PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) wants landowners to know that programs and services are available to reduce damage to operations due to large deer herds moving into farmyards seeking protection from severe winter weather.
“Currently, the department is working on approximately 120 requests for assistance with deer damage, statewide,” said Keith Fisk, wildlife damage program administrator. “Severe winter weather has forced deer to move many miles and these animals are affecting landowner’s and producer’s operations. Because landowners are imperative for successful wildlife management, our local wildlife damage staff work cooperatively with them to determine the best approach to address these problems.”
GFP can provide protective panels or fencing to keep deer from accessing stored-feed supplies as well as implement hazing techniques, depredation pool hunts, and supplemental feeding to keep deer away from farmyards and livestock operations.
“Early detection of damage also helps other wildlife damage abatement techniques be successful. Once a large number of deer start coming into a farmyard for feed, it can be difficult to stop the damage,” said Fisk.
If a landowner is experiencing deer damage to stored-feed supplies intended for livestock, they should contact their local GFP office.
Aberdeen: 605-626-2391 Chamberlain: 605-734-4530
Fort Pierre: 605-223-7700 Huron: 605-353-7145
Mobridge: 605-845-7814 Rapid City: 605-394-2391
Sioux Falls: 605-362-2700 Watertown: 605-882-5200
Webster: 605-345-3381
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