• MUZZLELOADER-ONLY DEER SEASON OPENS DEC. 13
• TRY STATE PARK CAMPING CABINS, LODGES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
• 2004 GENERAL LICENSES ON SALE BEGINNING DEC. 15
• ICE SAFETY POINTS
• PROPOSALS FOR WILDLIFE DIVERSITY SMALL GRANTS BEING ACCEPTED

MUZZLELOADER-ONLY DEER SEASON OPENS DEC. 13

PIERRE – South Dakota deer hunters are reminded that the state’s muzzleloader deer season opens Saturday, Dec. 13 and continues through Saturday, Jan. 31.

"Muzzleloader deer hunters must harvest antlerless deer and use only legal muzzleloaders with open or peep sites," said Communications Manager Chuck Schlueter. He added that deer hunters are also required to wear at least one item of fluorescent-orange clothing.

Hunters can begin one-half hour before sunrise and hunt until one-half hour after sunset.

Schlueter noted that a number of muzzleloader licenses are still available. "These leftovers are first-come, first-served and open for both residents and nonresidents by mailing in a paper application only," he said. He added that the price change of muzzleloader deer tags went from $20 for types 03 and 06 to $15 and from $30 for types 13 and 17 to $25.

TRY STATE PARK CAMPING CABINS, LODGES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

PIERRE - Looking for a change of scenery this holiday season? Try the warmth and comfort of one of the many heated camping cabins found throughout South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. In addition, three lodges offer larger groups a winter gathering-place and get-away.

Camping cabins are available in 27 state parks and recreation areas across South Dakota. The one-room, log-style cabins sleep four and have heating, air-conditioning and electricity. Furnishings include a set of bunk beds, double bed, table and benches. Campers will need to provide linens or sleeping bags. The cabins rent for $32 or $37 per night, and can now be reserved by contacting the park directly.

If you are gathering a group together, three recreation areas have lodges to suit your needs. Mina Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen and Shadehill Recreation Area near Lemmon each have a three-bedroom group lodge that sleeps eight. Lake Thompson Recreation Area near Lake Preston offers a larger five-bedroom lodge that accommodates up to 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. An additional fee of $15 will be charged for each additional person. Reservations can be made year-round by calling each park directly.

South Dakota state parks offer year-round access to recreation opportunities, including winter activities like hiking, walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. The camping cabins and lodges located in state parks give visitors an additional opportunity to enjoy South Dakota state parks throughout the winter months.

Park entrance licenses are required year-round in all designated fees areas. The 2004 park entrance license is now available online and at park offices, and is valid until May 2005.

2004 GENERAL LICENSES ON SALE BEGINNING DEC. 15

PIERRE – State Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) officials say South Dakota’s 2004 general hunting and fishing licenses become available Dec. 15.

"Beginning Monday, Dec. 15, hunters and anglers can purchase next year’s general hunting and fishing licenses," said GFP License Office Supervisor Al Jockheck. "General licenses are those not sold by lottery drawing, which includes the various resident and nonresident fishing licenses, small game licenses, combination licenses, predator/varmint licenses, resident furbearer license, nonresident shooting preserve and spring light goose licenses, as well as the state migratory bird certification."

ICE SAFETY POINTS

PIERRE – Winter anglers and other ice enthusiasts are reminded that ice is deceptive and that there is no sure answer for it being safe.

"Just because a lake or stream is frozen, does not mean the ice is safe," said Game, Fish and Parks Safety Administrator Jim Riis. "Ice can be very dangerous, and people can be injured or killed if it is not respected."

To help people better understand ice safety, Riis provides some ice safety points to consider:

• To determine what activities can safely take place on ice, a rule of thumb is:

• 2 inches of clear, solid ice is usually safe for one person walking
• 4 inches of the same kind of ice is usually safe for ice fishing
• 5 inches of the same kind of ice is usually safe for snowmobiling
• 8-12 inches is usually safe for vehicles to be on ice, but driving should be avoided whenever possible. Traveling in a vehicle on ice, especially early or late in the season, is simply a matter of an accident waiting to happen.

• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As ice ages, the bond between the crystals makes it more dangerous and weaker even if melting has not occurred.
• Wind speeds influence ice formation. Light winds speed up the formation. Strong winds force water from beneath the ice and can decay the edges of the ice.
• Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong. It can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. When ice is covered by snow, great precautions need to be taken to determine ice thickness before starting any activity. Snow can also hide cracked, weak and open water areas.
• Slush is a danger sign. Slush indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom. Slush also indicates weak or deteriorated ice.
• Ice can change with the surrounding climate conditions. Temperature, precipitation, wind speed, ice age and water depth and water quality are all factors that affect ice strength and thickness.

• Never check ice or rescue a victim of ice failure alone because you could go from rescuer to victim very quickly.

• Individuals should wear a flotation device and ice picks when on questionable ice. They should also carry ice picks whenever on ice, as they may never know when they may need them to pull themselves out. Everyone should have a set. Two short lengths of broom handle or dowel with sharpened nails in one end and joined with a piece of string can be easily carried in a pocket.

"Precautions need to be taken to assure ice is safe for your winter recreational activities," Riis added. "Always check the ice before going out on it. Be aware that ice thickness and strength can vary from location to location. By following safety procedures, sportsmen and other recreational enthusiasts can safely enjoy any winter recreational activity."

PROPOSALS FOR WILDLIFE DIVERSITY SMALL GRANTS BEING ACCEPTED

PIERRE -- The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Diversity Program is now accepting proposals for the Wildlife Diversity Small Grants Program.

Wildlife Biologist Doug Backlund said $35,000 is available this year for small grants that are focused on non-game wildlife or habitat research, surveys or educational projects. Proposals are due by Jan. 31, 2004.

"The Small Grants Program has been very successful and provides essential information to the Wildlife Diversity Program," Backlund said. "By providing funding to qualified researchers and naturalists, much has been learned about the state’s natural diversity over the last six years. We expect that interest in the Wildlife Diversity Small Grants Program will continue to be strong."