·        South Dakota Outdoor Expo Coming May 2008!

·        ‘Draw-lock’ Devices Now Legal for Archery Hunting Under Certain Conditions

Media Contacts:

Dept. Agriculture – Alison Kiesz  605-626-3272

Game, Fish and Parks – Chuck Schlueter 605-773-3904

South Dakota Outdoor Expo Coming May 2008!

Whether you have never been on a camping trip or if you are an active outdoor enthusiast who wants to pick up a few new skills, you won’t want to miss the first-ever South Dakota Outdoor Expo!

The SD Outdoor Expo will introduce thousands of families and children to the outdoors. Through hands-on activities, children and families can learn how to shoot a gun, cast a fishing line, cook over a campfire, attract birds and wildlife and dozens of other outdoor activities! There will be something for everyone and every skill level.

The SD Outdoor Expo will be held on May 17-18, 2008, on the State Fairgrounds in Huron. The SD Outdoor Expo is a free family event!

The Outdoor Expo will be divided into five major skill areas:

• Camping and Outdoor Recreation
• Hunting and Wildlife
• Wildlife Management
• Shooting Sports
• Fishing and Aquatic Education

“Hunting, fishing and camping are some of the most popular pastimes in our state, but as our population becomes increasingly diverse, we realize that many people have never had the opportunities to learn these popular pastimes. The SD Outdoor Expo is a perfect opportunity to learn about hunting, fishing, camping and many other outdoor activities. I invite all families to mark the date now and then make some great memories by attending the Outdoor Expo,” said Jeff Vonk, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

The founding agencies behind this event are the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, the South Dakota State Fair, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Weatherby Foundation, International. Several other agencies and organizations from across the state are involved in the planning of the event.

Major sponsors who have already committed to the SD Outdoor Expo are: the Weatherby Foundation, South Dakota Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Spader’s RV Center, and the SD Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

--GFP—

‘Draw-lock’ Devices Now Legal for Archery Hunting Under Certain Conditions

PIERRE, S.D.--The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Commission recently updated its rules to keep current with 2007 legislation that allows hunters with permanent physical impairments to use draw-lock devices on a bow. In the past the only option for those hunters was using a crossbow.

This rule revision creates a new crossbow/draw-lock permit that allows the use a vertical bow that is equipped with a draw-lock device that holds the bow at a partial or full draw and a trigger device that is similar to the release on a regular release for a compound bow.

Such a permit is available to any person who is permanently incapable of using a bow and arrow due to the loss of or use of one or both arms caused by birth defect, injury, disease, or who is confined to a wheelchair. Current permittees allowed to hunt with crossbows will also be allowed to use the draw-lock device on a bow.

Those who apply for the crossbow/draw-lock permit should be aware that it is not a hunting license. The permittee must still obtain the required hunting license.

Crossbows used for hunting in South Dakota must have a minimum pull of 125 pounds and be equipped with a functional mechanical safety device. Telescopic sights and lighted sight pins are prohibited. The bolts shall be equipped with broadheads made of metal, with at least two cutting edges, a cutting diameter of at least 7/8 inch wide, and--except for turkey hunting--shall be at least as long as it is wide.

A person issued a crossbow/draw-lock permit may not possess a firearm in the field nor may a permittee be accompanied by a person carrying a firearm during any season restricted to archery, except for those persons who possess a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon.

The crossbow/draw-lock application has a section that must be completed and signed by a licensed physician or chiropractor that will document the medical condition, disability or injury that permanently restricts the applicant from using a conventional bow and arrow.  Applications are available from: GFP Permitting Office, 412 W. Missouri Ave., Pierre, SD 57501.

Call (605) 773-4191 for further information. South Dakota residents can obtain an application from their local conservation officer or from their regional or district GFP office.

--GFP--