Local Wildlife Officials Looking For Information About an Illegally-killed Raptor

PIERRE, S.D.- Game, Fish, and Parks Conservation Officers are searching for information about a hawk that was killed illegally in central Hughes County. It is believed that the hawk was shot and killed on Thursday, Dec. 15, or Friday, Dec. 16. 

Anyone with any information about this incident should contact Hughes County Conservation Officer John Murphy at 223-7710 or the Turn in Poachers hotline at (800) 592-5522. If the provided information leads to an arrest and conviction of a wildlife law violation, the caller could be eligible for a reward. The caller can also remain anonymous.

Hawks, like other birds of prey, are protected under state and federal laws, although they are sometimes killed or wounded by people who mistakenly believe that killing these birds will help game species. South Dakota hosts nearly 20 species of raptors that breed or regularly visit the state, including two winter visitors that are highly sought-after by birdwatchers, the snowy owl and gyrfalcon.