www.sdgfp.info
November 7, 2005
New Online Volunteer Antlerless Deer Hunter Program Available
PIERRE, S.D. - An opportunity for hunters interested in hunting antlerless deer to list their names and contact information online has been added to the state Game, Fish and Parks website.
"Several times a year, GFP staff are contacted by landowners looking to host antlerless deer hunters," said Wildlife Damage Management Program Administrator Art Smith. "Usually, the landowners are looking for youth hunters, but requests for archery and muzzleloader hunters have been received as well. In previous years, staff handled much of these requests. Now, this program allows the landowners to directly contact potential hunters."
Youth, archery antlerless and muzzleloader deer hunters who are looking for private land to hunt antlerless deer can add their names, contact information and up to three counties that they are interested in hunting to a web-based list. That list can then be accessed by landowners who will directly contact the hunters. The landowners will be able to choose which license types they will allow and note in which county their land is located. Once selected, the system produces a list of hunters that matches the landowner's selection.
Smith hopes this program can answer a question hunters ask GFP each year, "Where can I find private lands to hunt antlerless deer?" and another question asked by landowners, "I am looking for a youth deer hunter to hunt my lands, do you know of anyone?"
"We still believe the best way to develop hunter/landowner relationships is through knocking on doors and talking with people," Smith noted. "However, we also realize that times have changed and hope this program will help make those initial contacts easier."
The webpage can be accessed under the "What's New" section of the GFP home page at www.state.sd.us/gfp/ or via the department's deer webpage at www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/hunting/BigGame/DeerIndex.htm.
-GFP-
First CWD Update For 2005
PIERRE, S.D. - Two deer have tested positive in South Dakota's 2005 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Program.
The Department of Game, Fish and Parks has been testing deer and elk from hunters, vehicle kills and sick animals encountered in the field. Currently, 595 results have returned from the 820 total samples submitted, with two deer testing positive for CWD.
"The two deer that tested positive were both collected by Game Fish and Parks personnel that are on the watch for sick deer and elk," said Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Biologist Steve Griffin of Rapid City. "Both of these deer were found very emaciated and thin, which are symptoms of CWD.
Griffin noted that Black Hills deer hunters and West River prairie deer hunters in predetermined surveillance areas will have an opportunity to participate in the CWD Surveillance Program as their respective seasons open this fall.
As in past years, GFP is conducting a CWD surveillance program in areas where CWD has been detected in captive animals, and/or in wild free-roaming populations of deer and elk. Surveillance is being concentrated in the southwestern part of South Dakota, which includes Fall River County, Custer County, parts of Pennington County and the Black Hills.
"The samples are being collected from hunters who were contacted prior to hunting seasons and asked to voluntarily submit the heads of their harvested animals for testing," Griffin said. "This year's samples are being sent to the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Diagnostic Laboratory in Brookings, and results are getting returned faster than in the past."
Griffin noted that all hunters who submitted a sample will receive a letter with the results of the CWD test as soon as possible after the results are delivered to him. "We try and get them out on a weekly basis if possible," he said.
Hunters outside the testing area may get their animal tested for chronic wasting disease by making their own arrangements directly through the SDSU Diagnostic Lab at (605) 688-5171.
For questions regarding the South Dakota CWD Surveillance Program, call the Rapid City Regional Office at (605) 394-2391.
-GFP-
Activities Abound In State Parks This Winter
PIERRE, S.D. - Winter may be almost here, but many visitors to South Dakota state parks are discovering that there is no reason to hibernate. Many opportunities for fun exist in the parks year-round, even after the snow falls.
During the winter season, many summer and fall hikers take up cross-country skiing. Twelve state parks and recreation areas offer cross-country ski trails. Trails are found at: Adams Homestead in North Sioux City, Big Sioux in Brandon, Hartford Beach near Milbank, Lake Herman near Madison, Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills, Newton Hills near Canton, Oakwood Lakes near Volga, Pelican Lake near Watertown, Richmond Lake near Aberdeen, Roy Lake near Lake City, Sica Hollow near Sisseton and West Whitlock near Gettysburg.
Snowmobilers can take advantage of trail riding opportunities across the state. Snowmobile trails in eastern South Dakota will open Dec. 1. Grooming operations along the 325-mile Black Hills system will begin Dec. 15. To request a detailed map, e-mail [email protected] or call (605) 773-3391.
A trip to the park can also include snowshoeing, ice-skating, hunting, ice fishing or a leisurely walk in the brisk winter air.
In addition to day activities, plenty of opportunities exist for those wanting to stay overnight. Campsites are now on a first-come, first-served basis. Electricity is kept on year-round, but water systems and comfort stations are closed during the winter. As a result, camping fees are reduced. Fees are collected at self-registration stations located at park entrances, where fee envelopes and instructions are provided.
For those a bit less daring, camping cabins provide heated protection from the elements. Camping cabins are found at state parks and recreation areas across the state. Each of the one-room, log-style cabins has heating, air-conditioning and electricity. Furnishings include a set of bunk beds, double bed, table and benches. A fire grate and picnic table are located outside. Campers will need to provide linens or sleeping bags. The can be reserved through the reservation system within 90 days of arrival at www.CampSD.com or by calling (800) 710-CAMP (2267).
If you are gathering a group together, three recreation areas have lodges to suit your needs:
Mina Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen features a three-bedroom group lodge that sleeps eight.
Shadehill Recreation Area near Lemmon has a two-bedroom lodge that sleeps up to ten.
Lake Thompson Recreation Area's five-bedroom lodge sleeps 12 people.
Like the cabins, linens are not provided. The lodges at Mina Lake and Shadehill rent for $110 a night. The lodge at Lake Thompson is $175 per night. A fee of $15 will be charged for each additional person. Reservations can be made year-round through the reservation system at www.CampSD.com or by calling (800) 710-CAMP (2267).
Park entrance licenses are required year-round in all designated fees areas. The 2006 park entrance license is now available online and at park offices, and is valid until May 2007.
More information on winter activities and camping in South Dakota state parks can be found online at www.sdgfp.info/Parks by clicking on "Outdoor Recreation."
-GFP-
Feeding Winter Birds Popular
PIERRE, S.D. - Game, Fish and Parks officials say feeding wild birds is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S., with participants of all ages.
Fifty-four million people feed birds or other wildlife near their homes, spending $2.6 billion on bird feed alone. "One doesn't need a license or any special skills," said GFP Wildlife Diversity Coordinator Eileen Dowd Stukel, "just an interest and a commitment to doing it right."
If one chooses to partake in this fun and fulfilling activity, Stukel advises to keep a few things in mind:
Place feeders where they can be watched, enjoyed and feeding visitors can be photographed.
If feeders are bothered by squirrels, place the feeder on a pole away from trees.
Place feeders near cover to protect feeding birds from weather and predators, such as free-roaming cats.
Move feeders if birds are noticed to be striking windows.
Some birds, such as sparrows, juncos, doves and pheasants, feed on the ground or on a flat platform.
Offer several feeding sites to avoid overcrowding and disease transmission.
If only one menu item is offered, black oil sunflower seed appeals to many birds. Ground-feeding birds may prefer corn, milo, or millet to sunflower seed. Pine siskins, goldfinches and redpolls prefer niger seed (also called finch or thistle seed), which is offered in feeders designed for this seed. Suet or peanut butter may attract woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and brown creepers. Offer year-round water by adding a bird bath heater. Avoid offering human "table scraps," which may attract rodents or raccoons.
Remember to keep feeders and feeding areas clean by regularly raking up seed hulls and cleaning feeders by scrubbing with soapy water and rinsing in water diluted with a small amount of bleach. Store seed in tight, waterproof containers to prevent mold and to discourage rodents that may be attracted to accessible seed.
"Once a person begins feeding, they should try to continue through the winter," Stukel said, "and don't worry about missing a few days, since feeding birds typically visit other feeding stations. If you notice sick or diseased birds, stop feeding for 10-14 days to avoid further spreading diseases and disinfect your feeders."
Project FeederWatch is a citizen science project led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The project helps to track wintering bird patterns and has provided extremely valuable information about diseases that affect wild birds.
To become a FeederWatch citizen scientist, visit online at www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/ to join in this winter's count.
Based on results from last winter's South Dakota FeederWatch participants, the black-capped chickadee was the most common bird feeder visitor in the state. Rounding out the top five were the downy woodpecker, American goldfinch, house finch, and white-breasted nuthatch.
-GFP-
Mule Deer Has Bad-Antler Day
PIERRE, S.D. - Most people have complained of a "bad hair" day, but that is trivial compared to a buck mule deer that recently experienced a "bad-antler" day.
On Sunday, Oct. 30, Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Biologist John Kanta, along with Conservation Officer Chad Sayles and Conservation Officer Trainee Shawn Wichmann, received a call from a resident in Rapid City about a mule deer buck that appeared to be entangled in fencing material by its antlers.
After confirming the situation, officials approached and evaluated the animal. "The deer was very stressed and difficult to approach," Kanta said, "but it did not appear injured. So, instead of euthanizing the deer, we chose to try to chemically immobilize it to remove the entanglement."
The deer was successfully immobilized, and officials were able to approach the deer to free it from the entangled debris.
"The material turned out to be three metal fence posts and some rope that was used to secure a tree," Sayles noted. "Once we removed the posts and rope from the antlers, we inspected the deer for any major injuries and overall health. We were then able to reverse the effects of the drugs and free the deer, which was monitored while it recovered under a tree."
Kanta added that it is important to note that immobilizing animals is expensive, time consuming and dangerous.
"In most wildlife cases, euthanization is the best or needed method available to resolve a situation, but we do handle them on a case-by-case basis," he said. "If this deer had been injured or presented a public safety issue, it most likely would have been euthanized."
The deer was tangled on the outskirts of Rapid City, so the location made it safe to fire the dart gun. When animals are injected with these tranquilizers, their meat becomes inedible for up to 30 days after injection.
"We have to be certain that the animal will not soon be harvested and consumed by a hunter," Kanta said. "In this situation, we felt that the deer could be safely immobilized and released."
-GFP-
Snowmobile Trail Maps Available
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota's 2005-06 Snowmobile Trails maps are now available at most Game, Fish and Parks offices or by contacting the department headquarters in Pierre.
Trails Program Specialist Scott Carbonneau said the maps highlight the nationally-recognized Black Hills Trail System as well as the state's 11 eastern trails. Carbonneau said riders will have nearly 1,600 miles of groomed trails this winter, including about 325 miles in the Black Hills.
"The snowmobile trail maps are essential for both novice and seasoned riders," Carbonneau said. "In addition to showing trail routes, they also indicate where riders can find essential services including food and fuel. I always have three or four of them stuffed in my snowmobile's storage compartment."
South Dakota's snowmobile season officially opens Dec. 1 along the eastern trails and Dec. 15 in the Black Hills. The dates were established because of hunting seasons and easements with private landowners.
Carbonneau said snowmobile trails throughout eastern South Dakota are established and maintained by snowmobile clubs through a grant in aid program. Clubs began installing trail markers and signs on Nov. 1.
"Once the snowmobile markers are installed, they essentially become designated snowmobile trails and wheeled vehicles are prohibited," Carbonneau said. "It's important that ATV operators understand that although they can use the ditches during most of the year, it is illegal to operate them along a signed snowmobile trail during the winter months."
For more information, or to receive a free snowmobile map, contact the Department of Game, Fish and Parks at (605) 773-3391 or via email at: [email protected].
-GFP-
Landowner Permission Needed to Hunt, Trap, Fish Private Land in South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. - Hunters are reminded that in most of South Dakota the law states that no person may hunt, fish or trap on private property without permission from the landowner or lessee.
Game, Fish and Parks Regional Law Enforcement Specialist Bruce Nachtigall of Rapid City said hunters must remember to get permission to access private land before they can begin hunting the property. He also notes that the laws on trespass and the requirements for posting land are slightly different within the Black Hills Fire Protection District than the rest of the state.
"Within this area, a landowner must give notice to hunters that his or her land is not open to hunting, which may be given verbally or by posting the land with written or printed notices," Nachtigall explained. "As per SDCL 41-9-2, these notices must be at the gates or places of entrance, and in conspicuous places around the land. The notices must also have the name and address of the landowner or lessee."
Hunters should also note that private property outside of a portion of the Black Hills Fire Protection District in South Dakota does not need to be posted to legally prevent trespassing, which includes land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
"Unless CRP lands are enrolled into the department's Walk-In Areas program, CRP is private property and permission must be given before hunters can legally access these properties," Nachtigall said. "Hunters need to be aware that state law restricts access to CRP lands, even though the program is federally funded."
He added that asking for permission can improve relationships between landowners and hunters. "It only takes one trespassing violation to ruin access privileges for other hunters," he said. "Hunting private land is a privilege, not a right. If hunters respect private property and show their gratitude afterward, they can establish a relationship with the landowner that both will appreciate."
-GFP-
November 7, 2005
New Online Volunteer Antlerless Deer Hunter Program Available
PIERRE, S.D. - An opportunity for hunters interested in hunting antlerless deer to list their names and contact information online has been added to the state Game, Fish and Parks website.
"Several times a year, GFP staff are contacted by landowners looking to host antlerless deer hunters," said Wildlife Damage Management Program Administrator Art Smith. "Usually, the landowners are looking for youth hunters, but requests for archery and muzzleloader hunters have been received as well. In previous years, staff handled much of these requests. Now, this program allows the landowners to directly contact potential hunters."
Youth, archery antlerless and muzzleloader deer hunters who are looking for private land to hunt antlerless deer can add their names, contact information and up to three counties that they are interested in hunting to a web-based list. That list can then be accessed by landowners who will directly contact the hunters. The landowners will be able to choose which license types they will allow and note in which county their land is located. Once selected, the system produces a list of hunters that matches the landowner's selection.
Smith hopes this program can answer a question hunters ask GFP each year, "Where can I find private lands to hunt antlerless deer?" and another question asked by landowners, "I am looking for a youth deer hunter to hunt my lands, do you know of anyone?"
"We still believe the best way to develop hunter/landowner relationships is through knocking on doors and talking with people," Smith noted. "However, we also realize that times have changed and hope this program will help make those initial contacts easier."
The webpage can be accessed under the "What's New" section of the GFP home page at www.state.sd.us/gfp/ or via the department's deer webpage at www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/hunting/BigGame/DeerIndex.htm.
-GFP-
First CWD Update For 2005
PIERRE, S.D. - Two deer have tested positive in South Dakota's 2005 Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Program.
The Department of Game, Fish and Parks has been testing deer and elk from hunters, vehicle kills and sick animals encountered in the field. Currently, 595 results have returned from the 820 total samples submitted, with two deer testing positive for CWD.
"The two deer that tested positive were both collected by Game Fish and Parks personnel that are on the watch for sick deer and elk," said Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Biologist Steve Griffin of Rapid City. "Both of these deer were found very emaciated and thin, which are symptoms of CWD.
Griffin noted that Black Hills deer hunters and West River prairie deer hunters in predetermined surveillance areas will have an opportunity to participate in the CWD Surveillance Program as their respective seasons open this fall.
As in past years, GFP is conducting a CWD surveillance program in areas where CWD has been detected in captive animals, and/or in wild free-roaming populations of deer and elk. Surveillance is being concentrated in the southwestern part of South Dakota, which includes Fall River County, Custer County, parts of Pennington County and the Black Hills.
"The samples are being collected from hunters who were contacted prior to hunting seasons and asked to voluntarily submit the heads of their harvested animals for testing," Griffin said. "This year's samples are being sent to the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Diagnostic Laboratory in Brookings, and results are getting returned faster than in the past."
Griffin noted that all hunters who submitted a sample will receive a letter with the results of the CWD test as soon as possible after the results are delivered to him. "We try and get them out on a weekly basis if possible," he said.
Hunters outside the testing area may get their animal tested for chronic wasting disease by making their own arrangements directly through the SDSU Diagnostic Lab at (605) 688-5171.
For questions regarding the South Dakota CWD Surveillance Program, call the Rapid City Regional Office at (605) 394-2391.
-GFP-
Activities Abound In State Parks This Winter
PIERRE, S.D. - Winter may be almost here, but many visitors to South Dakota state parks are discovering that there is no reason to hibernate. Many opportunities for fun exist in the parks year-round, even after the snow falls.
During the winter season, many summer and fall hikers take up cross-country skiing. Twelve state parks and recreation areas offer cross-country ski trails. Trails are found at: Adams Homestead in North Sioux City, Big Sioux in Brandon, Hartford Beach near Milbank, Lake Herman near Madison, Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills, Newton Hills near Canton, Oakwood Lakes near Volga, Pelican Lake near Watertown, Richmond Lake near Aberdeen, Roy Lake near Lake City, Sica Hollow near Sisseton and West Whitlock near Gettysburg.
Snowmobilers can take advantage of trail riding opportunities across the state. Snowmobile trails in eastern South Dakota will open Dec. 1. Grooming operations along the 325-mile Black Hills system will begin Dec. 15. To request a detailed map, e-mail [email protected] or call (605) 773-3391.
A trip to the park can also include snowshoeing, ice-skating, hunting, ice fishing or a leisurely walk in the brisk winter air.
In addition to day activities, plenty of opportunities exist for those wanting to stay overnight. Campsites are now on a first-come, first-served basis. Electricity is kept on year-round, but water systems and comfort stations are closed during the winter. As a result, camping fees are reduced. Fees are collected at self-registration stations located at park entrances, where fee envelopes and instructions are provided.
For those a bit less daring, camping cabins provide heated protection from the elements. Camping cabins are found at state parks and recreation areas across the state. Each of the one-room, log-style cabins has heating, air-conditioning and electricity. Furnishings include a set of bunk beds, double bed, table and benches. A fire grate and picnic table are located outside. Campers will need to provide linens or sleeping bags. The can be reserved through the reservation system within 90 days of arrival at www.CampSD.com or by calling (800) 710-CAMP (2267).
If you are gathering a group together, three recreation areas have lodges to suit your needs:
Mina Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen features a three-bedroom group lodge that sleeps eight.
Shadehill Recreation Area near Lemmon has a two-bedroom lodge that sleeps up to ten.
Lake Thompson Recreation Area's five-bedroom lodge sleeps 12 people.
Like the cabins, linens are not provided. The lodges at Mina Lake and Shadehill rent for $110 a night. The lodge at Lake Thompson is $175 per night. A fee of $15 will be charged for each additional person. Reservations can be made year-round through the reservation system at www.CampSD.com or by calling (800) 710-CAMP (2267).
Park entrance licenses are required year-round in all designated fees areas. The 2006 park entrance license is now available online and at park offices, and is valid until May 2007.
More information on winter activities and camping in South Dakota state parks can be found online at www.sdgfp.info/Parks by clicking on "Outdoor Recreation."
-GFP-
Feeding Winter Birds Popular
PIERRE, S.D. - Game, Fish and Parks officials say feeding wild birds is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S., with participants of all ages.
Fifty-four million people feed birds or other wildlife near their homes, spending $2.6 billion on bird feed alone. "One doesn't need a license or any special skills," said GFP Wildlife Diversity Coordinator Eileen Dowd Stukel, "just an interest and a commitment to doing it right."
If one chooses to partake in this fun and fulfilling activity, Stukel advises to keep a few things in mind:
Place feeders where they can be watched, enjoyed and feeding visitors can be photographed.
If feeders are bothered by squirrels, place the feeder on a pole away from trees.
Place feeders near cover to protect feeding birds from weather and predators, such as free-roaming cats.
Move feeders if birds are noticed to be striking windows.
Some birds, such as sparrows, juncos, doves and pheasants, feed on the ground or on a flat platform.
Offer several feeding sites to avoid overcrowding and disease transmission.
If only one menu item is offered, black oil sunflower seed appeals to many birds. Ground-feeding birds may prefer corn, milo, or millet to sunflower seed. Pine siskins, goldfinches and redpolls prefer niger seed (also called finch or thistle seed), which is offered in feeders designed for this seed. Suet or peanut butter may attract woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and brown creepers. Offer year-round water by adding a bird bath heater. Avoid offering human "table scraps," which may attract rodents or raccoons.
Remember to keep feeders and feeding areas clean by regularly raking up seed hulls and cleaning feeders by scrubbing with soapy water and rinsing in water diluted with a small amount of bleach. Store seed in tight, waterproof containers to prevent mold and to discourage rodents that may be attracted to accessible seed.
"Once a person begins feeding, they should try to continue through the winter," Stukel said, "and don't worry about missing a few days, since feeding birds typically visit other feeding stations. If you notice sick or diseased birds, stop feeding for 10-14 days to avoid further spreading diseases and disinfect your feeders."
Project FeederWatch is a citizen science project led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The project helps to track wintering bird patterns and has provided extremely valuable information about diseases that affect wild birds.
To become a FeederWatch citizen scientist, visit online at www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/ to join in this winter's count.
Based on results from last winter's South Dakota FeederWatch participants, the black-capped chickadee was the most common bird feeder visitor in the state. Rounding out the top five were the downy woodpecker, American goldfinch, house finch, and white-breasted nuthatch.
-GFP-
Mule Deer Has Bad-Antler Day
PIERRE, S.D. - Most people have complained of a "bad hair" day, but that is trivial compared to a buck mule deer that recently experienced a "bad-antler" day.
On Sunday, Oct. 30, Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Biologist John Kanta, along with Conservation Officer Chad Sayles and Conservation Officer Trainee Shawn Wichmann, received a call from a resident in Rapid City about a mule deer buck that appeared to be entangled in fencing material by its antlers.
After confirming the situation, officials approached and evaluated the animal. "The deer was very stressed and difficult to approach," Kanta said, "but it did not appear injured. So, instead of euthanizing the deer, we chose to try to chemically immobilize it to remove the entanglement."
The deer was successfully immobilized, and officials were able to approach the deer to free it from the entangled debris.
"The material turned out to be three metal fence posts and some rope that was used to secure a tree," Sayles noted. "Once we removed the posts and rope from the antlers, we inspected the deer for any major injuries and overall health. We were then able to reverse the effects of the drugs and free the deer, which was monitored while it recovered under a tree."
Kanta added that it is important to note that immobilizing animals is expensive, time consuming and dangerous.
"In most wildlife cases, euthanization is the best or needed method available to resolve a situation, but we do handle them on a case-by-case basis," he said. "If this deer had been injured or presented a public safety issue, it most likely would have been euthanized."
The deer was tangled on the outskirts of Rapid City, so the location made it safe to fire the dart gun. When animals are injected with these tranquilizers, their meat becomes inedible for up to 30 days after injection.
"We have to be certain that the animal will not soon be harvested and consumed by a hunter," Kanta said. "In this situation, we felt that the deer could be safely immobilized and released."
-GFP-
Snowmobile Trail Maps Available
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota's 2005-06 Snowmobile Trails maps are now available at most Game, Fish and Parks offices or by contacting the department headquarters in Pierre.
Trails Program Specialist Scott Carbonneau said the maps highlight the nationally-recognized Black Hills Trail System as well as the state's 11 eastern trails. Carbonneau said riders will have nearly 1,600 miles of groomed trails this winter, including about 325 miles in the Black Hills.
"The snowmobile trail maps are essential for both novice and seasoned riders," Carbonneau said. "In addition to showing trail routes, they also indicate where riders can find essential services including food and fuel. I always have three or four of them stuffed in my snowmobile's storage compartment."
South Dakota's snowmobile season officially opens Dec. 1 along the eastern trails and Dec. 15 in the Black Hills. The dates were established because of hunting seasons and easements with private landowners.
Carbonneau said snowmobile trails throughout eastern South Dakota are established and maintained by snowmobile clubs through a grant in aid program. Clubs began installing trail markers and signs on Nov. 1.
"Once the snowmobile markers are installed, they essentially become designated snowmobile trails and wheeled vehicles are prohibited," Carbonneau said. "It's important that ATV operators understand that although they can use the ditches during most of the year, it is illegal to operate them along a signed snowmobile trail during the winter months."
For more information, or to receive a free snowmobile map, contact the Department of Game, Fish and Parks at (605) 773-3391 or via email at: [email protected].
-GFP-
Landowner Permission Needed to Hunt, Trap, Fish Private Land in South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. - Hunters are reminded that in most of South Dakota the law states that no person may hunt, fish or trap on private property without permission from the landowner or lessee.
Game, Fish and Parks Regional Law Enforcement Specialist Bruce Nachtigall of Rapid City said hunters must remember to get permission to access private land before they can begin hunting the property. He also notes that the laws on trespass and the requirements for posting land are slightly different within the Black Hills Fire Protection District than the rest of the state.
"Within this area, a landowner must give notice to hunters that his or her land is not open to hunting, which may be given verbally or by posting the land with written or printed notices," Nachtigall explained. "As per SDCL 41-9-2, these notices must be at the gates or places of entrance, and in conspicuous places around the land. The notices must also have the name and address of the landowner or lessee."
Hunters should also note that private property outside of a portion of the Black Hills Fire Protection District in South Dakota does not need to be posted to legally prevent trespassing, which includes land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
"Unless CRP lands are enrolled into the department's Walk-In Areas program, CRP is private property and permission must be given before hunters can legally access these properties," Nachtigall said. "Hunters need to be aware that state law restricts access to CRP lands, even though the program is federally funded."
He added that asking for permission can improve relationships between landowners and hunters. "It only takes one trespassing violation to ruin access privileges for other hunters," he said. "Hunting private land is a privilege, not a right. If hunters respect private property and show their gratitude afterward, they can establish a relationship with the landowner that both will appreciate."
-GFP-
