SD GFP NEWS FOR 4-30-09

 

 

Boaters Reminded to Have License, Proper Safety Equipment On Board

 

PIERRE, S.D. – As temperatures warm across the state, many outdoor enthusiasts are eager to dust off their boats and get them in the water.  However, boaters should remember to check their safety equipment and their boat licenses before hitting the lakes.

 

“Because boat licenses can be purchased for multiple years, they can easily be forgotten and allowed to expire,” said Charlie Wharton, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Boating Safety Coordinator.  “Boat licenses can now be purchased at the same time as vehicle licenses.”

 

“Boat owners need to make sure they check their running and trailer lights, that their throwable floatation device is in working order, they have a whistle or air horn, and that all rope in the boat isn’t rotten.  It is also important to inspect all the life jackets to make sure they are in good shape, and they properly fit, especially if they have children.”

 

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Hunter Donations Allow for Success of Sportsmen Against Hunger

 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s chapter of Sportsmen Against Hunger has grown in the past several years, due to the generosity of hunters across the state.

 

“In 2008, Hunters paid/donated $29,110 in processing fees for donated deer and antelope,” said Sportsmen Against Hunger board member Jeff Olson.  “That money covers animals that are ineligible for the program (antlered big game is not covered in the coupon program) or if the $50 deer or $40 antelope coupon didn’t completely cover the cost of the processing.”

 

 “Hunters also donated $ 9,941 in cash through the check-off system,” said Olson.  “These donations are made when hunters apply for licenses on-line or on paper.”

 

For more information on Sportsmen Against Hunger, visit www.feedtheneedsd.com.

 

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Mentored and Youth Deer Seasons a Success

 

PIERRE, S.D. – The inaugural South Dakota mentored deer season was well received by sportsmen.

 

The mentored hunting program was initiated to get youth involved in hunting.  Hunters, participating in a mentored hunt were between the ages of 10 and 15, have not taken a hunter education class and were required to be under direct supervision of an unarmed adult.

 

According to a survey done by Game Fish and Parks, 1,110 resident, single-tag antlerless licenses were issued for mentored deer hunting and a total of 687 deer were harvested.  On average, mentored hunters spent a little over 4 days in the field.

 

Hunters participating in the 2008 Youth Deer hunting season saw success as well.  7,800 youth licenses were sold for the 141 day season.  Hunters harvested 4,274 antlerless deer and spent an average of 6.36 days in the field.  The Youth Deer season began in 1990 with 1,124 licenses sold.

 

“According to these surveys and reports from staff talking to people participating in the mentored and youth seasons, hunters are extremely satisfied with their hunting experiences,” said Tom Kirschenmann, GFP Terrestrial Section Chief.

 

For a more in depth look at the Mentored Deer, Antelope, Fall Turkey and the regular Youth Deer season surveys, visit:

http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/hunting/Harvest/Projections.htm.

 

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