· Mountain Lion Kittens Sent to Zoos
· Custer State Park Offers Snowshoe Outings
· Special Buck Licenses Approved
Mountain Lion Kittens Sent to Zoos
PIERRE, S.D.—The mountain lion kittens collected by the Game, Fish and Parks Department as a result of South Dakota’s mountain lion hunting season have now been placed in zoos.
The last of the kittens was placed in early January. They were all cared for at the Wildlife and Fisheries Science Department at South Dakota State University, Brookings. Before being placed in zoos they were studied there as part of SDSU’s mountain lion research program.
The kittens were shipped to three zoos. Three went to Abilene, Texas, three went to Phoenix, Ariz., and one went to Denver, Colo.
“The staffs from SDSU and the Game, Fish and Parks Department work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for placement of the kittens in AZA-accredited zoos,” said Wildlife Division Director Tony Leif. “All will be used for eventual public display and all appear to be doing well in their new surroundings.”
Caring for the mountain lion kittens—which ranged in weight during their stay at SDSU from 10 pounds to 27 pounds--presents some unique challenges, according to Jonathan Jenks, distinguished professor and director of graduate programs in the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Department at SDSU.
“You have to be careful as they can be dangerous even as kittens,” said Jenks, who needed four stitches after one of the kittens slashed him across the face with its claws. “You also have to be careful of their diet as they must receive very specific items to ensure their proper growth.”
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Custer State Park Offers Snowshoe Outings
PIERRE, S.D. - Custer State Park is ready for snowy conditions, making snowshoe hikes possible during the mid- to late winter season. The park is offering three guided snowshoe hikes for interested participants. Each hike is geared toward beginners, allowing participants the opportunity to try snowshoes and explore some of the park’s most beautiful winter scenery.
Each hike begins at 1 p.m. on a Saturday. The first hike is on Jan. 26 and is being offered in the Sylvan Lake Day-Use Area. Participants need to meet at the Sylvan Lake General Store parking lot, located along Hwy 87 (Needles Highway). The second hike is slated for February 16 and will explore the Lover’s Leap Trail. Participants need to meet at the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center, located along Hwy 16A near the State Game Lodge. The third hike is being offered on March 15 and takes visitors along the Stockade Lake Nature Trail. Participants need to meet at the Stockade Lake Boat Ramp, located along Stockade Lake Drive on the east side of the lake.
Bradley Block, Chief of Interpretation, states, “Snowshoeing is an excellent recreational activity during the winter season. It offers physical fitness, while exposing participants to the beauty of the winter scenery.” Snowshoeing is like hiking on top of the snow without falling into the drifts. The snowshoes disperse a person’s weight over a larger area, making it easier for walking during winter-like conditions. Block further states, “The park is hoping for snow cover this winter, but even with a possible lack in snow, a dry hike will still take place in the same locations.”
Due to limited equipment supplies and snowshoe sizes, reservations are required and can be made by calling the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center at (605) 255-4464. There is no cost for the hikes; however, all vehicles require a park entrance license at the hiking locations. The current fees are $5 per person or $12 per vehicle.
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Special Buck Licenses Approved
FORT PIERRE, S.D.—While the last of South Dakota’s deer hunting seasons are winding down, work has already started on finalizing the 2008 seasons.
At its January meeting in Fort Pierre, the Game, Fish and Parks Commission approved the 2008 special buck licenses. Since the proposal was offered without changes from last year, it becomes effective without further commission action.
Special buck licenses are valid during the course of the East River and West River deer hunting seasons. George Vandel, assistant director of the Wildlife Division of the Game, Fish and Parks Department reminded commissioners that special buck license-holders may hunt only on private land.
Fees and license numbers will remain unchanged from 2007. There will be 500 resident and 500 nonresident licenses available for the West River season and 400 resident licenses available for the East River season. Nonresidents are not eligible for an East River special buck license. Resident license fees are $155 while fees for nonresidents are $505.
Applications for the special buck license should be available on the GFP Web site at http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/hunting/Applications/Index.htm in mid-March. The first application deadline is April 25.
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