FARGO — From
to the fatal
, recent animal-related incidents have prompted legal action and public attention across North Dakota.
Two men — one from Traill County and one from Cavalier County — face charges in separate incidents that raise questions about what is legal and what isn’t when it comes to shooting animals.
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In Cavalier County, a man is accused of chasing a black bear in a field with a vehicle before fatally shooting it. Under North Dakota law, black bears are protected and may only be killed with prior authorization.
“Black bears — specifically (with) approval from the director of the Game and Fish Department is needed before killing a black bear,” said Scott Winkleman, chief game warden with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Outside of designated hunting seasons, landowners may only shoot certain animals — such as furbearers — to protect their property.
“They have to be killing or attempting to kill either their poultry, domestic animals or crops,” Winkleman added.
Minnesota’s regulations differ slightly. Certain species like coyotes and woodchucks are considered unprotected and can be shot. But shooting protected wildlife — those included in regulated hunting and trapping seasons — comes with stricter rules.
“Unless they are causing damage, a fox coming in and stealing your chickens, causing damage, that can be shot, you just have to notify a conservation officer or DNR wildlife,” said Rob Baden with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
In the Traill County case, a man is accused of shooting two dogs, killing one. He claimed the dogs were chasing deer. The dogs’ bodies were found more than a mile apart, and not on property belonging to anyone involved.
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“It’s only a game warden that is allowed to do that, the general public is not legally allowed to shoot a dog that is chasing deer,” Winkleman said.
In Minnesota, it is legal to shoot a dog if it is chasing big game, but officials advise caution.
“I would not recommend anybody do that without contacting local law enforcement,” Baden said.
Both North Dakota and Minnesota have legal penalties for illegally killing wildlife. Punishments can include jail time and fines.
The Cavalier County man accused of killing the bear faces up to 30 days in jail if convicted. The man charged in the Traill County dog shooting case could face up to a year in jail.
Matt Henson is an Emmy award-winning reporter/photographer/editor for WDAY. Prior to joining WDAY in 2019, Matt was the main anchor at WDAZ in Grand Forks for four years.
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