening with hands-on opportunities to participate in outdoor skill building and wildlife conservation programs. Youth will have the opportunity to shoot air rifles, bows and arrows, build a screech owl nest box and make an ice fishing pole.

Following the event, a picnic lunch will be served. All kids receive participation prizes and educational materials.

Date: Thursday, July 14 Time: 5-8:30 p.m.

Age: any No pre-registration required.

Meet at Visitor Center - Free Event.

Blue Goose Day

Enjoy a relaxing morning in a kayak, while paddling on a beautiful bay of Lake Audubon. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Kayaking will be canceled if winds exceed 18 mph. Wear shoes and clothing that can get wet.

Date: Wednesday, July 20 Time: 9-11 a.m.

Age: 10 and above (youth must be accompanied by an adult) Pre-registration is required by calling 701/442- 5474 ext. 117 Class limit: 12 Meet at visitor parking area at end of auto tour route - Free Event.

Kayak Adventure

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A long-standing tradition brings avid hunters to seek out pheasants, grouse, and partridge on Audubon Refuge. Opening day of this late season hunt is Nov. 21 and the Audubon Refuge Partners Volunteers will serve brunch in the visitor center for a small fee. Proceeds will be used for educational programs for youth and adults.

Date: Monday, Nov. 21 Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Meet in Visitor Center.

Upland Bird Hunt Opening Day

Families are invited to dress in costume and join a Refuge Halloween Adventure. Participants will trickor-treat on the prairie nature trail, enjoy a light snack, and take a Halloween ride along the scenic shoreline of Lake Audubon. Tram rides and hay rides will leave the visitor center at 5:45 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.

No pre-registration required.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 15 Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Meet in Visitor Center - Free Event.

Halloween Adventure

The Audubon NWR office and visitor center is located 3 miles north of Coleharbor, on U.S. Highway 83 and 1 mile east, and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year round, except federal holidays.

2016 Calendar of Events April - May, 2016*

Community Cleanup Call 701-627-4812 for more information

June 10 & 11, 2016*

Van Hook Classic Fishing Tournament Contact Mark Zaun - 701-629-0080 For Entry Forms

July 4, 2016*

4th of July Fireworks at 4-Bears Casino and Lodge Watch fireworks from atop the bluffs, down at the 4-Bears Campground or from the water.

August 12-14, 2016*

Little Shell Pow Wow held at the Pow Wow Grounds 4 miles west of New Town. Traditional dancing, Beautiful handmade costumes

December 3, 2016*

Annual Parade of Lights! Beautifully lit floats parade through New Town’s Main Street at dark. A sparkling start to the Christmas Season! Commercial and Kids Division.

December 3, 2016*

24th Annual Walk-a-Bout New Town! Take a walk around New Town’s Businesses and sample delicious treats served by participating Chamber Merchants! Holiday sales and specials.

Held in conjunction with the Parade of Lights which begins at dark!

December 3, 2016*

18th Annual Craft Fair 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Town Civic Center Local artists and bakers!

December 3, 2016*

Lighting of Memory Tree at BIA building

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2016 PERMITTED NORTH DAKOTA FISHING TOURNAMENTS

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Saturday, April 30, 2016

April 30 – ND Teen Challenge, Missouri River, Graner Bottoms April 30-May 1 – Eastern Montana Bass Association, Heart Butte Reservoir May 7 – Big Muddy Walleye Classic, Missouri River, Bismarck area May 7 – American Bass Anglers, Nelson Lake May 7 – Souris River Basin Longbeards, Lake Darling May 7 – EDAK Bass Club, Lake Ashtabula May 14 – Wounded Warriors Guide Service, Missouri River May 21 – EDAK Bass Club, Brewer Lake May 21 – Pheasants for the Future, Lake Audubon May 21 – American Bass Anglers, New Johns Lake.

May 21 –Bis-Man Reel & Rec Club, Missouri River, Graner Bottoms May 21 – Lake Region Anglers, Devils Lake, Creel Bay June 4 – Lake Region Anglers, Devils Lake, East Bay June 4 – American Bass Anglers, Lake Audubon June 4 – EDAK Bass Club, Spiritwood Lake June 4 – Shane Shipman Memorial, Buffalo Lodge Lake June 5 – American Bass Anglers, Lake Audubon June 10-11 – Van Hook Classic, Lake Sakakawea June 11-12 – Spirit Lake Casino and Resort, Devils Lake June 11 – Missouri Basin Bowmen Carp Classic, Williston June 18 – American Bass Anglers, Spiritwood Lake June 18 – ND Teen Challenge, Devils Lake, Creel Bay June 18-19 – Rugby Invitational, Devils Lake, Grahams Island State Park June 18 – Lake Region Anglers, Devils Lake June 24-26 – Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce, Grahams Island State Park June 25 – ND Teen Challenge, Lake Sakakawea, Parshall Bay June 26 – Anglers Insight Marketing, Lake Sakakawea, Fort Stevenson State Park July 9 – FM Walleyes Unlimited, Devils Lake, Creel Bay July 10 – Anglers Insight Marketing, Devils Lake, Woodland Resort July 15-16 – ND Governorʼs Cup, Lake Sakakawea, Fort Stevenson State Park July 17 – Lake Region Anglers Adult/Child, Grahams Island State Park July 22-23 – Dakota Walleye Classic, Lake Sakakawea, Beulah Bay July 23 – Missouri Basin Bowmen, Lake Sakakawea, Van Hook Aug 5-6 – Anglers Insight Marketing, Lake Sakakawea, Four Bears Aug. 6-7 – American Bass Anglers, New Johns Lake Aug. 13 – Lake Region Anglers Walleye Widow Outing, Grahams Island State Park Aug. 19-20 – Masters Walleye Circuit, Devils Lake, Grahams Island State Park Aug. 20 – Bite Me Invite, Lake Sakakawea, Indian Hills Resort Sept. 17 – Prairie Knights Casino & Resort, Lake Oahe Oct. 1 – EDAK Bass Club, Dead Colt Creek Oct. 2 – EDAK Bass Club, Lake Ashtabula

The outdoors is yours at scenic Parshall. For endless recreation, hunting, fishing and adventure, there’s no better place to be.

Parshall Come see for yourself!

www.parshallnd.com

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Marinas asset for Lake Sakakawea

North Dakota State Parks marinas offer amenities such as gasoline and convenience store items.

Kim Fundingsland/MDN

By KIM FUNDINGSLAND

Staff Writer • kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com

GARRISON – Marinas on the east end of Lake Sakakawea have proven to be very popular. Two marinas serve Fort Stevenson State Park south of Garrison.

Across the lake, near Pick City, Lake Sakakawea State Park boasts an excellent marina as well. Boaters seeking a State Parks marina on the west end of Lake Sakakawea check in at Lewis and Clark

State Park.

The marinas offer shelter from wind and high waves that sometimes arise at Lake Sakakawea. More than that though, a number of marina customers enjoy their time living on the lake. They rent marina slips and enjoy the convenience of having the necessary amenities on the water while abandoning weekend towing in favor of

mooring their vessel in a secure area.

“It looks like good water this year for both marinas,” said Chad Trautman, Fort Stevenson State Park manager. “The marinas bring a lot of people to the community.

The marinas certainly bring a lot of people into the park. They are major assets.”

The first marina built at Fort Stevenson was constructed in deTrobriand Bay on the

east side of the park. However, when water levels dropped in Lake Sakakawea for several years and the marina became dry, an alternative was to build a new and deeper marina. That led to the construction of the Garrison Bay Marina on the west side of the park. Now, with Lake Sakakawea water See MARINA — Page 10

Kim Fundingsland/MDN

This view of the Lake Sakakawea State Park marina shows the protection from the elements offered for watercraft of all sizes. The official opening day for state parks and marinas is May 20.

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Marina

Continued from Page 9

high enough to fill both marinas, Fort Stevenson State Park is reaping the benefits.

“It’s fun to see how people prefer one over the other,” remarked Trautman. “We have 66 slips in Garrison Bay and 44 in deTrobriand.”

In addition, the Garrison Bay Marina has three jet ski ports. Demand for those has been so strong that the park is considering adding more.

Gasoline is available on the water at the Garrison Bay Marina, along with sewage disposal and a very popular cafe and convenience store.

“We have the Wildwinds Grill. This year we’ll have some changes inside the store, maybe add some menu items at the public’s request,” said Trautman.

The store places an emphasis on North Dakota products. Pride Dairy ice cream, manufactured in Bottineau, continues to be a huge seller.

“People really appreciate the North Dakota ice cream,” assured Trautman.

Good boat ramps and dock facilities are important to watercraft enthusiasts and Fort Stevenson doesn’t disappoint. Wide boat ramps serve both marinas and are popular with small and large watercraft alike. Launching two boats at a time can be done with ease at either ramp and the docks are first rate.

Of course, fishing is a big draw for marina users. When fishing is hot the parking lots host plenty of tow vehicles.

Parking spaces are large enough to easily accommodate boat trailers. A fish cleaning station is situated near the deTrobriand Bay Marina and is well used by fishermen.

Across the water at Lake Sakakawea State Park is another major marina. Tall sailboats and yacht-type vessels can be seen regularly on the water outside the park and moored safely in marina slips. A big asset at Lake Sakakawea State Park is an excellent boat ramp and ample parking.

“In the summer the boat

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Saturday, April 30, 2016

ramp is just packed,” said Christopher Lee, Lake Sakakawea State Park. “If you get a nice weekend on the lake there’s a lot of fishing and recreating. We have three daily slips people can use but, long-term slips, they’re all full. We have people on a waiting list.”

The Lake Sakakawea State Park marina boasts a “store on the water,” where boats and jet skis can fill with gasoline, purchase bait or other food and convenience items.

“We are a full-service marina,” reminded Lee. “We have water, power, gasoline and everything.”

A second boat ramp at Lake Sakakawea State Park, this one single-wide, is located in Rodeo Bay near the park’s public swimming beach. It is often used as an alternative launching site for fishing boats and small watercraft.

Chad Trautman, Fort Stevenson State Park manager, oversees the operation of two marinas – Garrison Bay and deTrobriand Bay. Kim Fundingsland/MDN

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CONCEALED FIREARMS

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– THINGS TO KNOW

By KIM FUNDINGSLAND • Staff Writer • kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com The number of permits issued in North Dakota for the concealed carry of firearms has risen dramatically the past few years. According to the North Dakota Attorney General’s website there were nearly 41,000 active concealed carry permits in the state at the end of 2015.

What is the reason for the increase?

Instructors say there is a variety of causes, from political climate to an increase in crime.

“The number one reason is personal protection,” said Jeremiah Glosenger, Minot, a concealed carry instructor. “There certainly is an increase in crime locally and more and more people are getting a firearm permit to carry, to protect themselves and their family.”

Several area instructors agree that women comprise a big portion of the increased interest in obtaining concealed carry permits.

“It doesn’t shock me. There are a lot more women coming in and buying guns,” said Dan Land, Spartan Firearms, Minot. “There’s definitely an upswing in women taking the classes.”

Some women taking concealed carry classes are spouses of husbands who are scheduled to leave on deployment. Knowing their spouse has a concealed carry permit helps ease the worry of leaving a loved one behind. Of course, there’s other reasons people cite for taking concealed carry classes too.

“An attack anywhere gets people wondering,” said Land. “Locally we have break-ins and everything. People start thinking about personal protection. There’s a lot of first-time gun buyers.”

North Dakota has two different concealed carry permits – Class I and Class II. Both permits can be obtained by attending a class offered by an instructor registered with the N.D. Attorney General’s office. A Class II permit requires that the applicant successfully pass a written test. For a Class I permit an applicant must demonstrate proficiency with a chosen firearm.

The difference between Class I and Class II is the number of states that will offer reciprocity to the concealed carry license holder. For example, the holder of a N.D. Class II concealed carry permit could legally carry a firearm in Montana but not in Minnesota. Minnesota requires a Class I license. A complete list of states, and whether or not they recognize N.D. Class I or Class II concealed carry permits can be found on the N.D. Attorney General’s website.

Firearms must always be carried in accordance with the laws of each individual state. The first rule for any concealed carry permit holder is to know the rules, no matter which state they may find themselves in, and rules can vary greatly.

“We get many questions related to where they can and can’t carry,” said Dan Roberts, concealed carry instructor.

“A common question is where can I carry and where can’t I carry?” added Scot Redding, concealed carry instructor. “If you look at the Century Code it is plainly laid out. For the most part it is not that difficult to read. The tough

Minot City Ordinance Sec. 23-57.

Loaded firearms; when prohibited.

MAIN: Handguns are available in a wide variety of sizes and calibers. Some are easily concealed on a person.

TOP RIGHT: Advances in powder and bullets incorporated into the manufacture of some ammunition has resulted in increased effectiveness versus much of todayʼs standard ammunition.

Photos by Kim Fundingsland/MDN

The number one reason is personal protection. There certainly is an increase in crime locally and more and more people are getting a firearm permit to carry, to protect themselves and their families.

– Jeremiah Glosenger

A concealed carry instructor

part is interpretation. There-in lies the problem with people not having the correct information.”

Capt. John Klug, Minot Police, agrees that it is up to the concealed carry permit holder to be knowledgeable about the rules for carrying firearms.

“I would emphasize that the concealed carry permits come with limitations,” said Klug. “There are rules that must be followed and if someone carries outside of the set rules they could be arrested, depending on the circumstances.”

An example cited by one concealed carry instructor is that a person can have a firearm in a vehicle if the firearm is in plain sight, but not if it is concealed such as in a compartment or underneath a blanket or coat. An exception would be if the person had a concealed carry permit that would allow a firearm to be hidden from view. It could involve something as simple as transporting a firearm to a shooting range.

North Dakota’s Century Code re-

garding the definition of concealed states, “There is no requirement that there be absolute invisibility of the firearm or dangerous weapon, merely that it not be ordinarily discernible.”

Further information regarded concealed weapons can be found in Chapter 62.1-04 of the N.D. Century Code which can be accessed through the N.D. Attorney General website.

A subject in which all concealed carry instructors contacted by the Minot Daily News agreed on was that those persons going through the concealed carry permit process have primarily been excellent citizens in their communities.

“They are doing it for the right reasons. They are good, law abiding citizens,” stated Roberts.

Redding was in agreement, saying, “Absolutely. The vast majority of folks who are wanting to carry are not wanting to shoot somebody. They are not looking for a fight.”

“These are good, upstanding people,” said Glosenger when queried about concealed carry applicants.

“They are military, moms, church leaders. That’s the kind of people, by and large. There’s a misconception that there is a high percentage of deviant people looking for an opportunity to use a gun.”

Law enforcement agencies all across the state come into contact with hundreds of individuals every day.

They are trained to assume that, potentially, everyone they approach is armed, legally or otherwise.

Applicants for concealed carry permits must pass a background check.

They will be rejected if they are prohibited by state or federal law from owning a firearm. Additionally, for a Class I license an individual could not convicted of any offense involving alcohol within 10 years of the date of application or renewal. According to the N.D. Century Code, those who have CC permits must have their permit with them while carrying. “.....shall have on one’s person the license issued by this or another state and shall give it to any law enforcement officer for an inspection upon demand by the officer.”

The code further states that failure to produce the CC permit is to be construed that the person is illegally carrying a firearm.

Some concealed carry instructors urge for more uniformity in concealed carry laws. For instance, why have Class I and Class II permits? Would a single permit system be more efficient?

Some think it would be.

“A responsibly armed citizen is a powerful tool for justice,” concluded Redding. “No matter how you slice it, the guy who is prepared is going to turn out better, much less likely to be a victim.”

Taking AIM at North Dakota

By KIM FUNDINGSLAND

Staff Writer • kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com North Dakota will be hosting a series of new competitive walleye fishing events this summer. Angler Insight Marketing, also known as AIM, will conduct a four-tournament schedule of catch-record-release events in 2016 that will culminate with a two-day championship Aug. 5-6 on Lake Sakakawea.

AIM recently named Jesse Bueschel, Mandan, as tournament director for North Dakota. AIM conducts circuits in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Tournament fishermen from all three states can advance to AIM’s national championship.

The innovative system of photographing each fish caught and then releasing them back into the water is unique to AIM. No fish are kept or brought to a weigh-in location. All catches are recorded on a scorecard. A weight-length conversion table is used to determine which anglers had the best catch. According an AIM release, “Anglers really enjoy fishing our events and C-R-R has proven to be the fairest and most exciting tournament format in use today.”

Further information on the AIM Weekend Walleye Series can be found at www.aimfishing.com.

(a) No person shall knowingly possess on his person or shall possess within his control a loaded firearm: (1) On a public street, thoroughfare, or other public property except as provided in subsection (b) hereof; (2) On private property without the consent of the owner of the private property or person lawfully in charge thereof. (b) Paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall not apply if the firearm is a sidearm and the person in possession thereof has been issued a permit under state law, and the permit explicitly, or the showing made to gain the permit by implication, indicates that the permitting authority contemplated that the permittee be allowed to carry a loaded sidearm on the streets and in public places as when, for example, a permit is issued to an armored car guard.

Minot City Ordinance Sec. 23-58.

Possession of sidearms—On public property; when prohibited.

No person shall knowingly possess a sidearm on his person or shall possess a sidearm within his control while he is on a public street, thoroughfare or other public property unless: (1) He is allowed to do so under a permit issued pursuant to state law; or (2) He is transferring the sidearm by the most direct and expeditious route from a place where he is lawfully allowed to possess the sidearm without a permit to another such place.

2016 AIM Weekend Walleye Series June 26 Lake Sakakawea, Fort Stevenson State Park

July 10 Devils Lake, Woodland Resort

Aug. 5-6 Championship, Lake Sakakawea, Four Bears Casino

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Saturday, April 30, 2016