Deer Camp Available for First Time South Dakota Youth Deer Hunters

PRESHO, S.D. – Seven first-time deer hunters will have the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in a managed youth deer hunt and camp on Sept. 24-25 at the Snake Den Lodge near Presho.

This free event is open to first time youth deer hunters between the ages of 12 and 15. Participants must be HuntSAFE certified and accompanied by a parent or mentor. Participants will learn how to select the best ammunition and firearm for deer hunting, improve shooting and safety, sight in a firearm, field dress and how to properly care for meat. The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will provide three meals, snacks, lodging, tags, guns, ammunition, safety equipment, transportation to and from hunting, binoculars and assistance with field processing.

Each hunter will be paired with a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Participation is limited to seven hunters. Applicants will be selected based upon their responses to the application questions. Successful applicants are required to attend a hunt orientation meeting on the morning of Sept. 24. Hunting will take place on Presho area farms on Sept. 24-25.

For more information and to apply for this opportunity, contact GFP conservation officer, Brian Ridgeway at 605.730.1573 or Brian.Ridgeway@state.sd.us.

Here are some upcoming South Dakota Deer Hunting Season Applications

Applications deadlines for the 2016 South Dakota West River, East River, Black Hills, Refuge, Youth, Archery, Muzzleloader and Custer State Park Deer Hunting Seasons are quickly approaching.

Deadlines for the first drawings are as follows:

West River, Black Hills, and Custer State Park Deer:

• Paper applications July 15                                                                                           
• Online applications 8 a.m. CDT July 20

East River, Refuge and (Any Deer) Muzzleloader:                                                    

• Paper Applications Sept. 2                                                                                          
• Online applications 8 a.m. CDT Sept. 7.

There are no deadlines for Archery, Youth and Muzzleloader (antlerless) licenses.

South Dakota Mountain Lion Hunting Season Applications Now Available

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Applications are available for the 2016 South Dakota mountain lion hunting season. While there is no application deadline for the mountain lion hunting season, if you wish to enter the lottery drawing for a free Custer State Park (CSP) access permit, you must purchase a 2016 mountain lion license and submit your application by Dec. 9 at 8 a.m. CST. CSP will have seven separate hunting intervals; four of which will allow the use of dogs.

The mountain lion hunting season begins Dec. 26, 2015, and ends on March 31, 2016. The harvest limit is set at 60 total lions or 40 female lions; whichever comes first. If either harvest limit is reached, the season then closes in the Black Hills Fire Protection Unit. However, the statewide mountain lion hunting season runs year round, with no harvest limits. 

To apply for a mountain lion hunting license or the Custer State Park access permit, visit:http://www.gfp.sd.gov/licenses/general-hunt-fish/license-open.aspx.

For more information on the South Dakota mountain lion hunting season, visit:http://www.gfp.sd.gov/hunting/big-game/mountain-lion.aspx.