South Dakota: East River and Refuge Deer Hunting Seasons Proposed

PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed a 2011 East River Deer hunting season that is very similar to the one conducted in 2010.

One proposed change is an adjustment in the number of licenses available to hunters. There would be 1,500 more 1-tag licenses, 5,110 fewer 2-tag licenses, and 3,200 more 3-tag licenses available in 2011 compared to 2010.

Another proposed rule change would repeal an administrative rule for designation of areas where free landowner antlerless deer licenses are valid. A recent rule change by the Commission makes these licenses available to farmers and ranchers based on license drawing results from the previous year so individuals will know at the time of application which hunting units will be valid for use of the free antlerless deer licenses.

Season dates have already been established for East River Deer and will run from Nov. 19 through Dec. 4, and then for antlerless permits only from Dec. 31 through Jan. 8.

The deer hunting seasons for Sand Lake, LaCreek and Waubay National Wildlife Refuges were also proposed.

Changes from 2010 would include offering resident hunters 50 fewer 2-tag "any deer plus antlerless deer" licenses for Sand Lake, and 5 fewer for nonresidents; and change the 1-tag "antlerless whitetail" license for Lacreek to 2-tag "antlerless whitetail" licenses.

Additional information is on the GFP website at http://www.gfp.sd.gov/agency/commission/default.aspx.

 

Those who wish to provide written comments on the proposal may do so until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6. Comments may be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, S.D., 57501, or e-mailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us . Each comment must have the sender's full name and address in order to be included in the public record.

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