Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 17, 2004
For more information: Ron Fowler, 773-4193

ARCHERY ANTELOPE AND DEER PROPOSALS

PIERRE – Changes from last year’s archery deer and antelope seasons would decrease the number of special unit archery antelope licenses, increase archery antlerless deer license numbers and extend the regular archery deer season to Jan. 31. After Jan. 1, regular archery deer licenses would be valid only for antlerless deer.

"Archery antelope licenses available in Buffalo and north Brule counties (unit 14A) would decrease from 50 to 25 under this proposal," said Regional Game Manager Andy Lindbloom of Pierre.

Archery antelope season dates would be Aug. 21 – Oct. 31, except where there is an open rifle antelope season.

"If the commission proposal passes without changes, regular archery deer hunters would have an extra month of hunting," said Game Management Specialist Ron Fowler of Pierre. "However, in our continuing effort to increase antlerless deer harvest, starting Jan. 1, 2005, all regular archery deer licenses would be valid for antlerless deer only."

Lastly, archery antlerless deer hunters would find more licenses available for 2004 than last year. Changes would include:

• Increase the total number of antlerless licenses available from 3,430 one-tag licenses and 760 two-tag licenses to 3,435 one-tag licenses and 840 two-tag licenses.
• Establish unit 11A in Bennett County, which would include Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge from Sept. 27 – Dec. 31.
• Divide unit 27B into two units, 27B and 27C, with the same descriptions as in the West River season.

Dates for the 2004 archery antlerless season would be Sept. 25 – Jan. 31, 2005 with the same exceptions as for the regular archery deer season.

To comment on the proposed changes, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 1 at The Four Aces/Hampton Inn in Deadwood, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to wildinfo@state.sd.us. Comments must include full name and address.

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