WMA camping restricted in western ND oil patch

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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota's Game and Fish Department is prohibiting overnight camping on some wildlife management areas in the western part of the state and along Lake Sakakawea to deter oil field workers who have nowhere else to stay.

The boom in the oil patch has led to a housing crunch, and wildlife chief Randy Kreil tells The Bismarck Tribune some people are setting up camp in the WMAs. He says that's led to other problems such as littering.

Most WMAs are open to primitive camping for 10 consecutive days, but Game and Fish doesn't have staff to oversee the areas or a registration system to keep track of when people come and go.

Assistant wildlife chief Jeb Williams says officials want to ensure the areas are available for hunters and anglers.

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