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PIERRE – A proposal for the 2001 spring turkey season would restrict methods of taking turkey during the spring season to only bow and arrow and shotguns with shotshells.
Game, Fish and Parks Secretary John Cooper said the matter of whether or not to allow rifles and handguns during the spring turkey season draws mixed opinions, however, the department has recommended to prohibit the use of rifles and handguns for spring turkey hunting.
"It is a measure of safety, ethics and landowner tolerance," Cooper said. "Since I have been secretary, we have had four incidents from spring turkey hunters using rifles, and three were fatalities." He added that only six other states allow the use of rifles and handguns to hunt spring turkey.
A recent public opinion survey indicated about 50 percent of turkey hunters surveyed were in favor of banning rifles and handguns, and 37 percent were opposed.
Recommended changes from last year’s spring turkey season also include:
A slight increase in the number of prairie licenses.
Establishing a new unit in Grant County with two seasons to allow hunting of newly established Eastern turkeys.
Dividing the season in Units 119A (Clay Co.) and 162A (Union Co.) into two seasons with limited licenses for each season.
Close Brookings County to archery turkey hunting because of plans to try to establish a population of Eastern turkeys there.
Change license types in 10 prairie units to include 1-tag and/or 2-tag licenses for either sex turkey.
Shooting hours would be one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Persons wishing to comment on the proposal may attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Kings Inn in Pierre. Written comments may be sent to Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501,or by e-mail to wildinfo@gfp.state.sd.us. Comments must include the full name and address of the commenting individual to be included in the public record.
Uploaded: 12/13/2000
Uploaded: 12/13/2000