New book about S.D. birds now available
PIERRE – South Dakota’s bird lovers have a new resource just released by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP). The “Second Atlas of Breeding Birds of South Dakota” is a reference about 250-plus species that breed in the state.
The book is the culmination of a project to revisit the state of South Dakota’s breeding birds. Field work started 20 years after the first Atlas began. The book is available for $35 by calling GFP at 605-223-7662.
An atlas is a method of determining the distribution of all breeding bird species and associated habitat needs in a specific area. Many atlases are repeated at 20-year intervals to document how environmental changes have affected birds. The first South Dakota Breeding Bird Atlas included data from 1988-1992, with 219 bird species documented.
The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies coordinated the second Atlas for GFP, with field work from 2008-2012. The project was funded by federal State Wildlife Grant dollars, GFP and the Izaak Walton League. Many bird-watchers volunteered their time and skills to help cover the area needed to collect enough information to make conclusions about changes.
The book describes how the Atlas was conducted and includes general highlights. In addition, readers will find 252 species accounts including life history information, important second Atlas findings, color photos and county results that allow comparisons between the first and second atlases. Atlas results are also available on GFP’s website: https://gfp.sd.gov/breeding-bird-atlas/.
Elk raffle license proposed
PIERRE – In late August, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) received a petition for rule change to establish an elk raffle license that would be valid during the Black Hills elk hunting season.
The petition was accepted by the GFP Commission earlier this month in Yankton as a proposal and is now open for public comment through Oct. 4. As proposed, this raffle license would be available for qualifying residents only and would be made available to 501(c)3 non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to wildlife management to apply for the opportunity to use as a fundraiser. Funds raised would be used for wildlife management; which may include, but is not limited to habitat, research and other management activities. The petition also requested the license be made available in any unit where an any elk license is allocated; excluding Custer State Park.
The public hearing will be Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. MDT at Cadillac Jacks in Deadwood. 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.
Three Adopt-A-Lake Events Planned
PIERRE –South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks’ (GFP), in partnership with the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, will be holding three Adopt-A-Lake clean-up events this weekend.
n Saturday, Sept 22 - Beaver Lake (Minnehaha County). Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. at access parking lot.
n Saturday, Sept 22 – Enemy Swim Lake (Day County). Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. at the Indian Bay (Church Bay) access area.
n Sunday, Sept 23 – Lake Thompson (Kingsbury County). Volunteers should meet at 1 p.m. at the Oldham Grade. It is requested that you not park on the grade.
The Adopt-A-Lake program is aimed at keeping the lakes and rivers free of litter with the long-term vision of ensuring sustainability of the natural resources we all know and love about our home state.
Equipment, garbage bags, gloves and vests will be provided for use during the cleanup events.
When a volunteer or group commits to a lake, GFP will install a sign of recognition in honor of the organization or group adopting the lake. Anyone who wishes to keep our South Dakota lakes and rivers clean and free of trash can volunteer through this program.
Maintaining South Dakota’s resources is a priority for all of us. Fishing, hunting and recreating are all made possible because of natural stewardship.
For more information, contact the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers at southdakota@backcountryhunters.org.
Mentored hunting opportunities available
PIERRE – With hunting seasons just around the corner, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) would like to remind hunters that the South Dakota Legislature and the GFP Commission have eliminated the minimum age restrictions for resident youth hunting, meaning any resident child is eligible to hunt with a mentor.
A child who does not turn 12 by Dec. 31 must be accompanied by a mentor. The mentor must be properly licensed for the season the season the youth is hunting. Remember, since there are no youth licenses for antelope or fall turkey, youth 16 and under are eligible for mentored licenses for these seasons, even if they have a HuntSAFE certification.
In the instance of big game hunting, the mentor can apply for an mentored license, which will be in the mentor’s name. A mentored license will not effect the eligibility of the mentor to apply for their own big game licenses.
Mentors must be a competent adult, at least 18 years old and have written consent from the parent or guardian.
For more information on mentored and youth hunting, visit page 60 of the 2018 South Dakota Hunting Handbook.
600 riders take part in Mickelson Trail Trek
LEAD – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) says beautiful fall weather helped make last weekend’s 21st annual Mickelson Trail Trek a success.
“The beautiful Black Hills scenery and fall colors help attract riders each year,” said Mickelson Trail manager Dana Garry-Reiprich. “We were excited to have the ride full with 600 riders, of which seven were returning for their 21st year and 23 were with us for their 10th year.”
This year’s event, held Sept. 16-18, brought people to the Black Hills from 25 states.
Over the three days, trekkers rode past scenic Sheep Canyon and Crazy Horse Monument, across the Freedom Bridge south of Mystic and into Lead-Deadwood on the final leg of the trail.
“Staff from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, along with many volunteers, worked hard to pull this year’s Trail Trek together,” Garry-Reiprich said. “We would especially like to acknowledge and thank the volunteers and the chambers of commerce that greeted the trekkers with water, snacks, ice cream and meals along the way.”
The annual ride is held the third weekend of September, with the 2019 Trail Trek scheduled for Sept. 20-22. Online registration will be available in December, and Garry-Reiprich encourages riders to sign up as early as possible to ensure a spot in the ride. “The trek is limited to 600 riders, and the ride has been filling in weeks!”
For more information on the Mickelson Trail, visit MickelsonTrail.com or contact the Black Hills Trails office at 605-584-3896.
