GFP Employees Receive Recognition
PIERRE, S.D. – Two South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) employees have received recognition for their work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).


Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Lake Cochrane
Pierre, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has confirmed the presence of adult zebra mussels in Lake Cochrane in Deuel County.


Pet Owners Should Be Aware of Blue-Green Algae
PIERRE, S.D. – As the “dog days” of summer roll on, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks officials would like to warn pet owners of blue-green algae blooms that are appearing in ponds and lakes across the state.


GFP Commission Proposes Electric Motors Only on Two Black Hills Waters, Trout Limit Change on Border Waters
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposed to limit two waterbodies in the Black Hills to the use of electric motors only.

GFP Commission Proposes Changes to Aquatic Invasive Species Rules
PIERRE, S.D. - With the creation of new aquatic invasive species laws (AIS) during the 2020 Legislative Session, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed the following rule changes at their July meeting:

GFP Commission Proposes Safety Signage and Marking Requirements for Aeration during Periods of Ice Cover
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Park (GFP) Commission proposed to require safety signage and marking of open water areas when aquatic aeration systems are being used on waters with public access during times of ice cover.

GFP Commission Proposes Additional Missouri River Tailrace Spearfishing Opportunity
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to extend spearfishing for gamefish on the Missouri River at their July meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Expansion of Bobcat Season
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) proposed to expand the bobcat trapping and hunting season to the entire state at their July meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Changing Dates for the Elk License Raffle
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to move the drawing time period for the elk license raffle.

GFP Commission Proposes Unrestricted Shooting Preserve Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. – In response to requests from shooting preserve operators, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to create an unrestricted license option, allowing for unlimited bag limits on shooting preserves who choose to offer this option to clients.

GFP Commission Proposes More Spring Turkey Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed an increase of 140 licenses for the 2021 spring turkey hunting season.

GFP Commission Proposes Rule to Increase New Duck Hunters
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed an experimental 2-tiered duck regulation for the 2021-2024 seasons.

GFP Commission Removes Lost License Fee
PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks Commission removed the $20 administrative fee for lost or destroyed licenses, permits or game tags. However, the license agent’s fee established by SDCL 41-6-66.1 will still be charged by license agents and the department.

GFP Commission Finalizes Fall Turkey Season
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized their proposal to decrease the number of licenses available for the 2020 and 2021 fall turkey hunting seasons.

GFP Commission Establishes Fees for Nonresident Landowner Deer and Antelope Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. – During the 2020 South Dakota Legislative Session, the legislature created a provision to allow for nonresident landowners to be eligible for west river deer and firearm antelope licenses for their own land. In response to this action, the Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized fees for these licenses at their July meeting.

GFP Commission Finalizes Local Fee Exemption for Yankton Sioux Tribal Members, Families
PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission, finalized a park entrance fee exemption in collaboration with the Yankton Sioux Tribe at their July meeting. The new rule will allow Yankton Sioux Tribal members and their families to access four park areas local to the Yankton Sioux Reservation without purchasing a park entrance license (PEL).

GFP Commission Finalizes River Otter Trapping Season
PIERRE, S.D. - The Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized their proposal to create a conservative trapping season for river otters. The season will be limited to portions of eastern South Dakota.


GFP Commission Proposes Improvements to 2020 Pheasant Season
PIERRE, S.D. – At their July meeting, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission made several proposals that would provide more opportunities to hunters in upcoming hunting seasons.


GFP Announces Hunt for Habitat Winners
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department (GFP) has announced the winners of the 2020 Hunt for Habitat raffle.


GFP Commission to Be Held Via Zoom July 16-17
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission will hold their monthly meeting via Zoom on July 16-17.


South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks conducts Operation Dry Water to stop boating under the influence
National effort to reduce boating under the influence


Lake Alvin Re-Open for Swimming
PIERRE, S.D. - Lake Alvin, located outside of Harrisburg has re-opened for swimming.