FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 24, 2014

CONTACT: Emily Kiel at Emily.Kiel@state.sd.us  

GFP Reminds Hunters to Register for Potential Winter Depredation Hunts

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) reminds resident hunters of a unique hunting opportunity that assists in managing wildlife during the winter months. 

“Winter depredation hunts are a valuable management tool used in certain situations to alleviate wildlife damage to landowners’ stored-feed supplies,” said Keith Fisk, GFP wildlife damage program administrator. “Depredation hunts are largely dependent upon the severity of the winter, snowfall accumulations and the number of animals involved.” 

Starting Dec. 1, 2014, South Dakota residents can register online for deer, antelope and turkey potential depredation hunts at http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/depredation-hunts.aspx. Once registered, hunters are put into a random drawing to determine eligibility once a depredation hunt is authorized. 

“Hunters may register for a maximum of 10 counties,” said Fisk.  “Depredation hunts are time-sensitive and winter weather can make travel difficult for participating hunters.  For a successful hunt, GFP needs participating hunters to be available at the hunt location almost immediately; therefore we encourage hunters to register for hunts in counties near their home or within close driving distance.” 

The GFP Wildlife Damage Management Program assists private landowners with wildlife depredation abatement techniques.  Occasionally commonly used methods are ineffective and GFP must utilize willing hunters to help reduce damage caused by wildlife. During mild winters, few hunts are conducted.  However, in extreme winter conditions depredation hunts are used more commonly because wildlife tend to congregate near farmsteads and damage stored livestock feeds. Winter depredation hunts focus on assisting private landowners with wildlife damage, but can also provide hunters with another opportunity after the regular hunting seasons have closed. 

For more information, please visit http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/depredation-hunts.aspx.

-GFP-