FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005
CONTACT: Tim Withers, 223-7721

Oahe Decoy Registration Fields and Trailer Closed Christmas Day

PIERRE, S.D. – Holiday waterfowl hunters should note that the Sheehan waterfowl, decoy-only field hunting area and the Okobojo/Cow Creek decoy-only fields will be closed Dec. 25. Both units, however, will be open New Year’s Day.

"Closing the registration units north of Pierre for Christmas Day will allow department employees, who manage the area and its morning registration process, to spend the holiday with their families," said Lower Oahe Waterfowl Coordinator Tim Withers.

The Sheehan Waterfowl Unit is located along Grey Goose Road, two miles north of the Hughes County line and includes 30 fields. The Okobojo/Cow Creek decoy-only unit includes five fields west of the Sheehan Waterfowl unit. Both units require hunters to register one hour before sunrise to hunt. Only six hunters are allowed to use a field, and they must set out their own decoys.

"The closure will have little effect on hunting opportunity," Withers noted, "as several other access areas nearby will remain open. Sportsmen wanting to hunt the Lower Oahe Waterfowl Access Areas on Christmas Day might want to check the pass shooting pits at Mailshack Creek, Cow Creek, Spring Creek or Peoria Flats. The canals and walk-in areas will also provide great opportunities for hunters not only on Christmas Day, but throughout the holiday season."

PIERRE, S.D. – Holiday waterfowl hunters should note that the Sheehan waterfowl, decoy-only field hunting area and the Okobojo/Cow Creek decoy-only fields will be closed Dec. 25. Both units, however, will be open New Year’s Day.

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