Game, Fish and Parks to Consider Changes
to State Waterfowl Refuges on Lake Francis Case

As a result of changes in waterfowl migration and hunter use patterns, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is considering making some changes to the state waterfowl refuges located along Lake Francis Case.

When state refuges were first established on Lake Francis Case, wintering populations of waterfowl on this reservoir were high.  Over the years, Game, Fish, and Parks has witnessed waterfowl use on Francis Case decrease and use of Lake Oahe increase, most likely attributable to increases of food sources (pivot irrigated crops) in the Pierre area.  Many of the refuges on Francis Case no longer have waterfowl use and therefore no longer serve a purpose.  Thus, GFP is considering the following changes:   

Proposed Lake Francis Case Map

1. remove Elm creek state waterfowl refuge
2. remove Buryanek state waterfowl refuge
3. remove Platte state waterfowl refuge
4. modify Chamberlain state waterfowl refuge (reduce in size) <Proposed Map>
5. modify Whetstone state waterfowl refuge (reduce in size) <Proposed Map>
6. modify White Swan state waterfowl refuge (reduce in size) <Proposed Map>

The Missouri river in South Dakota and associated reservoirs is a popular destination for recreation and wildlife use.  Concentrated waterfowl use occurs during fall and winter months as birds from northern habitats migrate south away from extreme winter conditions.  From the North Dakota border to the Nebraska state line, there are 26 established State waterfowl refuges on the Missouri river.  Some refuges encompass only designated waters, while others also include adjacent public lands.  All waterfowl hunting is prohibited in state waterfowl refuges; however other uses of these public areas are not banned, such as fishing or hunting other species.  State waterfowl refuges were created to provide security to waterfowl in traditional use areas, and to provide undisturbed resting areas for ducks and geese during their southerly migration to wintering habitats. 

Some refuges were also established in areas to facilitate hunting opportunities on adjacent private and public lands.  Often waterfowl leaving or returning from refuges can provide pass shooting for hunters, and ducks and geese feeding in areas surrounding refuges provide decoy-hunting opportunities. 

Interested parties can submit comments online from this website <comment form>.  The public can also submit comments to the GFP via letter (SDGFP, 20641 SD Hwy 1806, Ft. Pierre, SD 57532) or phone (605-223-7709).  GFP also invites the public to attend any one of the 3 public open houses that will be hosted to gather input on these refuge changes.  Details of the open houses are as follows:          

1. Platte open house, Platte Fire Hall, 521 S Vermont Ave., Nov. 10, 4-7p. <map>
2. Chamberlain open house, GFP office, 1550 E. King Ave., Nov. 17, 4-7p <map>
3. Lake Andes open house, Community Center, West Main St., Nov 19, 4-7p <map>