GFP News - December 28, 2012
- Only Antlerless Tags Valid for Deer Season Extension
- Experience the Mickelson Trail on Snowshoes
- South Dakota Community Foundation Awards $10,000 to the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation
Only Antlerless Tags Valid for Deer Season Extension
PIERRE, S.D. -- Deer hunters who have unfilled antlerless deer tags for the East and West River Deer Seasons will have nine additional days available to harvest antlerless deer beginning December 29 and ending on January 6.
The Game, Fish and Parks Department is reminding hunters that this provision is a change from past years when unfilled "any deer" tags converted to "antlerless only" and were valid.
For the 2012 season extension, "any deer" tags are not valid.
The changes were made as part of deer herd management objectives to direct additional antlerless harvest in the areas of the state that need it most while curtailing the doe harvest in areas where it is not needed.
Antlerless tags are valid only in the unit for which they were originally issued.
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Experience the Mickelson Trail on Snowshoes
PIERRE, S.D. -- Winter is a beautiful time to explore the Black Hills, and what better way than snowshoeing on the George S. Mickelson Trail? The trail will host three snowshoe hikes this winter.
Hikes will be held at 1 p.m. MST on Jan. 5 and Jan. 19. Both will start at the Englewood Trailhead. A snowshoe hike will also be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 2, with the location yet to be determined. Call the Black Hills Trails Office at 605-584-3896 for more information and the location of that hike.
Staff will teach basic snowshoeing skills while leading a nature walk along the trail.
"We have a limited number of snowshoes available for participants to use," said Dana Garry, Mickelson Trail manager. "We have had great turnouts for snowshoe hikes in the past, so it's important to sign up early to make sure you get a pair. There is no previous experience needed. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!"
"We'd also like to remind people that snowshoes are available for check-out anytime, not just during guided hikes," Garry said.
There is no cost for the hikes, although a trail pass is required. Both day and annual trail passes will be available for purchase before the hikes begin. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather.
For a full listing of events for 2013, visit the state parks website at www.gfp.sd.gov or call 605-773-3391.
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South Dakota Community Foundation Awards $10,000 to the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation
The South Dakota Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation has been awarded a $10,000 grant to assist with the development of Blood Run State Park. This grant was presented through the South Dakota Community Foundation's statewide grant program.
The SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) have begun to develop a new premier State Park on the SD side of the Blood Run National Historic Landmark. GFP and Parks and Wildlife Foundation (PWF) have worked together to secure funds needed to purchase land and finance initial development of the site. Blood Run is located 8 miles southeast of Sioux Falls along the Big Sioux River. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970. It was so designated because it is one of the oldest places of long-term human habitation in America and because it is the most significant and substantial Oneota cultural site in the nation.
According to Ginger Niemann, Program Officer of the South Dakota Community Foundation, "Blood Run State Park will be a great asset to the state of South Dakota." "The South Dakota Community Foundation is pleased to be a partner on this important project," Niemann said.
The South Dakota Community Foundation is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. The Foundation commingles money from over 500 funds for investments and administration purposes. Earnings from nearly $100 million are available for distribution for non-profit, charitable and scholarship purposes. For more information on the South Dakota Community Foundation, contact 1-800-888-1842.