SOUTH DAKOTA GFP NEWS FOR 2-26-09

 

 

GFP Commission plans March meeting in Fort Pierre

 

PIERRE, S.D.—The Game, Fish and Parks Commission will have a full agenda waiting them when they meet in Fort Pierre on March 5 and 6.

 

The Commission will be hearing recommendations from GFP staff for approximately 25 hunting seasons, ranging from pheasants to elk. Seasons that become proposals will be considered for finalization at the April meeting.

 

At the March meeting, the Commission will take public testimony and consider rules finalization action on public water zone restrictions, use of personal flotation devices, commercial bait dealer regulations and the prohibition or destruction of cultural resources from GFP lands.

 

The seasons up for finalization will be the topic of a public hearing at 2 p.m. on Thursday. A meeting agenda and the proposals that are up for public comment can be accessed at the GFP Web site at http://www.sdgfp.info/Commission/Meetings.htm.

 

Citizens who wish to provide written comments to the commission prior to the hearing can do so up until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4. Comments should be mailed to Game, Fish and Parks Commission, 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501 or e-mailed to wildinfo@state.sd.us.

 

All comments must include the sender’s full name and address in order to become part of the official record. Comments may also be presented in person at the public hearing at the AmericInn in Fort Pierre.

 

The commission also sets aside time during the meeting for public comment on items that may not be on the agenda.

 

--GFP—

 

Bald Eagle Awareness Days

 

PIERRE, S.D. -- Bald Eagle Awareness Days celebrates its 17th year of entertainment and education emphasizing the need for conservation and appreciation of bald eagles and other birds of prey. Governor Mike Rounds has proclaimed February 23-28, 2009 as Bald Eagle Awareness Week in South Dakota.

 

The public is invited to attend Bald Eagle Awareness Days events on February 26 at the Game, Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus Theater in Sioux Falls and February 27 and 28 in Pierre.

 

On Thursday, February 26, a birds of prey program will be held at the Outdoor Campus Theatre in Sioux Falls (4500 S. Oxbow Ave) beginning at 6 p.m. On Friday, February 27, the Pierre Mall will host a birds of prey program beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Mall Center Court. Additional programs will be held on Saturday, February 28 at the Pierre Ramkota Inn in Theatre II, in conjunction with the KCCR / Jack FM Farm, Home and Sports Show. Saturday’s programs begin at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. All Bald Eagle Awareness Days shows are free to the public.

 

The programs will feature a bald eagle, gyrfalcon, red-tailed hawk, and an owl. Programs will be conducted by staff from Wildlife Experiences, based in Rapid City. The public will learn about these species and observe the unique traits of raptors. Special activities will be available for younger children in association with the Saturday programs. Also on Saturday, the Oahe Wildlife Center, a raptor rehabilitation facility near Pierre, will host an open house from 9 a.m. until noon. The facility is located adjacent to the SDGFP Missouri River Fisheries Center on Highway 1806 south of Oahe Dam.

 

Bald Eagle Awareness Days activities will also include presentations on Friday, February 27 for students in Blunt and Onida. Winners of the Bald Eagle Awareness Days Art Contest will be announced on February 26 and winning entries will be displayed at the Ramkota Inn on February 28.

 

This annual event is a joint effort by local organizations, merchants and conservation agencies to increase public involvement and awareness about bald eagles and other birds of prey. All ages are encouraged to attend.

 

For more information about Bald Eagle Awareness Days, visit our internet site at: http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Diversity/BEAD/index.htm or contact Eileen Dowd Stukel with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks at (605) 773-4229.

 

-GFP-

 

Cotton Tail Rabbit and Squirrel Seasons to Close

 

PIERRE, S.D. –Saturday, February 28th is the final day for sportsman to hunt cottontail rabbits and squirrels in South Dakota.

 

Landowners and one guest will still be able to hunt cottontail rabbits on their own land year round.

-GFP-