PIERRE, S.D. – Four Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposals would modify South Dakota’s regulations for fish spearing, which is an inclusive term that includes archery gear, hand held spears and spearguns used by underwater divers.
One proposal would increase the time that night spearing is open on inland waters by having the season open May 1 through Aug. 31 instead of June 1 through Aug. 31.
"Night spearing has been legal for a couple years now, and has become popular with few if any problems," said GFP Fisheries Administrator Dennis Unkenholz. "This proposal would allow additional hours of recreation and provide an effective means of harvesting rough fish."
A second night-spearing proposal would align South Dakota’s rule with Nebraska’s rule, which would allow night spearing of rough fish species on the Nebraska/South Dakota boundary waters to be open April 1 through Aug. 31.
"Nebraska allows night spearing, and allowing this rule will conform with Nebraska’s rule," Unkenholz noted. "Additionally, the Nebraska/South Dakota boundary waters includes the stretch of Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam, an area that is populated with several invasive Asian carp species. Spearing here, most of which is done with archery equipment, is most effective at night, and allowing night spearing in this area should increase the harvest of those invasive fish species."
Thirdly, lakes Whitewood, Preston, Spirit, Albert, John, Mary and Norden would be added to the list of waters open for winter spearing from Dec. 1 through Feb. 28. If Feb. 28 falls on a Saturday, then the season would close on March 1.
For a number of years, a selection of lakes were open to liberalized fishing, which allowed plenty of opportunity for winter spearing. "That list has been repealed, and fisheries officials have been asked to open more lakes for winter spearing," Unkenholz said. "Spearing through the ice applies to a relatively small group of anglers, and the lakes in question receive little fishing use during open water months, so winter harvest would be appropriate."
A fourth proposal would extend the spearing season for game fish on portions of three Missouri River Reservoirs. Currently spearing of game fish is legal from July 1 through March 5 of the following year, except for Lake Sharpe, which is closed for spearing during September through November. The proposal would move the opening time for spearing game fish to June 1."This proposal does not change the areas of the reservoirs open to spearing of game fish," Unkenholz said. The reservoir areas open to spearing of game fish are:
Spearers are expected to abide by the same rules as do anglers and comply with the rules that govern spearing while underwater.
"We need to hear from both spearers and traditional anglers regarding their support for changing these season lengths," Unkenholz noted.
The comment period for this proposal will be open
up to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2. Anyone interested in presenting a comment is encouraged to do so at any time during the comment period by e-mailing wildinfo@state.sd.us or writing to Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. All comments must be received before 5 p.m. and include the person’s full name and address. Comments may also be presented in person to the GFP Commission at the time of the public hearing at 2 p.m. (MST), Nov. 3, at the Howard Johnson Express Inn in Rapid City.-30-