§  State Parks Visitor Appreciation weekend / Free Fishing weekend (May 17-19)

§  Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27)

§  July Fourth Holiday (July 4)

§  Labor Day weekend (August 31 - September 2)

Application Period for any Fishing Tournament conducted on public waters of this state – No earlier than November 1st of the preceding year, but no later than 30 days before the planned tournament. A permit is required for any organized competitive fishing tournament (open water or ice) involving 20 or more boats or, if boats are not involved, 50 or more people.

Application Period for Other Special Events taking place on Public Lands or Waters involving 50 or more people - No earlier than November 1st of the preceding year, but no later than 30 days before the planned event.

Tournament and Special Event permit requests are processed as they are received. There is always the possibility that the date(s) and public access area you request may have already been permitted to another tournament or event.

The following conditions are agreed to by the Sponsor and persons participating in above described activity:

1. Sponsor agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the State of South Dakota, its officers, agents, and employees, from and against any and all actions, suits, damages, liability, or other proceedings which may arise as the result of the negligence, misconduct, error or omission of the Sponsor or any officer, agent, member, or employee of the Sponsor.

2. If the event or activity warrants, the Department may require the Sponsor to provide proof of insurance and such insurance must be approved by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. In addition, participants in activities presenting a high risk of injury may be required to sign or, in the case of minor children, present signed waivers of liability prior to participating in the event. If so required, SPECIAL EVENT INSURANCE AND WAIVER REQUIREMENTS will become part of this document, and Sponsor will secure and maintain said coverage and/or waivers for the duration of the Permit.

3. Neither the Department of Game, Fish and Parks nor any of its employees shall be responsible for damages to property or injury to any person arising out of the permitted activity or incident thereto.

4. The Sponsor is responsible for taking all necessary precautions for the health and safety of the participants and spectators.

5. The Sponsor shall clear the grounds, remove equipment and restore the site to its original condition by the end of the day the event is completed.

6. The Sponsor will make no charges for special services rendered other than charges which are reasonable. These charges may be for such event services as: insurance, reserved seating, food concessions, and entrance fees for contestants or event programs. If deemed desirable by the Department, a percentage of any fees collected for the event may be required to be paid to the department. All charges related to the event must be agreed upon in writing between the Sponsor and the Department prior to the approval of this Permit.

It is fully understood by the Sponsor that this application for permission to hold a special event on public water and/or land controlled by Game, Fish and Parks is requested with full knowledge that the above mentioned conditions must be adhered to. Violation of the provisions of this permit is a misdemeanor and may result in revocation of this permit and/or denial of future permits.

SPECIAL EVENT INSURANCE AND WAIVER REQUIREMENTS

The above Sponsor shall not engage in the organized event without securing the following insurance coverage, if required, and having said coverage approved by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. If the planned event involves 100 or more boats or 200 or more participants, or the event is determined to involve a high risk of injury to participant or others liability insurance will be required. Check mark(s) below indicate if liability insurance and waivers will be required.

Commercial General Liability Insurance or equivalent form with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence. If such insurance contains a general aggregate limit, it shall apply separately to this Permit or be not less than two times the occurrence limit.

A Certificate for the above insurance shall be attached to this document and shall be subject to the Department’s approval. The insurer shall state in its Certificate that no cancellation of the insurance will be made without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to the Department.

Liability Waivers: All adult participants shall sign a Waiver of Liability, Indemnification and Medical Release. Minor children must have a signed waiver from parent or guardian before participating. Sponsor is responsible for securing forms from participants. A completed waiver for each participant must be submitted to GFP within five days of completion of event. The waivers will be kept with the permit for one year.

The Department’s approval or acceptance of above certificate of insurance or waivers shall in no way release or relieve the Sponsor from any responsibility, liability or obligation. All insurance policies and Certificates shall be issued only by companies licensed to do business in the State of South Dakota and acceptable to the STATE. It shall be the Sponsor’s responsibility to keep the coverage current and in force for the duration of the Permit. Samples of liability waivers acceptable to the STATE are available from GF&P offices, Conservation Officers, or Park Managers.