Severe drought conditions that impacted wildlife across North Dakota last year are, thankfully, in the rearview mirror. While remaining wildlife habitat across the state’s landscape is looking good as we head into fall, fallout from hot, dry conditions in 2021 are still being felt, as the N.D. Game and Fish Department, for the first time in six years, reduced the number of deer gun licenses made available to hunters for the November season.
Spurred by a legacy of fearless feats on bucking broncs or wide-eyed wrecks from atop 1-ton bulls, the Wing Rodeo celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
During the 6 p.m. rodeos Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9, entrants will tug on their boots, tighten the cinch and vie for the prize in conjunction with Wing Community Days.
Derrick Bulawa had recently arrived in Steele to take over as general manager of BEK Communications Cooperative. He set his eyes on adding a TV service to BEK’s portfolio that offered local sports, and he pegged Jordan Hassler as the young buck to move the idea forward.
“They wanted to do something different, something that gave them a competitive advantage when they launched,” Hassler says. “They wanted to give something to their members that they couldn’t get anywhere else.”
This preview is a condensed version of an article that appears in the August-September issue of the N.D. Game and Fish Department’s magazine, North Dakota OUTDOORS.
For more information on season dates and bag limits, visit the N.D. Game and Fish Department website at www.gf.nd.gov(link is external).
Ash grew up near Underwood, on a farm served by McLean Electric Cooperative. He settled in Devils Lake, working first for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Garrison Diversion, and completing his working years with the U.S. Army National Guard.
Ash, now retired, says as long as the ice is good, the winter weather is cooperating, and the fish are biting, he’s on the Devils Lake ice fishing, practically every day. A key to success is moving around – a lot, when necessary – and staying safe at all times, he shares.
