Category: News and Notes

The 2024 pheasant season was fantastic in South Dakota, and the final harvest reports indicate over 1.3 million roosters were harvested by hunters. According to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) this is the highest pheasant harvest in 13 years.  “The 2024 South Dakota pheasant season was absolutely spectacular,” said Governor Larry Rhoden in […]

It’s been an exciting year for Lip Ripper Fishing so far, and it is time to share one of the major areas of expansion that’s been taking place this season! “One of my goals for this year was to really expand on YouTube,” says Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “I’ve always used YouTube […]

The application period is open for the 2025 South Dakota Firearm Deer seasons. Applications for the Black Hills Deer, Custer Deer, East River Deer, Muzzleloader Deer, Refuge Deer, and West River Deer seasons are due by 8 a.m. Central Time Tuesday, June 17. Residents are eligible to apply for all six seasons, and nonresidents are […]

There is a new opportunity waiting in many South Dakota State Parks this year, with anglers targeting special reward tagged fish on many local fisheries.  South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists have tagged thousands of fish across the state, with many being released into small ponds and dams within parks and recreation […]

The Second Century Habitat Fund has announced the 2025 habitat support decal, which features the artwork Grassy Draw by South Dakota artist Brent Beal.  Beal’s artwork was selected through a contest that featured a people’s choice vote through the SCHF Facebook page.  “We’re grateful for every artist who submitted their work and everyone who voted […]

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks wants to remind anglers that fishing regulations for Belle Fourche Reservoir, commonly referred to as Orman Dam, have changed.  Anglers are allowed to keep two walleyes per day, both being a minimum of 15 inches. The statewide regulation of one fish of 20 inches or greater would also apply. […]

The annual Open House Weekend in South Dakota will take place May 16-18. Open House Weekend is hosted every year by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and allows free entrance into all South Dakota State Parks and Recreation Areas, and no fishing license is required. Open House Weekend is an excellent time to take […]

Custer State Park staff have been busy preparing trails for the upcoming season, and provided an update on the status of a couple major projects. The Sunday Gulch Trail is set to open on May 16, 2025, which is just in time for the upcoming Open House Weekend and busy summer season.  The weather conditions […]

The Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF) has stepped on the gas pedal for habitat conservation, announcing their Defender for Habitat raffle! Fueled by the support from Governor Larry Rhoden, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), and Can-Am, this raffle aims to raise both awareness and funds for habitat conservation in South Dakota.  “We take […]

The Midwest Walleye Challenge is officially underway, with the event kicking off Tuesday, April 1. Fortunately, there is still time to get registered and get out on the water! This is South Dakota’s first year in this event, which is hosted by Anglersatlas.com and the MyCatch app. The event runs from April 1 – June […]