Notebook: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers To Hold Annual Rendezvous Online

Public lands advocacy group Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is moving this year’s BHA North American Rendezvous online, responding to circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and at the same time opening up access to the continent’s biggest gathering of public lands sportsmen and women June 1-6.

Following a record-setting turnout at the 2019 Rendezvous in Boise, Idaho, BHA is expecting its 2020 event to break records again owing to the accessibility of its new format and overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from members of the fast-growing hunting and angling group.

“BHA members are innovators and action-takers,” said Land Tawney, BHA president and CEO. “Will we miss the high fives, laughs and energy that form a core part of a traditional Rendezvous? Absolutely. That said, our staff, North American board, corporate partners and our greater community have come together to create an unprecedented lineup. Rendezvous is on … and it’ll be one for the record books!”

The 2020 Rendezvous program features seminars and workshops ranging from mule packing and boat rigging to predator biology and public lands advocacy. Storytelling, hands-on demonstrations and live discussions infuse returning crowd favorites like Filson Campfire Storytelling and the Public Land Owner Film Fest as well as newly added programming such as bear hunting tips and tactics, public land upland hunting and an exclusive early screening of Patagonia’s new documentary, “Public Trust.”

All events, speakers and seminars will be available to view live and in real time as well as after the fact.

More info: backcountryhunters.org.

NDGF sets game warden exam

Anyone interested in taking the exam to select candidates for district game warden in North Dakota must register no later than Wednesday, May 27. The test is at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29, at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s main office in Bismarck.

Applicants must register to take the exam by submitting an online application through the North Dakota State Job Openings website.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a bachelor’s degree at time of hire, have a valid driver’s license and a current North Dakota peace officer license or be eligible to be licensed. Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check and must not have a record of any felony convictions.

Salary through training for a district game warden is $4,300 per month. For more information, see the district game warden job announcement on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov.

Habitat workshop offered online

Habitat of North Dakota, a workshop for teachers, environmental educators and anyone who works with youth, will be offered online June 30 to July 17.

Instructor Sherry Niesar said the program features new material using inquiry- and project-based learning.

“The materials presented will align with the North Dakota Envirothon Wildlife learning objectives,” Niesar said. “Students will explore current issues in conservation management, North Dakota habitats, wildlife species and wildlife adaptations.”

Different instructional methods will be used to teach across the curriculum integrating subject areas. Curriculum materials are suitable for both elementary and secondary teachers. All supplies will be provided.

The workshop will contain many activities educators can use in the classroom, discussion of classroom and curriculum integration, and self-guided walking field trips at the location of the student’s choice, in their yard, or if needed, can be completed using nature programming or live webcams.

To register for the workshop, visit the Dickinson State University West River Teacher Center website. One graduate credit is available.

For more information, contact Niesar at (701) 527-3714 or email sniesar@nd.gov.

Did you know?

• Wildlife Forever’s Clean Drain Dry Initiative has developed a catalog of educational tools, marketing and media components promoting the Clean Drain Dry message to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Boat ramp cleaning stations, hand tools, access signage and educational handouts are available in ready-made format or can be customized and tailored. View the Clean Drain Dry Catalog. More info: www.CleanDrainDry.org.
• New data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association shows an uptick in first-time boat buyers. Numerous marine dealers across the country are reporting strong spring sales with consumers eager to get on the water, and Discover Boating, the nation’s consumer boating resource, saw triple-digit growth in consumer web traffic and boat searches last month, signifying a high demand for close-to-home recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic. More info: https://www.nmma.org.