Rick Tischaefer
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Upland Bird Hunting with Your Four-Legged Hunting Partner
My name is Rick Tischaefer and I am the President of the North Dakota Fur Hunters and Trappers Association. I also serve as a coordinator for the North Dakota Cooperative Fur Harvester Education Program, a joint outdoor education program with our association and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
For the most part, we are experiencing above normal temperatures and conditions in North Dakota, allowing for extended upland bird hunting opportunities. Many trappers began building their trap lines through November, and with the close of the deer gun season, will begin targeting coyotes with cable devices (e.g. snares). Some of the areas previously hunted may now be shared with others.
The ability to use cable devices on private lands began on Monday, November 24, 2025. Using cable devices on private lands requires written permission from the landowner or operator, including PLOTS. Make the time to visit with the landowner or operator so you know what other activities may now be occurring on those lands.
The intent of this information is to raise the level of awareness and reduce the potential for an unnecessary problem. No trapper that I know of makes a set to catch someone's dog, but it can happen when circumstances permit. Knowledge of each other’s activities; communicating with landowners or operators; paying attention to your four-legged hunting partner; and being prepared are key to having a safe, productive, and enjoyable day afield.
We have information brochures for safely releasing dogs; can provide needed training to dog owners; and are available to assist wherever needed – just ask. The link to the three brochures is “www.gf.nd.gov/hunting/trapping-and-dogs”.
If you would like to know more about using cable devices in North Dakota, the link to the handbook is “www.gf.nd.gov/sites/default/files/publications/using-cable-devices-in-nd.pdf”.
Galvanized aircraft cable is commonly used in the construction of cable devices for coyotes. The lock component of a cable device may be manipulated to make the loop larger, allowing the loop to be removed from the dog. If the loop needs to be cut - use a short-nosed cable cutters designed for this job. Some wire cutters or a “Leatherman” tool may eventually cut this cable, but it will be very difficult and time consuming. Short-nosed cable cutters are used to easily cut through this type of cable. They are inexpensive and small enough to carry in a hunting vest or jacket pocket. Two links to this product are:
“www.minntrapprod.com/Cable-Cutter-and-Sheath-Save-200/productinfo/C7-COMBO”
“www.snareshop.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RC8”
We also offer prepared kits to assist with removing a dog from the three versions of capture devices used for furbearers. These kits are very inexpensive and are easily carried in hunting vests or coats. These are available on our homepage at www.ndfhta.com under the title "Dog Release Kits".
If you have any trouble acquiring the publications or a pair of cable cutters; need hard copies of any printed material; have related questions; or would like to set up a future training opportunity, contact me via e-mail through our website at “www.ndfhta.com”. Please share this information with those who you think may benefit by it and have many safe and enjoyable days experiencing all that North Dakota has to offer.
Respectfully,
Rick Tischaefer
President, North Dakota Fur Hunters and Trappers Association
My name is Rick Tischaefer and I am the President of the North Dakota Fur Hunters and Trappers Association. I also serve as a coordinator for the North Dakota Cooperative Fur Harvester Education Program, a joint outdoor education program with our association and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
For the most part, we are experiencing above normal temperatures and conditions in North Dakota, allowing for extended upland bird hunting opportunities. Many trappers began building their trap lines through November, and with the close of the deer gun season, will begin targeting coyotes with cable devices (e.g. snares). Some of the areas previously hunted may now be shared with others.
The ability to use cable devices on private lands began on Monday, November 24, 2025. Using cable devices on private lands requires written permission from the landowner or operator, including PLOTS. Make the time to visit with the landowner or operator so you know what other activities may now be occurring on those lands.
The intent of this information is to raise the level of awareness and reduce the potential for an unnecessary problem. No trapper that I know of makes a set to catch someone's dog, but it can happen when circumstances permit. Knowledge of each other’s activities; communicating with landowners or operators; paying attention to your four-legged hunting partner; and being prepared are key to having a safe, productive, and enjoyable day afield.
We have information brochures for safely releasing dogs; can provide needed training to dog owners; and are available to assist wherever needed – just ask. The link to the three brochures is “www.gf.nd.gov/hunting/trapping-and-dogs”.
If you would like to know more about using cable devices in North Dakota, the link to the handbook is “www.gf.nd.gov/sites/default/files/publications/using-cable-devices-in-nd.pdf”.
Galvanized aircraft cable is commonly used in the construction of cable devices for coyotes. The lock component of a cable device may be manipulated to make the loop larger, allowing the loop to be removed from the dog. If the loop needs to be cut - use a short-nosed cable cutters designed for this job. Some wire cutters or a “Leatherman” tool may eventually cut this cable, but it will be very difficult and time consuming. Short-nosed cable cutters are used to easily cut through this type of cable. They are inexpensive and small enough to carry in a hunting vest or jacket pocket. Two links to this product are:
“www.minntrapprod.com/Cable-Cutter-and-Sheath-Save-200/productinfo/C7-COMBO”
“www.snareshop.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RC8”
We also offer prepared kits to assist with removing a dog from the three versions of capture devices used for furbearers. These kits are very inexpensive and are easily carried in hunting vests or coats. These are available on our homepage at www.ndfhta.com under the title "Dog Release Kits".
If you have any trouble acquiring the publications or a pair of cable cutters; need hard copies of any printed material; have related questions; or would like to set up a future training opportunity, contact me via e-mail through our website at “www.ndfhta.com”. Please share this information with those who you think may benefit by it and have many safe and enjoyable days experiencing all that North Dakota has to offer.
Respectfully,
Rick Tischaefer
President, North Dakota Fur Hunters and Trappers Association
