In the bid to save paddlefish from the already dwindling numbers, the North Dakota Game and Fish department announced an early closure to its paddlefish snagging season.

The announcement declared the snagging season closed from Monday, May 11, 10 PM Central Daylight Time. It also reminded snaggers that Monday was only a snag-and-release day, a formal beginning to protect the fish population.

The authorities stated that this early closure came at the back of the 2014-2016 proclamation, which limited the number of paddlefish harvested to 1000. When this 1000 was reached, the snagging season was to be closed. Another reason put forward by Greg Power, Fisheries chief, was that an early closure was needed to contain the fish population. The record high proportion of females in the 2015 paddlefish harvest would have a detrimental effect on the self-replicating ability of the paddlefish, thus calling for immediate attention.

However, an extra four day snag-and-release period was offered to those snaggers who still had unused tags, though even they were asked to release the fish immediately. Snaggers who had already used their tag were asked to stay out of this additional four-day period. During this additional season, snagging would be allowed between 8 AM and 9 PM. The use of gaff was prohibited and the legal area for snagging was marked by prominent boundary signs.

This comprised only the area of the Missouri River starting on the north shore from the Confluence boat ramp then east (downstream) one-half mile, and that area of the Missouri River starting on the south shore from the Confluence with the Yellowstone River then east (downstream) one-half mile.

Thus, this is an attempt by the wildlife officials to save the paddlefish from reaching a low that cannot be dealt with.