South Dakota GFP Offers Apple App for Hunters and Anglers

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The South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks has just released a smart-phone application that will make life easier for hunters and anglers.

The GFP application, or app, is a free download at the App Store for users of the Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. It allows sportsmen to purchase and apply for licenses via their phones, provides GPS-enabled maps of public hunting areas and fishing access, and provides access to the current South Dakota Fishing and Hunting Handbooks.
The iPhone app, which joins a similar GFP app for Android phones, also has links to the GFP website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.

"Technological tools like these apps allow South Dakota hunters and anglers to have a lot of useful information at their fingertips," said GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk. "Three years ago, we decided we wanted to be at the forefront of this technology, and I am proud to say we are one of the first states to provide these tools to sportsmen and women."

The new apps also have room to grow.
"We have plans to add some fun, educational aspects to the app, and it also will offer different links during different times of the year," said app creator Chris Marsh, GFP geographic information system specialist. "Currently, users can access the mountain lion hunting season totals, but as soon as snow geese show up in the state, they’ll be able to follow that migration as well."
"The recent development of these mobile apps represent a significant efficiency improvement in state government operations," said Dom Bianco, commissioner of the state Bureau of Information and Telecommunications. "Game, Fish and Parks continues to be a leader in supporting Gov. Daugaard’s e-Government initiative. We applaud GPF’s efforts to increasingly shift government services online and in a mobile-friendly format by creating tools that its customers can access away from home and in the field."
South Dakota sportsmen have responded well to the new mobile tools, Vonk added.
"We have more than 8,000 people using our GPS downloadable maps. In three months, more than 6,000 people have downloaded our Android app, and over 50,000 people have viewed our waterfowl migration/hunting opportunity maps," Vonk said. "I believe that makes for more informed and more active hunters, and that is our ultimate goal."
For more information on the apps and other GFP social media tools, visit:http://gfp.sd.gov/agency/social-media.aspx

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Missouri Deer hunters reminded of changed permit format, tagging procedures

Image via Wikipedia

A new YouTube video shows how to “bag it,

notch it, tag it and check it.” Free permit protectors

are available from conservation agents and MDC offices.

JEFFERSON CITY–With the November firearms deer season on the horizon, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters of changes to deer and turkey permits and tagging procedures that went into effect in this year.

The November firearms deer hunt starts Nov. 12. The 11-day season typically accounts for approximately 80 percent of the firearms deer harvest each year.

This year is the first time that Missouri hunters can buy deer and other hunting permits online, print them and use them immediately. Hunters can use this new e-Permits system to buy permits online or purchase them in person at MDC regional offices, nature centers and other offices statewide. Hunters also still can buy permits from hundreds of vendors statewide.

Vendors still are printing permits on the familiar yellow plastic material that has been used in the past. However, the format has changed and no longer includes a separate self-adhesive tag. Within a couple of years, all permits will be issued on plain paper.

The new format does not include separate tags for deer or turkeys as in the past. Under this new e-Permits format, deer and turkey permits are permit-and-tag in one.

With these changes come some changes in deer and turkey tagging and checking procedures. These are explained in the 2011 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, which is available wherever permits are sold or at mdc.mo.gov/node/3656. MDC also has a Web page (mdc.mo.gov/node/3891) explaining the procedure. It even has a short video at youtube.com/watch?v=CHFp_9UiKjg that illustrates the reminder phrase, “Bag it, notch it, tag it, check it.”

“E-Permits offer some significant advantages in terms of convenience,” said MDC Permit Services Supervisor Greg Jones. “We know that changes can be confusing. We want to be sure hunters have easy access to permits and information about the new procedures in whatever form they like best – in person, in print, online text or video. If folks still have questions, they can call or visit any of our offices for help.”

MDC is providing free permit protectors through its conservation agents and regional offices.

-Jim Low-

Related articles

• MDC offers free landowner workshop on deer management (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• North Dakota: Remaining FCFS Deer Licenses Suspended on Friday, Hunters May Seek Refunds (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• South Dakota: East River and Refuge Deer Hunting Seasons Proposed (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)
• 2011 Wisconsin archery deer season to be longest in state history (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)