SD GFP NEWS FOR 1-23-09

GFP Conducts CWD Testing in Big Game

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- The big game seasons have closed in South Dakota, and Game Fish and Parks biologists are finishing up their Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Program for 2008.

GFP tested 2,052 elk, white-tailed deer and mule deer from July 1 to January 20, 2009.  Of the total samples, 27 specimens came back with a positive CWD result.  Last year, a total of 2,558 tests on deer and elk revealed 19 positive results.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal brain disease of deer, elk, and moose that is caused by an abnormal protein called a prion.  Animals in the late stages of infection with CWD show progressive loss of weight and body condition, behavior changes, excessive salivation, increased drinking and urination, depression, loss of muscle control, and eventually death.  This disease can not be diagnosed by observation of physical symptoms because many big game diseases affect animals in similar ways. 

“We are pleased with the cooperation that we received from our hunters this year, and how smoothly our testing program worked,” said Steve Griffin, GFP Big Game Biologist.  “We have been conducting this testing since 1997 and this is the second year in a row that we have seen an increase in the number of positive results in South Dakota.”

GFP tested 381 elk (9 positive CWD tests), 473 mule deer (11 positive), and 1198 white-tailed deer (7 positive).

“Most of the animals that tested positive are from areas where we have found CWD in the past, but we did have a couple of new areas that we will need to keep an eye on,” said Griffin.  “We annually evaluate our testing program and determine how we will proceed in the future.”

Since the beginning of this CWD Surveillance Program, more than 19,450 wild deer and elk have been tested, with 104 cases of CWD found.

-GFP--

Oakwood Lakes State Park Hosts Cross-Country Ski Events For All Ages

PIERRE, S.D. – Bring the whole family for a day of winter fun at the 29th Annual Groundhog Day Cross-Country Ski Race and the Sons of Norway Barnelopet Children's Ski Run. The event is scheduled for Feb. 1 at Oakwood Lakes State Park near Bruce.

“This is a great event for the entire family to get active, get outside and have fun at the park,” said Randy Pitts, Park Manager at Oakwood Lakes State Park. “The park offers many opportunities for outdoor winter recreation that families can enjoy, including ice fishing, snowshoeing and, of course, cross country skiing.”

The 29th Annual Groundhog Day Cross-Country Ski Race features a 5 kilometer non-competitive poker run, a 10 kilometer competitive race and a kick sled race. A registration fee of $8 for adults and $3 for youth (18 and under) applies to the ski race. Prizes will be awarded to the winners in each age group. The top poker hands, youngest and oldest skier and most colorful ski costume will also earn awards.

The day also features the 22nd Annual Sons of Norway Barnelopet Children's Ski Run. This event is free for kids under 13.

Registration for both events will take place at the park shop at 12:30 p.m. The race will start at 1:30 p.m. Cookies, hot chocolate and various Norwegian treats will be served throughout the day. A park entrance license is required. Park entrance licenses are required and will be available for purchase. Ski rentals for the event are available from Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness. In the event of no snow, a walk will be held in place of the race.

The day’s events are sponsored by the Sons of Norway, Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness, The Optical Shop, Brookings Radio, The Ram Pub, Brookings Engraving and the SD Division of Parks and Recreation.

For additional information on the day’s events, call Oakwood Lakes State Park at (605) 627-5441 or Robb Rasmussen at (605) 692-5022. For a calendar of other upcoming special events in South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas, visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks.

-GFP-