·        Surveys Seek Evaluations From Mountain Lion, Black Hills Deer Hunters

·        GFP Seeking Comments on Private Lands Habitat and Access Strategic Plan

·        Top 10 Tips for Winter Fishing Safety, Success

 

Surveys Seek Evaluations From Mountain Lion, Black Hills Deer Hunters

 

PIERRE, S.D.—Hunters with licenses for South Dakota’s mountain lion and Black Hills deer seasons will soon receive season surveys in from the Game, Fish and Parks Department.

 

“These surveys provide critical information about hunter attitudes toward the seasons,” said Larry Gigliotti, planning coordinator/human dimensions specialist for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “Surveys like these help guide the staff as they consider management changes.”

 

The survey of Black Hills deer hunters is in its 12th year with questions this year seeking an evaluation of the season and opinions about the changes in the types of licenses that were available.

 

This is the third mountain lion season and, according to Gigliotti, hunter participation in the season survey is crucial. “In each year, the mountain lion season has undergone changes,” Gigliotti said. “Tracking hunter reactions to those changes will help guide the direction for the next season.”

 

Surveys are going out to all hunters who received mountain lion licenses and to one fourth of the hunters who got licenses for the Black Hills deer season. “We ask hunters to please complete the surveys they receive,” Gigliotti said. “It only takes a few minutes to complete the survey and hunter participation in this process ensures that the surveys have scientific value.”

 

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GFP Seeking Comments on Private Lands Habitat and Access Strategic Plan

 

HURON, S.D. – With approximately 80 percent of South Dakota’s land base under private ownership, the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department has a keen interest in working with private landowners to implement habitat practices and provide public access. As the state agency responsible for managing the wildlife resources and their associated habitats, GFP is currently seeking public comment on the “Private Lands Habitat & Access Programs—Strategic Plan.”

 

Since the mid-1970s, GFP has provided technical and financial assistance to private landowners to develop and manage wildlife habitat. During the past 30 years, habitat programs have evolved to meet the interests of GFP, private landowners and to take advantage of federal programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program to address habitat needs and opportunities.

 

“An important component of this planning procedure is consideration of the broad spectrum of social values and beliefs held by South Dakota landowners and the general public,” said GFP Habitat Biologist Chad Switzer of Huron. “Whether you’re a landowner with 10 or 10,000 acres, enjoy outdoor activities, or are simply a citizen with wildlife habitat interests, we want to hear your comments and suggestions on the draft of this strategic plan that will guide GFP’s effort in the future.”

 

Those who wish to comment on the draft plan must have written comments submitted by Dec. 31, 2007.  The draft plan is available in PDF format online at http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/privatelands/Index.htm.   You can also request a paper copy by contacting Chad Switzer at (605) 353-6699 or by e-mail at Chad.Switzer@state.sd.us.  Please submit written comments to:  S.D. Game, Fish and Parks, Strategic Plan Comments, 895 Third Street SW, Huron, SD  57350, or by using the online comment form at http://stage.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/privatelands/StrategicPlanComments.htm.

 

--GFP—

 

Top 10 Tips for Winter Fishing Safety, Success

 

PIERRE, S.D.—The pleasure boaters are gone from South Dakota waters, but as long as there’s open water in the fall, some hearty anglers will have their boats on the lakes and rivers.

 

“Being on the water at this time of year takes some special precautions for safety and some special tactics for catching fish,” according to Curt Robertson, boating safety coordinator for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department.

 

BoatU.S. Angler, which serves trailer boat anglers, and GFP have teamed up to offer this list of top 10 tips for winter fishing:

1. Check the bellies of fish you bring up and if you find silt, that’s an indication that the fish has been glued to the bottom. So take your time presenting the bait or lure, stay in one spot for a longer time and use presentations with smaller baits like drop shot or shaky heads. Find the deepest water close to shore and fish more vertically than horizontally.

2. With the pleasure boating season over there are fewer potential rescuers to assist you in an emergency, so never fish alone. Leave a float plan behind with your spouse, friend or anyone else who is willing to call authorities if you haven’t checked back in at a predetermined time.

3. A spray-on line conditioner will help keep your lines ice-free. Use a smaller line size so you can get better hooksets with less line resistance. Low stretch line is best in the winter as well.

4. Wear layers of clothing – preferably synthetic or wool – but never cotton. It’s a poor insulator when wet.

5. Use attractants which can be sprayed on soft plastic lures. Fish are sluggish and attractants encourage them to hold on longer.

6. Bring along high-energy foods such as granola bars and warm drinks. It’s important to keep hydrated in winter’s dry air. Stay away from alcohol, which dilates blood vessels and cools your body’s core.

7. Cold water drains energy and body heat rapidly. If you fall overboard, a life jacket can give you the time you need to pull yourself back in the boat before the effects of hypothermia set in. Vest styles can provide warmth both in and out of the water while automatically inflating life jackets allow great freedom of movement and fit over bulky winter clothing. Also, make sure you have a method to get back in the boat, such as a built-in boarding ladder or a short length of rope with loops for footholds that is firmly attached to a cleat or other fixed object.

8. According to U.S. Coast Guard boating fatality statistics, January’s and February’s cold weather represent the greatest fatality risk. Always check the weather before you go. With hypothermia a very real threat, sudden squalls can be deadly.

9. Now is the time to disconnect water pressure and speed hoses behind the helm gauges to prevent freeze damage.

10. When you’re done fishing and before you leave the launch ramp, trim the outboard motor all the way down, remove the kill switch and turn the engine over for just a second to pump out any water that may still be inside the motor. Remove any mud or plant debris from the boat or equipment and thoroughly drain livewells or anywhere else water may have pooled to stop the spread of invasive species. Storing the boat high and dry for two days before fishing a different body of water can also help. Remember, it’s your fishery.


--GFP--