March 25, 2005
Press Releases

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks News

• Advisory Group to Hold Public Meeting on Missouri River Boat Ramps
• Changes Proposed To Elk Application Process
• July Fourth Weekend Camping Reservations in State Parks Open Soon
• Any-Deer Licenses Proposed For Muzzleloader-Only Season
• Archery Hunting Seasons Proposed
• They Are Called "Life Jackets" For A Reason
• State Parks Reopen After Bald Eagle Roosting
• Mountain Goat Season Proposed With One Less License Available
• Spring Fishing Clinic at Angostura Gets Families Ready for Summer
• Brown Trout To Be Released Below Fort Randall Dam

A public meeting will take place at 7 p.m., April 5, at the Holiday Inn Express in Fort Pierre. At the meeting, the Advisory Group and Game, Fish and Parks staff will share information on the status of boating access on Lake Oahe, the Corps’ most current water level projections, and the status of spring ramp extension plans.

Interested public are encouraged to attend and provide feedback to the advisory group on Game, Fish and Parks’ boat ramp extension plans. The advisory group has helped establish the boat ramp prioritization strategy for Lake Oahe the past two years.

For more information on the public meeting, please contact the Division of Parks and Recreation at (605) 773-3391.

PIERRE, S.D. – A recent Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposal is intended to enhance the state’s elk application process.

"The basic goal of the 2005 elk drawing procedure proposal would be to improve and simplify the drawing process while ensuring that the opportunity to apply for, and receive, elk licenses is fair to all state residents," said License Office Supervisor Scott Simpson of Pierre. "This would include successfully distributing all elk licenses in the first two drawings as well as eliminating the need and costs for a third drawing. Another benefit would be preventing anyone from drawing more than one elk license in the first drawing, which would all but eliminate the potential for ‘any elk’ (bull) tags being available in the second drawing when eligibility requirements would be removed."

Details of the first drawing would include:

• Applicants could use one application to submit one choice for each of the seven available elk seasons. A nonrefundable fee of $5 would have to be submitted for each season applied for by the applicant. An example would be if seven seasons are represented on one application, $35 would have to accompany the application.

• The draws would be conducted in a predetermined order based on odds for success from the previous year’s application process (total applications vs. permits available).

• Once an applicant draws a tag, he/she would not be eligible in subsequent drawings, but would receive a preference point for each of the seasons applied for (this eliminates the possibility of drawing two elk tags in the same year and thus eliminate any leftover "any elk" tags).
• Successful applicants would be sent a certified letter notifying them of the number of days they have to submit the full permit fee.

• If payment is not received after the certified letter has been accepted, the applicant would lose any accumulated preference, but would still be eligible to apply in subsequent years.

"Any leftover elk licenses for the second drawing should only be ‘antlerless elk’ licenses," Simpson said.

If a second drawing is needed, details would include:

• Applicants may make up to two choices (first and second) in each season for licenses remaining.

• The full fee for the most expensive license applied for must accompany the application (all remaining should be cow tags).

• The $5 application fee would also be required for the second drawing.

• Drawing sequence will follow the same format as the first drawing.

• Successful applicants would be mailed a tag; unsuccessful applicants would be refunded the amount of the license fee submitted.

• All state residents who do not have an elk license for the current season would be eligible to apply for the second drawing.

• Preference points do not apply to the second drawing.

"The goal is to make the first two drawings functional in selling all the elk licenses so a third drawing would never be needed," Simpson reiterated. "However, if a third drawing were to be required, the rules in place would govern that drawing."

To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 7, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to wildinfo@state.sd.us. Comments must include full name and address.

PIERRE, S.D. – Campers making Fourth of July weekend plans can begin making camping reservations on April 2 for a Friday, July 1 arrival. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 710-2267 or by going online to www.CampSD.com.

"Mark your calendars so you’re sure to get your reservations made," said Doug Hofer, state parks director. "Campsites are reserved well in advance, so plan ahead and make your reservations as soon as possible to get your favorite camping spot."

A three-night stay is required during holiday weekends at all state parks, except Custer State Park. Reservations for campsites and camping cabins in South Dakota state parks can be made within 90 days of the arrival date. Reservations for the group lodges and all campsites at Custer State Park are currently being accepted.

The telephone reservation center is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (CST). Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day. Reservations open at 7 a.m. on the first day of the 90-day window, both online and at the call center.

There is a $5 per site non-refundable reservation fee (not applicable to South Dakota residents). Camping fees must be paid when the reservation is made and can be paid with credit card, money order or personal check. A daily or annual park entrance license is required of all vehicles entering the park. Entrance fees are in addition to camping fees.

Campers should also note the cancellation policy. Cancellations that change the arrival date to more than 90 days after the date the initial reservation was made will cancel the entire reservation. For example, if a camper reserves four days on the first day of the 90-day window and later cancels the first day of the reservation, the entire four-day reservation will be cancelled. This policy does not apply to group lodges or Custer State Park.

The free state parks' Making Camping Reservations brochure provides more detailed information on making reservations, including an abbreviated 90-day window calendar. Additionally, the 2005 SD Campground Mapbook aids campers in choosing the perfect campsite in the state park campgrounds. The mapbook is available for purchase online at www.sdgfp.info/Parks or through local park offices for $5 each (plus $1 shipping and handling). Individual campground maps are also available on the state parks website for free download.

To receive a free copy of the reservation brochure, contact the Division of Parks and Recreation office at (605) 773-3391 or e-mail ParkInfo@state.sd.us. More information on reservations, including a full 90-day window calendar, can also be found online at www.sdgfp.info/Parks.

PIERRE, S.D. – Muzzleloader-only deer hunters could see the removal of limited-draw units, the implementation of unlimited "any antlerless deer" licenses and have access to "any deer" licenses.

"In an effort to simplify deer licenses and increase deer harvest, a recent Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposal would dissolve the limited-draw units for South Dakota’s muzzleloader-only season and have an unlimited number of any antlerless deer tags available for statewide use," said Regional Wildlife Manager Will Morlock of Watertown. "Both single and double ‘any antlerless deer’ licenses would be available."

The proposal would also provide something muzzleloader-only hunters have wanted for a long time-access to ‘any deer’ licenses. "The commission has proposed that 400 "any deer" licenses, valid statewide, be available to residents only," Morlock said.

The muzzleloader season would be open Dec. 10 through Jan. 31, 2006.

Requirements and restrictions would include:

• A hunter may possess only one general muzzleloading deer license.
• Both residents and nonresidents may purchase "any antlerless deer" licenses.
• Only residents are eligible to apply for muzzleloader "any deer" licenses.
• From Jan. 1-31, "any deer" muzzleloader licenses would be valid for antlerless deer only.
• Receipt of a muzzleloader deer license would not affect eligibility for any other deer license.

To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 7, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to wildinfo@state.sd.us. Comments must include full name and address.

PIERRE, S.D. – Limited-draw archery units would be eliminated under a recent Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposal for South Dakota’s archery deer and antelope seasons.

"Limited-draw units eliminated from the state’s antelope season would include the units in Brule/Buffalo counties and portions of Lawrence, Pennington and Custer counties," said Regional Wildlife Manager John Wrede. "Brule and Buffalo counties would now be included in the unlimited license unit."

The archery antelope season would be open Aug. 20 through Oct. 31, except when and where the prairie firearms antelope season is open.

Archery licenses available would be resident and nonresident "any antelope" licenses and would be unlimited in number. A person could have one archery antelope license.

The archery deer proposal would eliminate antlerless deer limited-draw licenses and allocate unlimited licenses that would be valid statewide. "This would eliminate the licenses we know as the "archery antlerless tags" and make them as an addition license available with the statewide general archery deer licenses," said Wildlife Program Administrator Tony Leif.

Other proposed archery deer changes from last year include:

• Changing the season opening date for the Black Hills from Oct. 1 to Sept. 24.
• Permits for "any antlerless deer" are not valid in state parks or state recreation areas, except for the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve.
• Require an additional free permit to hunt on the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve and a portion of Dakota Dunes in Union County.

Like last year, archers would be able to purchase either one statewide "any deer" license or one "any deer" license valid west of the Missouri River and another that would be valid east of the Missouri River. In addition, archers would also be able to purchase either one single-tag or one double-tag "antlerless deer" license under the proposal.

To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 7, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to wildinfo@state.sd.us. Comments must include full name and address.

PIERRE, S.D. – Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding boaters and other water enthusiasts that the only way a life jacket can do its job is by wearing it.

"Most drownings result from either an unexpected fall overboard or a capsizing," said Game, Fish and Parks Boating Safety Coordinator Al Bahe. "An unexpected emergency is NOT the time to find out if your life jacket fits correctly, is adjusted properly and will actually float you in the water. That is like trying to fasten your seat belt during a car accident. Take a few minutes now to make sure the life jackets in your boat would save your life if you fall overboard or if your boat capsizes. Simply put, life jackets save lives. If you unexpectedly fall out of a boat, where is your life jacket? If you are wearing it, your chances of surviving an unexpected dunking are very good."

Here are some tips on choosing the right life jacket from the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council:

The primary function of a life jacket is to keep you afloat, with your mouth well above water. It is critical that the life jacket you choose does this. Life jackets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Some are made to be more rugged and last longer while others are made to protect you from cold water. No matter which life jacket you choose, be sure to get one that is right for you, your planned activities, and the water conditions you expect to encounter.

• Select a properly sized life jacket.
• Make sure it’s Coast Guard approved.
• Try on the life jacket to see if it fits comfortably snug.
• Ensure all straps, zippers, and ties are fastened.
• Raise your arms over your head.
• Have someone lift your life jacket straight up by the shoulders.
• The life jacket should stay in place. If your mouth and nose fall below the topmost edge at the shoulder or collar, or it almost comes off, the life jacket is too loose.

• Test your life jacket in shallow water to see how it floats you.
• Put on your life jacket and ensure that all straps, zippers, and ties are fastened.
• Tuck in any loose strap ends.
• Relax your body and let your head tilt back.
• Make sure your life jacket keeps your chin above water and you can breathe easily.
• If your mouth is not well above the water, get a new life jacket or one with more buoyancy.

Check the life jacket label for proper weight range to match your child’s weight. South Dakota regulations require each child on board who is under seven years of age is wearing a Coast Guard approved life jacket when the boat is operating at greater than no-wake (idle) speed. Exception: the child is within a cabin or below deck.

While some children in the 30-50 pound weight range who can swim may like the extra freedom of movement that a Type III life jacket provides, most children in this weight range, especially those who cannot swim, should wear a Type II life jacket. To check for a good fit, place the child in the life jacket and tighten all closures and straps until snug. Next grab the jacket by the shoulders and lift straight up until the child is off the ground. If the child’s mouth or nose falls below the upper most edge of the jacket’s collar or shoulder area, then the jacket does not fit, and if the child enters the water, their mouth and nose will be under water.

A child’s life jacket should be tested in the water immediately after purchase. Children tend to panic when they fall into the water suddenly. They move their arms and legs violently and try to climb out of the water, making it hard to float safely in a life jacket. A life jacket will keep a child afloat, but may not keep a struggling child face-up. That is why it is so important to teach children how to put on a life jacket and to teach them to relax in the water.

Boat safe and boat smart – WEAR IT!

State Parks Reopen After Bald Eagle Roosting

PIERRE, S.D. - Recreation areas located immediately below the dams on the Missouri River reservoirs will soon reopen to vehicle traffic and camping. Since last fall, portions of these parks have been closed to leave roosting bald eagles undisturbed.

The following areas are reopening:

• Chief White Crane Recreation Area, near Yankton, on April 1.
• Oahe Downstream Recreation Area campgrounds, near Pierre, on April 1.
• Randall Creek Recreation Area campgrounds, near Pickstown, on May 1.

Bald eagles typically spend their winters below the Missouri River dams where they are able to catch fish and prey on waterfowl attracted to the open water. Game, Fish and Parks officials closed these areas to camping and vehicle traffic. If disturbed, the bald eagles may abandon their roosts.

These three parks are the only South Dakota state park campgrounds that close during the winter.

For informational information on bald eagles in state parks, please visit the South Dakota state park website at www.sdgfp.info/Parks.

PIERRE, S.D. – The state Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed the 2005 mountain goat season to have one less license available.

"Under the proposal, available mountain goat licenses would decrease from three to two," said GFP Regional Wildlife Manager John Wrede of Rapid City. "Pointedly, hunters have taken too many female mountain goats (nannies) in the past three years and surveys tend to indicate a downward trend in the population. Modest harvest of male mountain goats, (billies) has very little if any affect on populations. However, research and historical trend information suggest that over harvest of female mountain goats can have negative impacts on population stability.

Wrede noted that reproduction and recruitment in mountain goats is very low compared to other big game species, and harvest of even one or two females from a small population such as that found in the Black Hills may affect population dynamics for several years into the future.

"The Department of Game, Fish and Parks is in the process of evaluating and improving mountain goat population survey methods and will continue to manage mountain goat harvest in a conservative manner to insure population viability," he said. "We feel the need to approach mountain goat harvest with added care this year to make sure the population does not continue what appears to be a slightly downward trend."

The season would be Oct. 8-30 in portions of Pennington and Custer counties west of Hwy. 79, except in Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Monument and the fenced portion of Custer State Park.

To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 7, at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to wildinfo@state.sd.us. Comments must include full name and address.

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota state park staff from Angostura Recreation Area and Custer State Park are teaming up to host a Family Fishing Clinic on Saturday, April 16.

An entire day of family activities will be held at Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs. Visitors are encouraged to take part in one of two session times, a morning session from 9 a.m. to noon or an afternoon session from 1 to 4 p.m.

"This fishing clinic is designed to teach interested participants about one of South Dakota's most popular recreational activities," said Willy Collignon, Park Manager at Angostura. "In addition to providing fishing lessons and tips, the sessions will also incorporate educational concepts into the day's events. And, since April is an excellent month to fish at Angostura, we should see a good deal of action."

Activities include programs on fish adaptations, aquatic predator-prey relationships, stream ecology, fisheries management, and a variety of actual fishing demonstrations. Each activity is geared toward families with young children.

Naturalists from across the state will conduct the programs, including staff from Angostura Recreation Area and Custer State Park. In addition, students within the Outdoor Education Program at Black Hills State University will be assisting with the event. Area conservation officers will be available to answer fishing questions related to limits, restrictions, boating issues, and water safety.

"This clinic not only gets people outdoors during the spring season, but the activities go far beyond any typical fishing program," said Bradley Block, Chief of Interpretation at Custer State Park. "Teaching families how to fish creates opportunities for future recreational outings, and it creates an awareness about the importance of fisheries management in the Black Hills. With both sides presented, visitors will walk away from this event better informed about this aspect of their natural surroundings."

Limited fishing equipment is available to borrow on a first-come first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. All participants are required to possess a valid 2005 South Dakota fishing license.

The clinic activities are free, although a valid park entrance license is required and can be purchased at the park. Reservations are not required. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, contact Angostura Recreation Area at (605) 745-6996 or Angostura@state.sd.us.

According to Richard Miller, Park Supervisor for the Southern Hills Region, this combined programming event is an example of more to come in the future.

"This family fishing clinic capitalizes on the expertise and resources of both Angostura Recreation Area and Custer State Park," said Miller. "The merger of the Parks and Recreation Division and the Custer State Park Division this past year has allowed us to combine two very talented staff units. With vast programming experience, top-notch staff and outstanding recreational opportunities, this event allows us to provide extraordinary educational and interpretive programming in the southern Black Hills."

For more information on the South Dakota state parks and for a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks or call (605) 773-3391.

PIERRE, S.D. – The Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks will soon be stocking thousands of brown trout just below Fort Randall Dam.

Fisheries Biologist Jason Sorensen of Chamberlain said the department is planning to release a total of 10,000 catchable-sized (9-11inch) brown trout below Ft. Randall Dam this spring.

"The fish will be released in the boat basin near the boat ramp starting the week of March 21," Sorensen said. "These trout provide a fishery that is easily accessible to youth, elderly, disabled and anyone else who likes to fish. The trout bite readily and can provide hours of fishing fun."