• Prairie Dog Control Program Available
• Celebrate National Recreation and Parks Month
• Share The Beach
• Remember, Missouri River Walleye Regulations Change July 1
• State Parks Host Family Activities for Military Appreciation Weekend, July 8-10
• Chronic Wasting Disease Update
• Make Plans to Attend Special Events in SD State Parks
• 2005 Sage Grouse Season Proposal
• Reservations Open Soon for Newton Hills Annual FestiFALL Event
• Tips To Avoid Stress And Delays At The Boat Ramp

PIERRE, S.D. – Officials from the South Dakota departments of Game, Fish and Parks and Agriculture are asking South Dakota ranchers and producers to contact these agencies if they have prairie dog complaints.

"With the passage of Senate Bill 216 and the state prairie dog management plan during the 2005 Legislative Session, prairie dog control guidelines and annual funds have been made available to answer complaints from landowners who have unwanted prairie dogs moving onto their lands," said Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Damage Management Program Administrator Art Smith.

There are two components to the program: one, where prairie dogs are coming off public lands, and two, where prairie dogs are coming off private lands.

If a landowner has a complaint regarding prairie dogs invading from public grounds, they need to contact Game, Fish and Parks at (605) 773-5913 to request control. Once encroachment has been verified, GFP field staff or an approved contractor will come in and control the invading colony on the private land. These calls must be received before Oct. 1 to allow for adequate time to schedule control visits.

The plan, which will be jointly funded by the Department of Agriculture and Game, Fish and Parks, is based on the "good neighbor policy" and has a no tolerance standard for prairie dogs moving onto lands where they are not wanted.

PIERRE, S.D. – If you have never played disc golf, paddled a canoe or tossed a horseshoe, now is the time. This July, to celebrate National Recreation and Parks month, Game, Fish and Parks officials are encouraging park visitors to try out a new outdoor recreational activity, as well as participate in some time-honored favorites.

"The South Dakota state parks are known for their great hiking, biking and swimming opportunities," said Emilie Miller, information specialist with the GFP Division of Parks and Recreation. "This July, we are encouraging people to try out some of the other great activities that the parks have to offer, from volleyball to horseshoes to canoeing and kayaking."

According to Miller, some lesser-known recreational facilities in the state parks include outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts, soccer and softball fields, horseshoe pits, trap shooting/rifle ranges, archery ranges, birding trails, kids’ fishing ponds and canoeing/kayaking. These facilities vary by area and add a unique aspect to each park.

A sport gaining popularity in the state is disc golf, in which players compete to land a flying disc into a basket or "hole." Eleven South Dakota state parks feature disc golf courses, five of which are new this year.

"Disc golf is a great sport to just jump into," said Miller. "It’s fun, great exercise, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to play - just a flying disc. And, with courses located across the state, you can pretty much start up any time."

To help visitors experience a new activity, many parks have equipment available for free checkout, including disc golf discs, volleyballs, basketballs and horseshoes. Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are available to rent a few parks for a small fee.

In addition, 20 parks have free game/equipment checkouts available on first-come, first-served basis. Equipment you can check out may include croquet, ring toss, bocce ball, lawn toss, badminton or even fishing gear and tackle. Contact your local park to see what’s available.

Many of the recreational opportunities, including several disc golf courses and the free equipment checkout, have been provided in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Health as they work to enhance health through physical activities.

PIERRE, S.D. - Summertime - boating on the river, volleyball, barbecues, it is a great time of year to be outside, and what could be better than a hot summer day spent on the Missouri River? But while people are outside spending quality time with their friends and family, Game, Fish and Parks officials ask them to please remember to respect the birds that also need the river to rear their families.

The endangered least tern and threatened piping plover nest on sandbars along the Missouri River and rear their young on the sandbars' shores. "These birds are very protective parents and will work hard to keep intruders away from their nests and chicks," said Aron Carol, GFP Missouri River Endangered Species Coordinator. "Time spent rebuffing intruders is time taken away from finding food or incubating eggs. In fact, if the parents are disturbed, the young are significantly more likely to starve to death or die of exposure in the hot summer sun. Even a short time away from the nest can mean the difference between survival and death for the chicks."

Both least terns and piping plovers were once common along most of the Missouri River, but over-hunting in the early 1900s drastically reduced their populations. They had not yet recovered when dam construction flooded most of the sandbar habitat that the birds need for nesting.

Least terns eat only fish, while piping plovers eat small insects they find in the sand along the shoreline. Both species will leave South Dakota around mid-August to head back to their wintering grounds in Gulf Coast states and Mexico. Raised on the rich South Dakota diet of fish and insects, their offspring will also fly south in late summer to return next year and start families of their own.

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks reminds the public to keep away from signed areas to avoid disturbing these state and federally protected birds. Entering posted areas could constitute a criminal violation of the federal Endangered Species Act, with a maximum penalty of up to $100,000, up to one year in jail or both. Anyone who sees a violation should immediately call the Turn In Poachers hotline at 1-800-592-5522.

PIERRE, S.D. -- Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding anglers that walleye minimum size limits on Lakes Sharpe, Francis Case and the Missouri River below Fort Randall Dam downstream to the South Dakota/Nebraska border end June 30, and will not become effective again until Sept. 1.

Missouri River Fisheries Program Administrator Jim Riis said the reason the size limits are removed during July and August on lakes Sharpe and Francis Case is to allow some harvest of smaller walleye.

"Removing the minimum length limit during July and August allows anglers to harvest a few walleye on each fishing trip, during a time when fishing pressure and walleye catches are generally not high enough to substantially reduce the abundance of walleye in a lake," Riis said. "Walleye longer than the minimum length limit are most common in angler catches during the spring and fall, and most anglers have the potential to harvest a few fish on each fishing trip during these periods of the year."

While maintaining the quality of a fishery is important, Riis said it is also important that people have an opportunity to harvest fish during a day of fishing. "It is ok to keep fish to eat, especially during a time of year when water temperatures are warmer and fish are deeper," he said. "By removing the minimum length limit during July and August, anglers can keep a deep-hooked, small walleye that might not otherwise survive." He added that if an angler reaches their walleye limit, they should then try fishing for other fun sport fish, such as smallmouth bass and channel catfish.

People often ask why the minimum length limit is not also removed for June.

"Fishing pressure and walleye catch and harvest usually peak during late-May and June on Lakes Sharpe and Francis Case," Riis said. "If the minimum length limit were not in place during these months, anglers would have the ability to quickly harvest more walleye than these lakes could sustain on an annual basis. The minimum length limit acts as a safeguard on the walleye population during a time of the year when harvest can be excessive."

Riis also reminds anglers that the regulation of one walleye 18 inches or longer daily is still in effect on Lakes Sharpe, Francis Case and the Missouri River below Fort Randall Dam downstream to the South Dakota/Nebraska border during July and August (year-round). The daily walleye limit on Sharpe and Francis Case is three with a possession limit of eight.

Anglers targeting Lake Oahe will not find any size-limit changes for July and August, because every fish from their six-fish limit can be shorter than 15 inches during all months of the year. However, an angler may only have four fish that are 15 inches or longer, and of those four, no more than one may be 20 inches or longer. The six-walleye daily limit is only applicable to Lake Oahe. The possession limit on Lake Oahe is 18, taken in accordance with the daily limit.

PIERRE, S.D. – A variety of events will take place in the South Dakota state parks as part of Military Appreciation Weekend on July 8-10. Parks across the state will host hikes, picnics and more during the weekend, which serves to thank both past and current military personnel and their families for their sacrifices.

During the weekend, military personnel and their immediate families will receive free park entrance at all state parks and free fishing on all South Dakota waters.

Campsites are currently available for the weekend at over 30 state parks and recreation areas. Reservations can be made until 10 p.m. on July 6 by calling (800) 710-2267 or by going online to www.CampSD.com. Camping fees are separate from entrance fees and must be paid when the reservation is made.

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s final numbers for the past Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance year (since July 1, 2004) are being analyzed, and of the 2,694 samples collected, seven deer and four elk have tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.

"These numbers include 700 elk, 753 mule deer, and 1,241 white-tailed deer," said Game, Fish and Parks Wildlife Biologist Steve Griffin of Rapid City. "All positive tests are from free-ranging animals that were tested from July 1, 2004 to June 15, 2005."

Most samples are from the Black Hills and from prairie hunting units in Fall River, Custer and eastern Pennington counties of western South Dakota that were taken from hunter-harvested animals, along with some samples from research animals out of Wind Cave National Park.

Of the 2,694 samples received in this last year, tests have revealed another seven CWD positive deer and four CWD positive elk. A summary of these animals includes:

1. White-tailed deer male from Unit 327B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest).
2. Mule deer male from Unit 327B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest).
3. White-tailed deer male from unit 327B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest).
4. Elk female from unit 403B in Fall River County. (Hunter Harvest).
5. White-tailed deer female from unit 327B in Fall River County. (Hunter harvest).
6. Mule deer male from Wind Cave National Park. (Research).
7. Mule deer female from Wind Cave National Park. (Research).
8. White-tailed female from Wind Cave National Park (Research).
9. Elk female from Custer State Park (Sick/Surveillance).
10. Elk female from unit 403B in Custer County. (Research).
11. Elk male from Wind Cave National Park. (Sick/Surveillance).

Since testing began in 1997, South Dakota has found 33 cases of CWD (24 deer and nine elk) in free ranging deer and elk. Wind Cave National Park accounts for 12 of these animals (four elk, eight deer). A total of 9,053 wild deer and elk have been tested for CWD since testing began in 1997.

South Dakota’s Department of Game Fish and Parks will continue with the CWD Surveillance Program again this year. As in past years, GFP will focus its efforts for the CWD surveillance program in areas where CWD has been recently detected in captive animals, and/or in wild free-roaming populations of deer and elk. Surveillance is being concentrated in the southwestern part of South Dakota, which includes Fall River County, Custer County, parts of Pennington County and the Black Hills. Testing is also being conducted on any sick animals that are discovered in South Dakota as part of the surveillance program.

Black Hills deer hunters, West River deer hunters and elk hunters that choose to hunt in the CWD surveillance area listed above will be contacted by mail with information and instructions on how to participate in the surveillance program. "We are very appreciative of hunters that have participated in the past, and we would not be able to collect adequate samples if they were not involved," Griffin said. All hunters who submit a sample with the proper information will receive a letter with results of the CWD test as soon as the results are returned from the South Dakota State University Diagnostic Laboratory.

Hunters from outside of the established CWD surveillance area can get their animal tested for chronic wasting disease by making their own arrangements directly through the SDSU Diagnostic Lab at (605) 688-5171.

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota state parks will be holding several special events on Saturday, July 9. These free activities are a great way to spend a summer day. Make plans to attend the following events:

• Landmark Through Time Walk in the Park, Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis at 8 a.m. (MST). Take a walk in the park and learn about the significance and history of Bear Butte through the ages. Info: (605) 347-5240.
• Sacajawea’s Story Walk in the Park, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton at 9:30 a.m. (CST). Learn the story of the woman who traveled with Lewis and Clark, how she survived, what she did and why they relied on her. Info: (605) 668-2985.
• Military Shoot, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park near Lake City at 10 a.m. (CST). Members of the Frontier Army of the Dakotas will gather at the fort to test their marksmanship. Come see the shooting competitions and learn more about the arms of the late 19th century. Info: (605) 448-5474.
• The Pioneer Walk in the Park, Beaver Creek Nature Area near Brandon at 10 a.m. (CST). Take a walk and learn the history of the area pioneers. Hear stories of how they farmed, what and how they cooked, and where they lived. Participants can also explore the restored 1870s Samuelson log cabin. Info: (605) 594-3824.
• Finding Your Way Walk in the Park: An Introduction to GPS, Richmond Lake Recreation Area near Aberdeen at 10 a.m. Learn how to find your way by using a GPS Unit (Global Positioning Systems Unit). Learn the basics step by step and then try finding certain marks in the park on your own. Info: (605) 626-3488.
• Sands of Oahe, Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge at 1 p.m. (CST). Enjoy of day of sun and sand. Try making a sand sculpture, sand candles, and sand painting and join us for a guided walk and talk along the beach. Info: (605) 845-7112.
• Bugs and Butterflies Walk in the Park, Snake Creek Recreation Area near Platte at 7 p.m. (CST). On this walk, participants will learn about the bugs and butterflies that call the area home. Learn how to identify them and the best places to find them. Info: (605) 337-2587.

There is no cost to participate in any of these programs, although a park entrance license is required at all parks except Beaver Creek Nature Area. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

The Walk in the Park programs are part of a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks, recreation areas and nature preserves. Park staff and volunteers lead the programs, which are co-sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Health.

The weekend is also Military Appreciation Weekend in the South Dakota state parks. Parks across the state will host hikes, picnics and more on all three days, July 8-10, to thank both past and current military personnel and their families for their sacrifices. During the weekend, military personnel and their immediate families will receive free park entrance at all state parks and free fishing on all South Dakota waters. A full list of events can be found on the Game, Fish and Parks website.

For more information on activities in the South Dakota state parks, visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks, contact the individual park office, or call (605) 773-3391.

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s 2005 sage grouse hunting season has been proposed for Sept. 28 and 29.

"Under the Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposal, this year’s sage grouse season would move from the Wednesday and Thursday following the third Saturday in September to the Wednesday and Thursday following September’s fourth Saturday," said GFP Regional Wildlife Manager John Wrede of Rapid City. The season would be open to all residents and nonresidents who hold a South Dakota small game license.

Wrede noted that the 2005 season will be the sixth consecutive year for a sage grouse hunting season, following 20 years of season closure. "The limited season provides an extraordinary opportunity for bird hunters, and concurrently, allows the collection of biological data from harvested birds," he said. "This information aids in determining the range, status, sex and age composition of the sage grouse population."

The popular FestiFALL event features many family activities, including crafts and bluegrass music. Following the afternoon FestiFALL celebration, the candlelight walk will lead visitors along 2.1 miles of trail through the deep woods of Newton Hills. Families will encounter many surprises along the trail, including musicians and colorful characters from the past.

Autumn's harvest crop, the pumpkin, will take the spotlight during the FestiFALL festivities, with decorated pumpkin contests and demonstrations on pumpkin carving. Also featured is pumpkin catapulting - a favorite for many visitors.

There is no cost to participate in any of the FestiFALL events, although a park entrance license is required.

Camping reservations will be taken at Newton Hills for the fall season, through Oct. 10. For reservations, go online to www.CampSD.com or call 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). Camping fees are $13 for an electrical site and $10 for a non-electrical site. Five camping cabins, which sleep four, are available for $32 per night. There is a $5 per site non-refundable reservation fee, which is not applicable to South Dakota residents. Camping fees are in addition to entrance fees.

For additional information, contact Newton Hills State Park at (605) 987-2263 or visit South Dakota state parks online at www.sdgfp.info/Parks.

PIERRE, S.D. - When launching a boat at the ramp, does it seem like the whole world is watching your every move? Game, Fish and Parks and BoatU.S. offer ten tips to help your time at the ramp go smoothly:

1. Prior to backing down the ramp, have everything that needs to be transferred from the tow vehicle placed in the boat. Trailer boaters who wait until their vessel is in the water cause delays and get nasty stares.

2. Unhook the boat from the winch after the vessel is in the water, not before. Once your boat is splashed, secure it to the dock while you park your tow vehicle and trailer, leaving the ramp open for the next launch.

3. Don't make others wait while you're having a discussion with others on where to go or else those waiting in line behind you will happily offer suggestions.

4. Offer assistance if someone needs help. If you have never backed down a ramp, practice in a large parking lot prior to launching.

5. If you're on the ramp and would like help, be succinct. This is not the time to ask questions about bleeding the brakes or to debate the advantages of bias ply tires.

6. Trailer parking spaces are for tow vehicles and trailers only. Guests should park elsewhere.

7. Get into a routine at the ramp and use a checklist. It will make your life easier.

8. When returning to a ramp, drop off the person who will get the tow vehicle and trailer from the parking lot first and wait for them in an out-of-the-way location while they retrieve the vehicle.

9. Once the boat is on the trailer, secure the safety chain to the bow eye and move up the

ramp. Secure the remaining tie downs and transfer stuff back to the tow vehicle when you get to the parking lot - not on the ramp.

10. If you'd like to talk to other boaters about launch ramp etiquette, your experiences at boat ramps or other boating related issues, go to the messages boards at BoatUS.com.