Public access opportunities for hunting and fishing on private lands will be expanded thanks to a grant awarded to the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). 

PIERRE, S.D. – In an effort to reduce mule deer doe harvest during the east river deer hunting season, the Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission passed an administrative action converting all “any antlerless deer” licenses to “antlerless whitetail deer” licenses.

The Bush’s Landing access road and boat ramp is planned to be open for use by the end of the working day Friday, May 15

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission discussed their proposal to slightly decrease the number of licenses available for the 2020 and 2021 fall turkey hunting seasons.

PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission modified the eligibility for participation in the youth waterfowl season to those who have not reached the age of 16 to youth who have not reached the age of 18.

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Park (GFP) Commission finalized a regulation change proposal creating a length limit for flathead catfish on waters shared by Nebraska and South Dakota.

At their May meeting, the Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission received a public petition to amend the date of livetrap removal from September 1 to July 1.

PIERRE, S.D. – At their May meeting, the Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized their proposal to extend the youth pheasant season. 

PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized the action to remove the river otter from South Dakota’s list of threatened species at their May teleconference meeting.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized the 2020 archery deer season at their May meeting.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission agreed to keep the sage grouse hunting season closed at their May meeting based on the data collected supporting the department’s recommendation to retain the season closure.

PIERRE, S.D. – At their May meeting, the Game, Fish and Parks Commission discussed their proposal to remove the $20 administrative fee for lost or destroyed licenses, permits or game tags. However, the license agent’s fee established by SDCL 41-6-66.1 would still be charged by license agents and the department.

PIERRE, S.D. – The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators has named Adam Geigle the 2020 Brook Brown Boating Officer of the Year. Geigle is a conservation officer for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and is stationed in Rapid City. 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft revision of the river otter management plan, which was first established in 2012.

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 virus, the 2020 summer theater season for Northern Fort Playhouse has been canceled.

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is offering free fishing and park entrance Sunday, May 10, to celebrate Mother’s Day.

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has scheduled three tail submission opportunities for the Nest Predator Bounty Program. Tails can be submitted until July 1 or until the $250,000 cap is reached. Due to COVID-19, special guidelines and submission dates are in place for the safety of participants and GFP staff.