PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to remove several archery equipment restrictions at their June meeting in Aberdeen.

The proposal would expand the list of legal equipment and would remove confusion and often unenforceable regulations. Modification of the rule would allow archers to make equipment decisions based on personal preference, performance and tailor their equipment setup to their individual requirements.

The proposal would allow archery hunters to:

• Use arrow rests that have more than three inches of continuous contact with the arrow;
• Use electronic devices mounted to the bow, provided they do not project a light beam or image.
• Use compound bows with a let off of more than 80 percent;
• Use compound bows shorter than 28 inches as measured from the top of the upper wheel or cam to the bottom of the lower wheel or cam;
• Use telescopic sights;
• Use an arrow, including the attached broadhead, weighing less than 275 grains when hunting a big game animal; 
• Use an arrow that is less than 26 inches long when measured from the notch of the nock to the end of the shaft, not including the blunt or broadhead;
• Use a bow that measures 40 pounds or greater to hunt elk with any broadhead;
• And use a bow that measures 30 pounds or greater to hunt deer with any broadhead.

Hunters would also be required to use a broadhead when hunting any big game, including turkeys.

Hunters would still be allowed to possess an arrow tipped with any point while in the field for practice.

The GFP Commission will consider the adoption of this proposal on July 11 in Pierre. To comment in person, the public hearing will be held July 11 Pierre at 10 a.m. CDT at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. Individuals can also provide written comments on proposals by sending them to 523 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501, or online at https://gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions/. 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).

-GFP-