Nonresident hunting restrictions apparently haven't kept out-of-state pheasant hunters from making trips to North Dakota this fall.

According to Roger Rostvet, deputy director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, nonresident pheasant license sales appear to be up from last year, when Game and Fish sold 25,072 out-of-state license. He said the nice weather in November boosted nonresident pheasant license sales to about 500 a week. Nonresident small licenses cost $85, plus $13 for a general game and habitat license and $2 for a fishing, hunting and fur-bearer certificate. The licenses are limited to 10 days or two five-day periods, but nonresidents can buy more than one per season.

Meanwhile, Rostvet said, nonresident waterfowl license sales declined to about 24,000 this year, from 26,000 in 2003 and 30,000 in 2002. The licenses cost the same as small game licenses and are good for 14 days or two seven-day periods.

Rostvet shared the numbers Tuesday night during the Game and Fish Department's fall Advisory Board meeting in Fordville, N.D.