GFP News for December 2020

GFP Commission Proposes Addition to Big Game Ammunition Allowance

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to add non-toxic fluted copper bullets to the currently allowed soft point bullets to expand the types of bullets allowed for big game hunting.

The proposal came from a petition submitted by Jeremy Silko of Rapid City at the November meeting, with the intent of giving hunters more options when looking for non-toxic ammunition.

“There’s been discussion on this topic in recent years, in particular on non-toxic ammunition,” said Tom Kirschenmann wildlife division director for GFP. “This proposal will allow the commission to hear from the public and do more research before making a decision on whether to approve this ammunition for big game hunting.”

To hear the discussion on this proposal, audio from the meeting is available through South Dakota Public Broadcasting and will soon be available on the GFP website as part of the meeting archive. To see the proposal in its entirety, visit gfp.sd.gov/commission/information.

Individuals can comment on this proposal by visiting gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions. Comments can also be mailed to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501.

To be included in the public record and to be considered by the commission, comments must include a full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of 72 hours before the public hearing (not including the day of the public hearing).

The next GFP Commission meeting will be held Jan. 14-15 in Pierre.

GFP Commission Proposes Navigation Lane Procedures on Nonmeandered Waters

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission (GFP) proposed a new rule establishing a procedure for the public to request a navigation lane through a closed nonmeandered body of water when no alternative legal public access is available.

The proposal also explains that, if a navigation lane is approved by the commission after a 60-day public comment period, individuals using the navigation lane would be required to take the most direct path to the open nonmeandered lake and not recreate in any manner while in the navigation lanes. The proposal also requires the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to mark established navigation lanes.

South Dakota continues to see water levels rise and inundate private property at unprecedented levels, particularly in the northeast region. While today’s landscape is different than it was a decade ago, or even in 2017, balancing the public’s interest in recreation and respect for private property rights remains a top priority for GFP.

To hear the discussion on this proposal, audio from the meeting is available through South Dakota Public Broadcasting and will soon be available on the GFP website as part of the meeting archive. To see the proposal in its entirety, visit gfp.sd.gov/commission/information.

Individuals can comment on this proposal by going online to gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions. Comments can also be mailed to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501.

To be included in the public record and to be considered by the commission, comments must include a full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of 72 hours before the public hearing (not including the day of the public hearing).

The next GFP Commission meeting will be held Jan. 14-15 in Pierre.

GFP Commission Proposes Simplifying Aerial Hunting Application Process

PIERRE, S.D. – At their December meeting, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to remove the requirement to submit pilot and medical certification as part of the aerial hunting application process.

“Applicants will still need the certifications, but will not be required to submit copies to GFP,” said GFP Wildlife Director, Tom Kirschenmann. “As we prioritize efforts for coyote control, this proposal simplifies the process for pilots to file their annual application with the Department to hunt coyotes from the air.”

To hear the discussion on this proposal, audio from the meeting is available through South Dakota Public Broadcasting and will soon be available on the GFP website as part of the meeting archive. To see the proposal in its entirety, visit gfp.sd.gov/commission/information.

Individuals can comment on this proposal by going online to gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions. Comments can also be mailed to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501.

To be included in the public record and to be considered by the commission, comments must include a full name and city of residence and meet the submission deadline of 72 hours before the public hearing (not including the day of the public hearing).

The next GFP Commission meeting will be held January 14-15 in Pierre.