South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D.—From the lakes of eastern South Dakota, to the Missouri River reservoirs to the streams of the Black Hills, this state offers a wealth of fishing opportunities and this weekend they’re all yours for free.

CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D.—The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Commission is considering major revisions to the state’s mountain lion hunting season. The commission approved the season proposal at its May meeting at the State Game Lodge at Custer State Park.

WAUBAY, S.D.--The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department announces the near completion of a $3 million renovation project at Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery located near Waubay.

On May 10, from 10 a.m. until noon, the public is invited to attend an open house at Blue Dog Hatchery located one-half mile west and one mile north of Waubay. Since its inception in 1982, Blue Dog Hatchery has raised 13 different fish species that have been stocked into South Dakota lakes for sport-fishing opportunities.

PIERRE, S.D. – Walkers have two opportunities to go outdoors and explore South Dakota State Parks on Saturday, April 19. Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in North Sioux City invites visitors to have breakfast with the birds while Palisades State Park in Garretson is offering an Earth Day Photo Walk.

PIERRE, S.D.—South Dakota’s hunting heritage has traditionally been passed from one generation to the next. Recognizing that linage, and wanting to help it along, the S.D. Legislature approved a bill this year that allows children as young as 10 years of age to take part in mentored hunting opportunities.

PIERRE, S.D.--The marina and resort at Spring Creek Recreation Area is under new management, and preparations are under way for the 2008 season. In February, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks and Spring Creek Ventures, LLC executed a new concession lease agreement.

BROOKINGS, S.D.—Heeding the concerns of landowners and sportsmen’s groups, the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Commission decided against a proposal that would have lengthened the pheasant season to the end of January.

PIERRE, S.D. – Almost 270 endangered whooping cranes are beginning their migration through South Dakota on a 2,500-mile journey to their Canadian nesting grounds, according to Game, Fish and Parks officials.

PIERRE, S.D. – Rainbow trout will be stocked in two areas near Pierre throughout April.

Game, Fish and Parks Fisheries Biologist Robert Hanten of Fort Pierre said the department will stock catchable-sized rainbow trout in the Oahe Marina and in Downs Marina just downstream of the LaFramboise causeway.

PIERRE, SD — The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department has identified the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program as a powerful tool to meet goals to provide additional undisturbed habitat for wildlife and public hunting access.