Wildlife

The Bowbells area has some of the best and most varied hunting in the country.  If you are into birds, we have all the species of geese: ducks are plentiful, and the partridge will sharpen your skills for upland game.  Grouse can always be found and the pheasant is making a comeback in the area.  To the north and east of Bowbells are some great hunting areas for waterfowl. Hunters from across the country visit our area to hunt the snow geese, giant canada geese and blue geese. The Des Lacs lake and area wetlands are perfect habitat for the geese.

Not far from here is the 19,544 acre Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, a 28 mile long corridor of river valleys and bordering uplands with three natural lakes.  The primary objectives of the refuge are waterfowl production and protection, and enhancement of migratory bird habitat. Outdoor enthusiasts will find unique opportunities to observe and photograph native birds and mammals in natural surroundings.  It has been called a "birders paradise"!  The Scenic Lake Road runs 11 miles along the refuge, with trails that provide an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife.


Fishing is close by at the Northgate Dam recreation area with trout, walleye, largemouth bass and whopper bluegills. Powers Lake and Smishek Lake are just 45 minutes to the southwest and the "big water" of Lake Sakakwea is just over an hour to the south.

Big game hunters will find large numbers of whitetail deer and if you watch closely you might see a mule deer, a pronghorn antelope, or maybe a moose.White Crowned Sparrow

 

 

 I photographed this white crowned sparrow on May 11th, 2004.

 


Killdeer Killdeer nest Killdeer protecting her nest A Killdeer protecting her nest - photos taken May 2006

A tail-less pheasant struts his stuff
photos taken May 2006

Tail-less pheasant Meadowlark Duck