Valley City  (VCSU)   – The Valley City State University men’s basketball team has added three new student-athletes for the 2021-22 season.

Head coach Ryan Montgomery announced the signing of Duoth Gach, Uhana Ochan and Peyton Zaun. All three have signed letters of intent to continue their basketball and education at Valley City State this fall.

Both Gach and Ochan are from Minnesota and played previously at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D. Zaun is a Valley City native, completing his Hi-Liner playing career last spring.

The trio will join a deep and talented VCSU roster for the 2021-22 season. The Vikings return all their key players from last year’s squad that went 19-7 and finished second in the North Star Athletic Association standings.

Valley City State is scheduled to open the 2021-22 season on Oct. 26 with a home exhibition game against Minot State University.

Duoth Gach
6’5″ Junior Guard – North Dakota State College of Science – Austin, Minn.

Gach was a two-time Honorable Mention All-American during his two years playing at North Dakota State College of Science. A native of Austin, Minn., Gach was named the Mon-Dak Conference Player of the Year in 2020, averaging 15.4 points per game while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range. He made 190 3-pointers during his two seasons at NDSCS.

“Duoth is a very talented basketball player,” said Montgomery. “He has played at a very high junior college level at NDSCS and his resume speaks for itself. He played in a similar system to ours at Austin High School so he should fit in quickly. Not only is Duoth a good basketball player, I believe he is a good person also. I look forward to coaching him this season.”

Uhana Ochan
6’7″ Junior Forward – Francis Marion University – North Dakota State College of Science – Mankato, Minn.

Uhana joins the Vikings after playing last year at NCAA Division II school Francis Marion University. He averaged four points and four rebounds per game at Francis Marion last season. He previously played at North Dakota State College of Science and is a native of Mankato, Minn.

“We wanted to add some athleticism to our forward position in this class,” said Montgomery. “Uhana supplies that and then some. He is one of the best athletes we have recruited here. He will provide some much-needed depth and rebounding this upcoming season.”

Peyton Zaun
6’3″ Freshman Guard – Valley City High School – Valley City, N.D.

Zaun averaged 17.6 points and three assists per game for the Valley City Hi-Liners last season. The 6-foot-3 guard was named to the EDC All-Conference team as a senior and will continue his basketball career in his hometown at Valley City State.

“Worker. That’s what I have to say about Peyton,” said Montgomery. “I have no doubt he will put in the work. I also believe he loves the game and VCSU Basketball. In terms of his game, he has only scratched the surface. I have watched Peyton since he was young and he has gotten better every year, and we believe this trend will continue at VCSU.”

 

 

Bismarck  (NDGF)  As hunting seasons and other fall activities get underway, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts need to be aware of the daily fire danger index.

Considering this year’s prolonged drought, combined with typical dry, late-summer and early-fall ground conditions, an elevated fire danger index in most counties will likely influence outdoor activities.

Hunters are urged to keep up with the daily rural fire danger index, which is issued by the National Weather Service, to alert the public to conditions that may be conducive to the accidental starting or spread of fires.

In addition, county governments have the authority to adopt penalties for violations of county restrictions related to burning bans. These restrictions apply regardless of the daily fire danger index and remain in place until each county’s commission rescinds the ban.

Hunters should consider bringing along a shovel, fire extinguisher, extra water and heavy fabric for putting out accidental fires. However, individuals who are not trained firefighters should not attempt to fight a fire that is out of control. Instead, contact the nearest rural fire department immediately.

Also, hunters should stay clear of tall vegetation when parking a vehicle.

The fire danger index can change daily depending on temperature, wind and precipitation forecasts. If the index reaches the high, very high or extreme category, open burning is prohibited; off-road travel with a motorized vehicle is prohibited, except for people engaged in a trade, business or occupation where it is required; and smoking is restricted to inside of vehicles, hard surface areas, homes or in approved buildings.

Information on current fire danger indexes is available at NDResponse.gov.

 

Concurrent Season Deer Licenses Available Aug. 18

Hunters can purchase additional, concurrent season deer licenses Aug. 18 at 8 a.m. Central Time by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. There is no limit on the number of concurrent season licenses a hunter can purchase.

Concurrent season licenses can be used during the archery season with a bow; the deer gun season with a bow, rifle or muzzleloader; or during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloader. However, youth under 14 (at the end of the calendar year) will be issued a concurrent season license for archery only.

Hunters with concurrent season licenses are restricted to the type of antlerless deer printed on the license and must stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.

 

Equipment Registration Number Used for Identification

Hunters, trappers and anglers are reminded that an equipment registration number, or the individual’s name, address and telephone number, must be displayed on all equipment requiring identification.

In addition, a new state law requires written permission from the owner of the property, or an individual authorized by the owner, for an individual to install camera/video equipment on private property, and the equipment must be identified.

While on state wildlife management areas, identification is required on items such as ground blinds, tree stands, cameras and traps.

Identification must be attached to cable devices that are set on either private or public land, and on fish houses left unattended on the ice.

Owners can generate an equipment registration number by visiting Buy and Apply at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. One registration number will be issued that can be used on all equipment that requires identification.

The equipment registration number does not expire.

 

Youth Outdoor Festival Sept. 2 in Minot

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department, local wildlife clubs and other sponsors will usher youngsters into fall during the annual Youth Outdoor Festival in Minot.

The event is Thursday, Sept. 2 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Game and Fish Conservation and Outdoors Skills Park on the grounds of the North Dakota State Fair.

Young outdoor enthusiasts will experience a number of outdoor activities that relate to archery, fishing, waterfowl and upland game. Prizes will be awarded.

For more information, contact Game and Fish outreach biologist Greg Gullickson at 701-720-1640.