SD GFP NEWS FOR 8-28-09

 

Brood survey indicates another good year for pheasants

 

PIERRE, S.D. – The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department counted an average of 6.32 pheasants per mile in 2009 as part of its annual pheasant brood survey, the fourth highest statewide count in the past 45 years.

 

Although this year’s statewide index has decreased from last year, the 2009 statewide pheasant per mile count is 13 percent higher than the 10-year average.

 

In 2007 GFP reported the highest brood route survey count in over 40 years. The count went even higher in 2008. Even though pheasant numbers remain strong, the 2009 survey reveals a 26 percent decrease from 2008.

“The pheasant brood route survey is the standard for gauging how the pheasant population is doing,” GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk said. “Our data represents a very good reflection of pheasant numbers in the areas we survey. While our pheasant population is down from 2008 record, the good news is there are still a lot of pheasants out there heading into the hunting season.”

 

“In the past 45 years only 2005, 2007 and 2008 have a higher pheasant per mile count than we found this year,” Vonk said

 

GFP surveys 110 routes of 30 miles each over a three week period from late July to mid August. Survey data is used to calculate a pheasants per mile index for these routes. GFP can then compare the number of pheasants within each local area on a year-to-year basis, and also against a 10-year average.

 

“Considering the tremendous pheasant populations we’ve had the past couple of years, I believe even with this decline South Dakota will continue to offer the premier pheasant hunting opportunity in the nation,” Vonk said. “For a historical perspective, we had a pheasant per mile count of 2.69 birds in 2002, yet hunters still harvested over 1.2 million roosters that year.”

 

According to Vonk, one key element that has sustained good pheasant populations over the past several years has been the quality habitat resulting from the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Federal cutbacks in the program have resulted in a loss of 24 percent of the CRP land in South Dakota over the past three years.

South Dakota’s regular pheasant season opens on Saturday, Oct. 17 and runs through January 3. The statewide youth season is Oct. 3 through Oct. 7, and the resident-only season on public land runs Oct. 10 through Oct. 12.

The detailed 2009 Pheasant Brood Survey Report, complete with a look at pheasant counts in the different local areas around the state, can be found on the GFP Web site at: www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/Hunting/Pheasant/Outlook.htm.

--GFP--

 

 

 

Labor Day weekend events wrap up summer
PIERRE, S.D. – Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of the summer, and South Dakota State Parks invite you to come out and enjoy their special weekend events.

Southern Hills Triathlon, Angostura Recreation Area, Sept. 5 at 7 a.m. Athletes can participate in a kids’ triathlon, sprint triathlon, Olympic distance triathlon, or duathlon. There is a fee to participate in the event and individuals or teams may enter. A park entrance license is required on all vehicles entering the park. Participants can register online at www.active.com. Info: (605) 745-4463 or (605) 745-3494.

Geocaching, Pierson Ranch Recreation Area, Sept. 5, at 10:30 a.m. This introductory course on the game of geocaching (finding hidden treasures) will teach participants how to play and how to use a GPS. GPS units will be provided for those who do not have their own. Info: (605) 668-2985

Campers Potluck, Indian Creek Recreation Area, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. Come spend a fun-filled evening and meet the other campers in the park. Don't forget to bring your favorite dish to share. Music and games will be played. Info: (605) 845-7112

Kids Bicycle Parades, Sept. 6, 9:30 a.m. at North Point Recreation Area and 11 a.m. at Randall Creek Recreation both near Pickstown. Kids need to bring only their bikes, as decorations will be provided for these end-of-the-summer events! Info: (605) 487-7046.

For more information on the South Dakota State Parks, please visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391. To learn about park programs in your area, contact your local state park office.

-GFP-

 

Trolley rides allow those with physical limitation to experience the Mickelson Trail
DEADWOOD, S.D. – Black Hills area visitors with physical limitations have two opportunities to view the Mickelson Trail by trolley on Sept. 8 and 9.

On Sept. 8, the trolley leaves at 1 p.m. from the Deadwood Trailhead and tours the Mickelson Trail from Englewood to Rochford. To reserve a spot on this tour, call Deadwood Neighborhood Housing at (605) 578-1401.

The Sept. 9, trolley ride will leave at 10 a.m. from the Hill City Trailhead and explore the area from Hill City to Mystic. Make reservations by calling the Hill City Chamber at 1-800-888-1798.

Riders will learn about the history of the railroad and the inception of the trail. The rides are approximately four hours long.  

“The Trolley rides are an excellent way for people with limitations to get out and experience the Mickelson Trail,” says Dana Garry, Park Manager. “Everyone has a wonderful time, learns a little about the trail and some folks even share stories of growing up in the Black Hills.”

Reservations are required. Each person reserving a space on the trolley will be required to have a handicapped parking permit. One assistant is allowed to accompany this person, if needed. The trolley has space available for up to two people who use wheelchairs.  

For more information, contact the Mickelson Trail office at (605) 584-3896.

- GFP -

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie invites visitors to experience monarch migration
PIERRE, S.D. – Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is hosting a Monarch Migration walk in the park Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

In early fall, Monarch butterflies make their journey to Mexico. Since the migration route and distance varies from butterfly to butterfly, the University of Kansas developed a research project to help monitor their flight.

“Everyone is welcome to help with the project or to just learn about the travels of monarchs,” said Jody Moats, S.D. state park Naturalist. “Participants will walk the trail to the summit of Spirit Mound, while catching and tagging monarch butterflies.”  

If you have questions or would like to pre-register, call (605) 232-0873. Spirit Mound is located 5 miles north of Vermillion, SD on Hwy 19.

-GFP-