SD GFP NEWS FOR 8-18-09

GFP to Hold Meetings on Fishing Regulations

WATERTOWN, S.D. – Game Fish and Parks fisheries staff will be holding two public meetings in northeastern South Dakota to discuss possible fishing regulation changes for walleyes and bass. 

 

Meeting times and locations are as follows:

 

7:00 PM

August 25, 2009

Ramkota Inn

Watertown, SD.

 

7:00 PM

August 27, 2009

Izaak Walton Building

Webster, SD.

 

“We are looking at making some changes to standardize many of the lakes in northeastern South Dakota,” said GFP fisheries biologist Brian Blackwell.  “After 20 years of minimum length limits, we have learned what does and doesn’t work, but we still want as much public input as we can gather on this popular topic.” 

 

Some of the lakes that will be discussed at these meetings will be: Clear, Elm, Enemy Swim, Pickerel, Pointsett, Richmond, Roy, Mina, Waubay, Kampeska, Bitter, Cattail, Lynn, and Opitz. 

 

As part of the changes the current walleye 14- and 16-inch minimum length limits will become 15-inch minimum length limits. In some cases it will be recommended that the walleye minimum length limit be removed.  On most lakes the changes are relatively straight forward.  However, at Lakes Kampeska and Waubay there are two options available for managing the walleye populations and it is imperative that the public has input.

 

“We feel we need to make these management decisions and rules a little easier for anglers.  Also we are taking a good look at why any minimum length limits are on specific lakes and how we can make them a little more consistent,” said Blackwell.

-GFP-

 

Camping numbers up at S.D. state parks

PIERRE, S.D. – State park camping numbers continued to be strong in July. Overall, camping numbers are nearly 11 percent ahead of last year.

“Many families are vacationing close to home this summer,” said state park assistant director, Bob Schneider. “Rather than stay just for the weekend, many campers are staying 3 days and longer.”

Good moisture and moderate temperatures have also had a positive impact on state parks and recreation areas. “The parks are absolutely beautiful this summer,” noted Schneider. “Late summer is a great time to camp, and sites are available in most state park campgrounds.”

To make camping reservations for both campsites and camping cabins at South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, visit www.campsd.com or call 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). The parks are currently accepting reservations for arrivals the rest of summer and into the fall camping season. For a listing of upcoming special events and programs in the parks, visit www.sdparks.info.

-GFP-

Pelican Lake Recreation Area offers Archery Class

WATERTOWN, S.D. – Pelican Lake Recreation Area invites all skill levels to an archery class Saturday at 10 a.m.

“This shoot is for all ages and abilities and is intended to introduce the sport of archery to more people,” said assistant park manager Rhet Russell. “This is an excellent chance to get the whole family involved in the outdoors.”

All equipment will be provided including targets, left- and right-handed bows, and arrows. “The equipment is made for all abilities and is very easy to use,” added Russell.

There is no cost to attend the programs; however, a park entrance license is required. Pelican Lake Recreation Area is located 9 miles southwest of Watertown off US 12.

For more information about the archery class call (605) 882-5200. For more information about programs in South Dakota state parks visit www.sdparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

-GFP-