It takes time, patience, and practice. But it is fun. Sneaking through the grass in camouflage to get to the ducks, or how about hiding in the cattails and calling them in, or even taking a canoe out and paddling through the water quietly during a peaceful sunrise.

Tundra swan licenses are issued by lottery. They are available to both resident and nonresidents. The application/license fee is $5 for residents and $25 for nonresidents.

Unsuccessful applicants will receive refunds. The tundra swan application deadline for 2006 is August 16. Applications should be available by August 1

Printed waterfowl guides will be distributed by state license vendors and Game and Fish Department offices by early September. Please read the regulations carefully before hunting, and if you have questions, contact the Game and Fish Department at (701) 328-6300.

Nonresident Information

In 2005, North Dakota had three waterfowl hunting zones for nonresidents. Two zones had limits on the number of days on which nonresidents could hunt. There also is a statewide zone license (see license fees) that allows waterfowl hunting anywhere in the state, at a higher fee. These zones are subject to change annually and hunters should contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department after July 1, 2006 for information on zones and licenses.

Nonresident waterfowl hunting licenses will be issued through the department's Bismarck office, over the Internet and by telephone.