May 20, 2007
Press Releases

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks News

GFP Commission Considers Mountain Lion Season

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D.—One of the management objectives of the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department is maintaining a sustainable population of mountain lions in the Black Hills.

“We, like most South Dakotans, feel fortunate to have mountain lions as part of the Black Hills ecosystem,” said Tony Leif, GFP game program administrator, during a discussion about the proposed 2007 mountain lion hunting season at the Game, Fish and Parks Commission’s May meeting at Custer State Park.

Leif told commissioners that four different methods of estimating the number of lions in the Black Hills all point toward a population of more than 200 cats. Of that number, GFP estimates that about half are adult animals with 15 to 25 of them adult males and 75 to 80 breeding females.

With about five adult females per male, the Black Hills lion population has a healthy recruitment factor, Leif said. The department estimates that 50 percent of the adult females have young in a particular year, litters average 3.2 cubs and kitten survival rate is 60 percent. That all means the lion population is adding between 62 and 66 lions per year, Leif said.

All these factors led to a proposal to increase the harvest limit on lion to 35 in 2007. Under the proposal the season would end if 15 females were harvested. In 2006 the limits were a total of 25 lions or eight female lions. The 2006 season ended with the harvesting of the eighth female for a total of 16 lions. In the first season in 2005, the season ended with 13 lions harvested—six males and seven females.

Leif said if 15 females were harvested in the 2007 season, they would account for 20 percent of the estimated population. “That’s well within harvest rates for maintaining a healthy sustainable lion population,” Leif said.

The season proposed for 2007 would offer only one unit, combining the previous Black Hills and prairie units and establishing a statewide resident license. “Establishing a single statewide unit recognizes that we do have animals dispersing from the Black Hills,” Leif said, though he added that maintaining a sustainable lion population on the prairie is not one of the department’s management objectives.

All lions taken during the season would need to be reported to a GFP representative for inspection within 24 hours of harvest.

The commission will conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed mountain lion season at its June 7 and 8 meeting at the Kings Inn in Pierre. A copy of the proposal the commission will consider can be accessed at http://www.sdgfp.info/Commission/Proposals.htm

Citizens who would like to provide written comments on the mountain lion hunting season that is up for finalization may do so until 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 6. Those comments may be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501 or e-mailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us. All comments must include the sender’s full name and address in order to become part of the official record.

Comments may also be presented in person at the GFP Commission meeting during the public hearing which is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, June 7.

Black Hills, West River Deer Seasons Considered

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D.—The removal of a restriction that protects some yearling bucks in the Black Hills should ultimately make the deer herd better, according to S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department officials who spoke at the GFP Commission meeting at Custer State Park.

In the past, 5,500 resident and 440 nonresident licenses offered in the Black Hills deer season were for “any buck with two points or more or any antlerless deer.” The 2007 season proposal before the commission would offer 500 resident and 40 nonresident “any deer” licenses and 5,000 resident and 400 nonresident “any whitetail deer” licenses.

The “two point” restriction proved to be popular with hunters in the Black Hills who believed that it helped improve buck quality. However, GFP Game Program Administrator Tony Leif said that the observed improvement in buck quality in the Black Hills over the past decade is primarily due to simply limiting the availability of buck licenses.

The proposed changes will make further restrictions on mule deer buck harvest, ultimately improving the Black Hills herd. Under the current license allocation system, the mule deer herd suffers from a low buck-to-doe ratio. That low ratio spreads out the amount of time when fawns are born, lengthening the amount of time when those fawns are susceptible to predation by coyotes.

GFP big game biologists in the Black Hills estimate that the “two point” restriction protects few, if any mule deer bucks and only 10 percent of yearling whitetail bucks. An estimated 70 percent of yearling whitetails and 90 percent of yearling mule deer bucks are “fork horns” or two points and the remainder have three or four points on each of their antlers.

Leif noted that nutrition, rather than license-imposed restrictions, is the determining factor of rack size. “Antler development is due to nutrition,” Leif said, “and deer in the Black Hills will never have the same diet as the deer on the prairie that develop their antlers faster.”

Nutrition will always be a factor in the management of Black Hills deer season. “The Black Hills are never going to be premier mule deer country,” Leif said, “but we can make an improvement in the herd.”

The commission also considered a proposal for the West River deer season, with some minor changes in the number of licenses offered in 2006.

George Vandel, assistant director of the Wildlife Division, told commissioners that this year the department will strive to inform hunters that they will have the opportunity to harvest an antlerless deer during the antelope season.

The commission will conduct a public hearing regarding the two proposed deer seasons at its June 7 and 8 meeting at the Kings Inn in Pierre. A copy of the proposals the commission will consider can be accessed at http://www.sdgfp.info/Commission/Proposals.htm

Citizens who would like to provide written comments on the Black Hills and West River deer hunting seasons that are up for finalization may do so until 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 6. Those comments may be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501 or e-mailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us. All comments must include the sender’s full name and address in order to become part of the official record.

Comments may also be presented in person at the GFP Commission meeting during the public hearing which is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, June 7.

More Licenses, Longer Season Proposed for Fall Turkey Hunting

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D.—The 2007 fall turkey hunting season could be longer and offer more licenses under a proposal considered by the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Commission at its May meeting at Custer State Park.

Among the most significant license increases being considered are 540 more one-tag “any turkey” licenses for the Black Hills. The 17 percent increase breaks down to an additional 500 licenses for residents and 40 more licenses for nonresidents. In the prairie unit, residents will be offered 340 fewer one-tag licenses but 995 more two tag “any turkey” licenses, an increase of 15 percent. 

Along with more licenses, the season will be one month longer than it was in 2006. The proposal under consideration would offer the season from Oct. 1 to Jan. 31, 2008. According to George Vandel, assistant director of the Wildlife Division of the Game, Fish and Parks Department, the longer season may help landowners who are suffering from depredation problems on their property.

Other proposed changes include:

·        Offering nonresidents four more one-tag “any turkey” licenses the prairie unit.

·        Adding a new unit in Brookings County east of Interstate 29 and a new unit in Brule County. Under the terms of the proposal, the use of rifles would not be permitted for hunting turkeys in Brookings County.

·        Expand the five-county unit in northeastern South Dakota to include all of Grant County.

The commission will conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed season at its June 7 and 8 meeting at the Kings Inn in Pierre. A copy of the proposal the commission will consider can be accessed at http://www.sdgfp.info/Commission/Proposals.htm

Citizens who would like to provide written comments on the fall turkey hunting season that is up for finalization may do so until 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 6. Those comments may be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501 or e-mailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us. All comments must include the sender’s full name and address in order to become part of the official record.

Comments may also be presented in person at the GFP Commission meeting during the public hearing which is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, June 7.

Commission Sets Three Deer Seasons

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D.—S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Commissioners finalized the archery, youth and muzzleloader deer hunting seasons at their May meeting at Custer State Park.

A common change in all three seasons was made regarding the number of licenses a hunter may have. For the 2007 seasons, hunters may have up to five licenses for each of these seasons.

A second change in the archery deer season dealt with the 50 “resident archery licenses” available on the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. In the past, commission action designated if the licenses were for “any” deer or “antlerless” deer. Now the staff at the preserve will decide what kinds of licenses need to be issued.

A change in the muzzleloader deer hunting season added a unit with no licenses for the purpose of allowing hunters to accumulate preference points.

The application process for archery deer and youth deer will not be open until early July. Licenses for these seasons may be purchased by application at any time through the end of the season. The muzzleloader deer application process will be open in mid-July and the deadline for the limited license applications will be Aug. 31.

Dates for the three statewide seasons in 2007 include:

·        Archery deer--Sept. 22 to Jan. 31, 2008.

·        Youth deer--Sept. 8 to Sept. 16 and Dec. 8 to Jan. 31, 2008.

·        Muzzleloader deer--Dec. 8 to Jan. 31, 2008.

South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan Competitive Grants Available

PIERRE, S.D.—The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department has set aside $200,000 of its State Wildlife Grants funds for fish and wildlife conservation proposals from outside the agency. State Wildlife Grants funding is provided annually to states to address the needs of certain animal species and their habitats. Proposals will be accepted until June 15, 2007.

A variety of projects have been conducted in South Dakota since State Wildlife Grants funding became available in 2002. Project summaries can be viewed at: http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Diversity/wcrp.pdf

The South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan Competitive Grants program is open to individuals, organizations, state and local entities, and educational facilities. Proposals must relate to South Dakota’s Wildlife Action Plan, a recent comprehensive plan to address the needs of South Dakota’s fish and wildlife. Projects will be evaluated on whether they meet the information, management, and recovery needs of species at risk and native habitats.

The following Web site contains application materials and related information: http://www.sdgfp.info/wildlife/diversity/compgrants.htm. If this information does not address your question about the program, contact Eileen Dowd Stukel at eileen.dowdstukel@state.sd.us or phone (605) 773-4229.

Safe Boating Week in South Dakota, May 19-25

PIERRE, S.D.--More than 70,000,000 Americans enjoy recreational boating each year. Annual boat registrations have increased steadily from just more than 10 million in 1988 to nearly 13 million in 2005.  During the same time, boating-related fatalities have decreased, due in part to increased use of life jackets, or personal flotation devices.

May 19-25 is National Safe Boating Week. The theme for this year’s North American safe boating campaign is “Wear It!” and focuses on promoting life jacket use. 

South Dakota is participating in this year’s events with safety programs in Rapid City, Pierre and a safety event at Ellsworth Air Force Base that will bring the water safety message to more than 3,000 base personnel and other participants. The South Dakota Boating Safety Education office is also working in cooperation with 22 summer school programs across the state to present a life jacket awareness campaign in June.

“The No. 1 safety precaution any boat enthusiast can take is to wear a PFD,” said Curt Robertson, boating safety coordinator for South Dakota.  “Education is also a key to safety on the water. Safe boating information and education is available to all South Dakotans by going to www.sdgfp.info and clicking on ‘Outdoor Recreation.’ Residents can learn laws, regulations and even become boat safety certified.”

Archery Rule Changes Finalized

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D.—The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Commission finalized four rule changes governing archery at its May meeting in Custer State Park.

The commission updated one rule to keep current with recent legislation that allows hunters with permanent physical impairments to use draw-lock devices on a bow to keep it at partial or full draw. In the past the only option for those hunters was using a crossbow.

Other rules that were finalized included:

·        Use of the “Gobbler Guillotine” for hunting wild turkeys. Use of this four-bladed broadhead will continue to be prohibited for hunting big game other than turkeys.

·        Clarification of how the length of an arrow is measured. The new rule gives the standard for measuring arrow length as the distance “from the notch of the nock to the end of shaft not including the tip or broadhead.

·        Relaxation of the rule that barred the possession of a firearm while archery hunting. Archery hunters with valid permits will be allowed to carry a concealed weapon.

New Field Guide Released by S.D. Game, Fish and Parks

PIERRE, S.D.—The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department has just released a new book, “Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of South Dakota.” This guide to the 46 species known to occur in South Dakota features color photos, descriptions, distribution maps and habitat and habit descriptions for each species.

The book also contains information about amphibian and reptile ecology and conservation needs, a key to identifying species known in South Dakota, and a CD of frog and toad calls for 13 species.

Alyssa Kiesow, formerly a wildlife biologist with the South Dakota Wildlife Diversity/Natural Heritage Program, wrote the publication. Funding was provided by the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program, the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation and GFP.

To request a free copy of this publication, complete the online request form at the following Web site: http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Diversity/HerpBook.htm. Because of limited quantities, please request only one copy per family.

Fun-filled Weekend Planned at Parks Statewide

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota State Parks will be holding several special events on June 2 and 3. Many of these events are in honor of National Trails Day, June 2.

“The state park system prides itself on offering outdoor reaction opportunities,” said Elizabeth Ruen, public information office. “The many activities planned for the first weekend of June offer a great variety of activities for all ages to enjoy.”

Make plans to attend the following events:

·         Mountain Bike Race, LaFramboise Island Nature Area in Pierre. June 2 at 8:30 a.m. (CT). Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. Entry fee is $20. Registration is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the nature area’s picnic shelter. Helmets required. Info: 605-224-7054

·         Hiking with Lewis and Clark Walk in the Park. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton. June 1 at 7:30 p.m. (CT). On this walk, participants will learn about the time the famous explorers Lewis and Clark and their expedition spent in the area. Info: (605) 668-2985

·         Nature at Night Walk in the Park, Lake Herman State Park near Madison. June 2 at 9:00 p.m. Participants are invited to take a short guided walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Herman State Park at night. Info: (605) 256-5003

·         Bird Watching Basics Walk in the Park, Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Ft. Pierre. June 2 at 9 a.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about bird watching as they look for birds and explore the park. Info: (605) 223-7722

·         Mickelson Trail Walk/Ride, Mickelson Trail. June 2. Registration at 8 a.m. (MT) at Lead High School, event begins at 9 a.m. (MT) at Lead High School. This 5.4-mile health walk/ride will take participants along the scenic Mickelson Trail into Deadwood. Refreshments, trail prizes, trail aide, and free bus transportation back to Lead will be offered by the sponsors of the event. Registration is $15 and includes a T-shirt for the first 150 to register. Children 12 and under are free. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lead Area Chamber of Commerce, Northern Hills YMCA, and the Twin City Clothing Center. Info: (605) 584-1100 or online at www.leadmethere.org

·         National Trails Day Celebration, Custer State Park near Custer. June 2, all day. A number of guided nature walks and trail maintenance activities are performed to help recognize the importance of hiking trails and the associated recreational opportunities they provide. Info: (605) 255-4515

In addition to the above events, the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon, the dedication of the Mickelson Trail Spur to Custer State Park and the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival will also take place this weekend. Please watch for addition information on these three events.

The annual Bass Fishing Derby held at Lake Louise Recreation Area near Miller has been canceled due to the low water level of the lake. Make plans to attend next year’s tournament.

The programs are open to all ages. There is no cost to participate in any of the events except the Mountain Bike Race and Mickelson Trail Walk/Ride. Park entrance licenses are required at all parks except LaFramboise Island.

The Walk in the Park programs are part of a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Park staff and volunteers lead the programs, which are sponsored by the S.D. Department of Health. Visitors are encouraged to dress according to the weather and to wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes.

National Trails Day is a nationwide trails celebration, bringing together thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually on the first Saturday of June. For additional information on National Trails Day and other events, visit www.AmericanHiking.org.

For more information on South Dakota state parks and a full calendar of events, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

Fort Sisseton Historical Festival Features Period Entertainment and Activities

PIERRE, S.D. - Marching infantry, galloping cavalry, American Indian dancers, storytellers, music, family entertainment and more attract thousands of visitors each year to the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival. Activities begin Friday, June 1 and run through Sunday, June 3. This year’s event features numerous all-time festival favorites as well as several new programs.

Throughout the weekend, festival visitors will enjoy a variety of historic, cultural and military-related events. Friday’s festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. with black powder shooting. A full evening of entertainment is planned for Friday night, including a melodrama and the group Lonesome Rail Bluegrass.

 Saturday and Sunday start out with reveille and flag raising at 9:15 a.m. In addition, infantry and cavalry drills are held both days at noon on the fort's parade grounds. The drills are popular for the horseback cavalry and drill demonstrations.

A variety of activities are held throughout the day on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can attend Dakota Dan’s Medicine Show and several melodramas. At 1:30 on Saturday, stop by the Horse Arena for the Draft Horse Pull and also be sure to catch the Driving Trials later that day at 5:30 p.m.

Entertainers for the weekend will include performances from the musical storyteller Blackhawk, various period storytellers, the Old Time Fiddlers and American Indian dancer Kevin Locke.

The Ranch Rodeo will return to the Festival this year starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Ranch Rodeo is a competition that tests the skills of local cowboys and cowgirls used on a ranch working livestock. The four-person teams will compete in five events - Sorting, Branding, Poles and Barrels, Doctoring and Cow Milking. For competition information, please contact the district state park office at (605) 448-5701.

This event is funded in part by the S.D. Department of Game, Fish, and Parks; the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities; Lake Region Electric Association, a Touchstone Electric Cooperative; and the South Dakota Arts Council.

Daily admission into the festival is $4 per person, age 12 and older. During the festival weekend, camping is on a first-come, first-served basis and is available for $15 per night. A park entrance license is not required during the festival weekend.

For a full schedule of events and times, visit the S.D. state parks website at www.SDparks.info, or contact Fort Sisseton at (605) 448-5474.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is located 10 miles SW of Lake City off SD Hwy 10.

Impact of Recent Flooding on State Parks

PIERRE, S.D. – Recent flooding in the eastern part of the state has had minimal effect on the state parks. The park most impacted by flooding is Fisher Grove State Park near Miller, S.D.

Fisher Grove State Park will be open for recreation and camping during Open House Weekend, May 18-20. However, the park will not have running water and the comfort station will not be open. There will be one vault toilet available for use, which is located in the picnic area.

“Campers with reservations at Fisher Grove are being contacted,” said Lynn Spomer, program specialist with the Division of Parks and Recreation. “They will be given the choice to keep their reservation, change their reservation to a different park or have their money refunded.”

Parks with services near Fisher Grove that will be open for recreation and camping include the following recreation areas: Richmond Lake, Mina Lake, Lake Louise, Pickerel Lake, Sandy Shore and Pelican Lake.

“Open House Weekend is a great time to visit the parks and experience what they have to offer,” said Spomer. “We want accommodate visitors and do what we can to assure all visitors have an enjoyable weekend.”

Visitors to state parks in the eastern part of the state also should be aware that there may be detours due to water over roads.

During Open House Weekend, entrance to state parks and fishing are free. Camping fees still apply. Reservations for Open House Weekend can be made through Thursday, May 17 at noon by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267) or online at www.CampSD.com. All sites not reserved as of Friday, May 18 become first-come, first served.

For more information on the South Dakota state park system, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

Campground Hosts Needed at Shadehill Recreation Area

PIERRE, S.D. – Shadehill Recreation Area near Lemmon, S.D. is in search of a man, woman or couple to serve as campground hosts.  At Shadehill, campground hosts serve an essential role including cleaning the comfort station and watering the plants and flowers around the comfort station.

“The campground hosts at Shadehill have served many roles throughout the years,” said Dallas Ingles, park manager. “Beyond greeting visitors and answering questions, they may assist in registering campers, selling park stickers and helping with grounds keeping. The variety of work they do really depends on the individual’s interests.”

Hosts are provided a free campsite located in the campground. At Shadehill, the host campsite has electrical, sewer and water hookups. Phone and dial-up internet hookup is also available. Campground hosts each work a minimum of 24 hours per week (including weekends and holidays) for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 90 days. Hosts are considered on-call at all times of the day or night. Hosts normally take time off Monday through Thursday. All hosts will have specific duties and scheduled times to work.

Each year thousands of people camp, boat, fish and swim at Shadehill Recreation Area near Lemmon. Nestled in the northwest corner of the state, Shadehill is a destination for locals and tourists alike. The 52 electric campsites, 2 camping cabins and game lodge make Shadehill a great location for those looking for a weekend or week long escape.

Each year around 400 volunteers statewide help the state park system accommodate all its visitors. Volunteers come from a few miles to a few thousand miles to fill positions as campground hosts, maintenance volunteers, visitor center hosts and numerous other roles.

If you are interested in serving as a campground host at Shadehill or a volunteer at any state park, contact Lynn Spomer at (605) 773-3391. To learn more about volunteering in state parks, visit www.SDparks.info and click on volunteering.