GFP News - December 20, 2012

  • South Dakota State Parks Celebrate The New Year With First Day Hikes Across The State On Jan. 1, 2013
  • Antlerless Only Tags will be valid for the SD Deer Season Beginning December 29

South Dakota State Parks Celebrate The New Year With First Day Hikes Across The State On Jan. 1, 2013

PIERRE, S.D. -- South Dakota state parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 12 state parks on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.

America's State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

"We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks. First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks," said State Parks and Recreation Director Doug Hofer.

First Day Hikes originated more than two decades ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems sponsored First Day Hikes, offering 400 hikes nationwide.

In South Dakota, hikes will be offered at the following locations:

America's State Parks is committed to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children. Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

-GFP-

The mission of the NASPD and America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy.

 
Antlerless Only Tags will be valid for the SD Deer Season Beginning December 29

PIERRE, S.D. -- Deer hunters who have unfilled antlerless deer tags for the East and West River Deer Seasons will have nine additional days available to harvest antlerless deer beginning December 29 and ending on January 6.

South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Terrestrial Chief Tom Kirschenmann reminds hunters to be aware of the regulation change from the past several years.

"Over the past several seasons, 'any deer' tags have converted to 'antlerless' tags for the extended season," Kirschenmann said. "That is not the case this year. Only unfilled 'antlerless' tags will be valid during the late season."

The changes were made as part of deer herd management objectives to direct additional antlerless harvest in the areas of the state that need it most while curtailing the doe harvest in areas where it is not needed.

-GFP-