Dean C. Hildebrand
Inducted 2014
Dean Hildebrand served as the North Dakota Game and Fish Director from April 1996 until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure as Director, Dean was instrumental in improving fishing opportunities in the state to include initiating the “Save Our Lakes” program which focused on ensuring threatened fisheries are revitalized. He also guided the department during times of rising waters on Devils Lake and drought conditions for Lake Sakakawea.
Dean earned a bachelor of science from Valley City State and a Master’s of Science in Fisheries Biology from the University of North Dakota. Dean taught high school science in Edmore and Devils Lake and also served as academic dean at Lake Region College. He received many awards in recognition of his teaching excellence. While living in Devils Lake, Dean opened The Boatyard, which was the first marina on Devils Lake.
Dean was a member of the North Dakota National Guard and served as Commander at Camp Grafton and later as Chief of Staff in Bismarck. During his tenure at Camp Grafton he often incorporated lake projects into the mission of the Guard, helping to improve lake access. Dean retired with the rank of Colonel.
After retiring from the ND Game & Fish Department in 2005, Dean assisted the ND Sportfishing Congress with its mission to protect and improve fishing and boating in North Dakota. He was instrumental in helping the Congress be effective at the Capital during legislative sessions, relying on the experience gained while serving three terms in the North Dakota legislature.
Dean was a true leader in North Dakota and never failed to take the opportunity to make fishing and the outdoors better for others. While Dean had a diverse and busy career, his interest and commitment to the fishing community was never forgotten.
Inducted 2014
Dean Hildebrand served as the North Dakota Game and Fish Director from April 1996 until his retirement in 2005. During his tenure as Director, Dean was instrumental in improving fishing opportunities in the state to include initiating the “Save Our Lakes” program which focused on ensuring threatened fisheries are revitalized. He also guided the department during times of rising waters on Devils Lake and drought conditions for Lake Sakakawea.
Dean earned a bachelor of science from Valley City State and a Master’s of Science in Fisheries Biology from the University of North Dakota. Dean taught high school science in Edmore and Devils Lake and also served as academic dean at Lake Region College. He received many awards in recognition of his teaching excellence. While living in Devils Lake, Dean opened The Boatyard, which was the first marina on Devils Lake.
Dean was a member of the North Dakota National Guard and served as Commander at Camp Grafton and later as Chief of Staff in Bismarck. During his tenure at Camp Grafton he often incorporated lake projects into the mission of the Guard, helping to improve lake access. Dean retired with the rank of Colonel.
After retiring from the ND Game & Fish Department in 2005, Dean assisted the ND Sportfishing Congress with its mission to protect and improve fishing and boating in North Dakota. He was instrumental in helping the Congress be effective at the Capital during legislative sessions, relying on the experience gained while serving three terms in the North Dakota legislature.
Dean was a true leader in North Dakota and never failed to take the opportunity to make fishing and the outdoors better for others. While Dean had a diverse and busy career, his interest and commitment to the fishing community was never forgotten.