·         S.D. Offers Free Fishing This Weekend

·        Special Week Highlights Need for Boater Safety

S.D. Offers Free Fishing This Weekend

PIERRE, S.D.—From the lakes of eastern South Dakota, to the Missouri River reservoirs to the streams of the Black Hills, this state offers a wealth of fishing opportunities and this weekend they’re all yours for free.

South Dakota’s lakes and rivers are open to everyone who wants to try the sport during the Free Fishing Weekend, May 16 through May 18. During that weekend, no fishing license is required on state-managed waters and admission is free at state parks and recreation areas.

“Fishing is one of the best ways to enjoy South Dakota’s outdoors and time with family,” said John Lott, fisheries program administrator for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “It doesn’t take a big investment to get started and this weekend you don’t even have to pay for the license.”

The Free Fishing Weekend was developed by GFP as a way to interest more people in the sport. The weekend has the potential to appeal to a wide variety of people including:

·        Parents or grandparents who may use the free weekend to rekindle their interest in the sport while passing it on to their children and grandchildren.

·        Spouses of avid anglers who might not otherwise buy a license to accompany them.

·        Nonresidents who get to sample South Dakota angling opportunities for free and may be enticed to make return trips.

While boats are a common sight on South Dakota’s bodies of water, Lott notes that there are plenty of shore-fishing opportunities in the state for folks who may want to give the sport a try for the first time. “If you’re unsure where to start just ask,” Lott said. “Ask your neighbors or at the bait shop, the sporting goods store, the GFP office. People in this state love to talk fishing.”

While no fishing license is require during the weekend of May 16-18, all other South Dakota fishing regulations apply. The GFP Fishing Handbook is available from licensing offices and from retailers who serve as licensing agents. A list of those licensing agents, a PDF version of the Fishing Handbook and fishing information that encompasses the entire state can be found at the department Web site at http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/fishing/Index.htm.

The Free Fishing Weekend is held in conjunction with a weekend-long open house at the state’s park and recreation areas which offer free admission for those three days. Permission is required to cross private land to access fishing waters.

--GFP—

Special Week Highlights Need for Boater Safety

PIERRE, S.D.—Heading for the lake or the river is a common activity for boaters in South Dakota. However, it doesn’t matter if they’re fishing, skiing or taking a leisurely spin around the lake, all boaters should have one thing in common: They should all be wearing life jackets.

May 17 through May 23 is National Safe Boating Week. This year’s campaign focuses on life jackets with the theme “Wear It!”

In 2004, of the 676 recreation boating fatalities in the United States, 90 percent of the victims were not wearing life jackets. “The key to boating safety is common sense,” said Curt Robertson, boating safety coordinator for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “You wouldn’t take part in any other activity without using the proper safety equipment and boating is no different.”

In addition to always wearing a personal floating device while on the water, Robertson offers a few other safety tips:

• Travel only in areas open to your type of boat.
• Carry a Coast Guard-approved life vest for each person on board and make sure they are properly worn at all times.
• Always operate your boat at a safe speed.
• Always have a designated lookout to watch for other boaters, objects and swimmers.
• Never jump a wake.
• If crossing a wake, cross at lower speeds and keep a close lookout for skiers and towables.
• Comply with all signs and barriers. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones and underwater obstructions.
• Make every effort to always go boating with a partner.
• Make certain your trailer is in proper working order and that your lights work and your boat is secure on the trailer before you travel to your destination. When towing your boat, balance your load including items stowed inside your boat.

Respecting the rights of others goes a long way toward enjoying a safe outing on the water. “Showing consideration for other boaters will make the boating experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone,” Robertson said. “Be courteous to boaters near the boat ramp and be sure to launch your boat safely but quickly.”

The GFP Web site has a wealth of information about boating in South Dakota available at http://www.sdgfp.info/wildlife/Boating/Index.htm.

--GFP--