2024 Nest Predator Bounty Program Begins for Youth
March 1, 2024PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) kicks off the sixth year of the Nest Predator Bounty Program as part of Gov. Noem’s Second Century Initiative. The 2024 program opens for South Dakota youth under the age of 18 on March 1. The program will open to all South Dakota residents April 1. Tails from raccoon, striped skunk, badger, red fox, and opossum will be eligible for $10 per-tail payments with a maximum total payout of $500,000.
“Last year was an amazing year for youth participation as we saw the highest number of youth participation since inception,” said Kevin Robling, GFP Department Secretary. "It is so great to see the next generation getting outdoors and participating in wildlife management and conservation."
In 2023, 108 youth participated in the youth-only month of March and submitted 800 nest predators during this time. Overall, 2,484 individuals participated in the 2023 program removing 50,797 nest predators. Youth made up 46% of total participants, which was higher than in 2022 at 32%.
In 2023, 1,017 live traps were distributed to youth across South Dakota. Once again in 2024, youth who did not receive a live trap in 2023 will receive one free live trap when they submit their tails for the first time.
Tails eligible for submission can be harvested via trapping or hunting. Participants need a hunting, furbearer, or fishing license to be eligible to participate in the bounty program. Landowners harvesting nest predators for the program on their own land and youth under 18 are exempt from this license requirement.
Complete program details as well as dates, times, and locations for tail submissions can be found on the GFP website. For bounty submissions outside of the listed office locations and times, please contact your local wildlife conservation officer or wildlife damage specialist.
“This program has become a tremendous success among youth and we're looking to continue that momentum,” concluded Robling. "We will also once again offer a weekly youth trap giveaway. One participating youth under the age of 18 will be drawn weekly to receive a raccoon trapping starter kit, Trapping Handbook, a knife, and a write-up explaining Benton Howe’s love for the outdoors.”
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