Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002
For more information:  Dave McCrea, 773-4243

REMEMBER, PERMISSION IS NEEDED TO HUNT PRIVATE LAND

PIERRE – Hunters are reminded that South Dakota law states that no person may hunt, fish or trap on private property without permission from the landowner or lessee. 

Game, Fish and Parks Law Enforcement Specialist Dave McCrea said hunters must remember to get permission to access private land before they can begin hunting the property. 

He also notes that private property outside of a portion of the Black Hills Fire Protection District in South Dakota does not need to be posted to legally prevent trespassing, and this includes land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). 

"Unless CRP lands are enrolled into the department’s Walk-In Areas program, CRP is private property and permission must be given before hunters can legally access these properties," McCrea said. "Hunters need to be aware that state law restricts access to CRP lands, even though the program is federally funded." 

He added that asking for permission can improve relationships between landowners and hunters. "It only takes one trespassing violation to ruin access privileges for other hunters," he said. "Hunting private land is a privilege, not a right. If hunters respect private property and show their gratitude afterward, they can establish a relationship with the landowner that both will appreciate." 

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