news
PIERRE – A 10-month prairie dog season in 2001 has been proposed by the state Game, Fish and Parks Commission that would be open statewide, except for the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands in the Conata Basin. The season would be closed March 1 through April 30, 2001. Beginning in 2002, the season would be closed from March 1 through June 15. An exception would be that landowners could hunt anytime on the land they own or operate.
Assistant Wildlife Division Director George Vandel said the black-tailed prairie dog is a candidate for listing as a federally threatened species, but is precluded by other species that are rated higher on the endangered list.
"South Dakota has been working with 10 other states to retain state-management authority for the black-tailed prairie dog," Vandel said. "The goal here is to keep the prairie dog from being listed as a federally threatened species, and keep hunting for it open. To do this, season dates and hunting limits are necessary to help the department monitor and control prairie dog harvest."
To hunt prairie dogs, South Dakota residents would need a predator/varmint license, resident furbearer license or any other South Dakota resident hunting license. Nonresidents would need a South Dakota nonresident predator license or any other South Dakota nonresident hunting license.
Vandel said that some landowners shoot prairie dogs to keep local prairie dog towns in check and perhaps avoid the use of toxicants.
"For this reason, shooting restrictions would not apply to landowners on their own property," he noted. "Also, since some landowners have already booked hunters for May and June 2001, these months will not be closed to hunting in 2001. However, the season would be closed March 1 through June 15 in the following years."
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.
Uploaded: 12/18/2000
Uploaded: 12/18/2000