FARGO — The long winter is allowing some anglers an extended season to get some ice fishing done, but those planning to make a fishing trip will need to make sure their license is up to date.
The current fishing licenses expire on Friday, March 31, in North Dakota. New licenses will be required starting April 1.
"If they are getting tired of the snow and ice and said we are going to go out and beat this, we're going to ice fishing on March 1, and they bought a fishing license in North Dakota, that March 1 license will expire on March 31," said North Dakota Game and Fish Department Outreach Biologist Doug Leier.
One of the fastest ways to get a North Dakota fishing license is online or through the North Dakota Game and Fish app. Those planning on showing their proof of license electronically should make sure they have cell service, or a screen shot readily available.
"You can't spend a half hour digging through a thousand pictures of last year's deer hunting or this spring's fishing. Save it in an easy and accessible place, maybe on the front of your phone," said Leier.
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Those who decide to go hunting or fishing without an updated license could be in for some serious consequences.
"Similar to a drivers license you are required to have that on you, and have that easily accessible. If you have not bought a fishing license in North Dakota, it's a Class B misdemeanor and you can go through the judicial court process," Leier said.
Once anglers have purchased their new license, Leier encourages them to go out and have fun.
"You can look at it as an extended season. You can look at it as overtime, an extra period, call it whatever you want, but we want to encourage people. We do have safe ice conditions. You might have some challenges to get there, and maybe get on there, but for a hardcore, hard-water angler, this is your time to enjoy." Leier said.
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