South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

The commission discussed a proposal for Custer State Park Bison Bull hunts, aiming to increase hunting license opportunities while maintaining a healthy herd. Updates were provided on the Mickelson Trail Trek and the Buffalo Round Up, including attendance figures and event successes. The Custer State Park Resorts RFP preparation process was reviewed, including the engagement of Axias Inc. and the timeline for releasing the concession opportunity RFP. The commission also considered the marketing theme for the 2026 season, which will celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Additionally, reports were presented on park camping units and revenue, the mentored hunting process, the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Complex, pheasant hunting outreach efforts, public access areas, and license sales.

The discussion revolves around the allocation of deer licenses in South Dakota, a topic of significant interest to the state's large community of deer hunters. The presentation covers initiatives to review and potentially revise the current license allocation system, aiming to enhance the equitability of recreational opportunities. Key points include an analysis of the number of firearm deer applicants from 2009 to 2017, age demographics of the applicants, and success rates across different hunting seasons. The presentation also addresses a survey conducted in 2014, which indicated support for increasing hunters' chances of drawing at least one buck license. The goal is to evaluate alternatives that could distribute preferred licenses to more hunters without limiting overall opportunity.

The commission addressed several key areas, including a review of the McCook Lake cleanup project following a severe flood in June 2024, and held a public hearing on the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) list and exemptions, as well as the Mountain Lion Hunting Season. A petition regarding resident bison tags was presented, aiming to allocate 60% of licenses to residents. Modifications to the Mountain Lion Hunting Season were approved, expanding season dates and hunting unit sizes. Updates were given on the Spring Creek Restaurant lease, Custer State Park Resort lease, Dock 44 Concession lease, Black Hills Playhouse Facility, and Recreational Trail Program projects. The commission also discussed fall capital development projects in the West Region, major events such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Buffalo Roundup, upcoming fall park events, and camping unit and revenue reports. Additionally, the commission authorized fifty-four antlerless elk contingency licenses and reviewed the results of the GPA auction. Updates were provided on the Pete Lien and Sons Shooting Sports Complex, Lakeshore Toolkit resources, the Upland Game Bird Outlook, and license sales.

The discussion involves initiatives to review deer license allocation in South Dakota, a topic of significant interest to many hunters. The commission aims to provide recreational opportunities and expand the equitability of these opportunities, while acknowledging the emotional discussions involved. The presentation includes data on deer applicant numbers from 2009 to 2017, applicant age demographics, and application success rates across various seasons. A 2014 survey indicated strong support for increasing hunters' chances of drawing at least one buck license. The commission is evaluating potential alternatives to the current license allocation system to increase the number of hunters who draw their preferred deer license.

The commission discussed an update on the elk season proposals, survey data, and a push with Wind Cave. They pushed a total of 389 elk north into Custer State Park. The commission also discussed aerial elk surveys, site-ability models, and efforts to count animals, including challenges and methods for minimizing double counts.