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Photo © Keith Anderson

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Wildlife/Fisheries Management Plans

Plans Up for Revision

Pierre, S.D. - During the March South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission meeting, the department provided information on the draft revision of the Elk Action Plan and recent public input.

Elk populations in South Dakota occur in the Black Hills and a few limited areas on the prairie, but hunter demand substantially outweighs hunting licenses available. To accommodate more hunters and partially address low license draw odds in the Black Hills, the Commission in January asked the department to gather input from stakeholders and interested parties about increasing the upper end of the population objective from 8,000 to 9,000 when habitat conditions allow.

Public comments were received and evaluated, and the department has formally prepared the draft Elk Action Plan, which includes a Black Hills population objective of 6,000 – 9,000 elk. Public comment is open for all components of this draft action plan.

The draft Elk Action Plan can be found online here.

Individuals may provide suggestions and comments to be considered in the Elk Action Plan by April 20. Written comments must include your full name and city of residence. Comments can be sent to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, S.D. 57501, or submitted online.

Current Fisheries Management Plans