Putting Dollar Signs on Ducks and Geese

In a joint statement, two organizations representing waterfowl hunters, the South Dakota Wildlife Federation and the South Dakota Waterfowl Association, condemn commercial operators who want to increase the number of nonresident waterfowl hunters at the expense of the state’s residents.

“Last year, in a move to expand their market, a small number of individuals ignored the will of the Game Fish and Parks Commission and pushed through legislation to increase the number of nonresident waterfowl hunters by over a 1,000,” says Chris Hesla, executive director of the wildlife federation. “This year commercial operators are taking the next step by seeking legislation that gives them their own waterfowl licenses so they can distribute those licenses to their clients. In addition, they are hoping to double the time nonresidents hunt in the state. Chasing profits, this group wants to put a dollar sign on every duck and goose that passes through the state,” Hesla said.

George Vandel, vice president of the waterfowl association, said the commercial effort is at the expense of both resident waterfowl hunters and South Dakota businesses, especially those in small towns. “When we increase the number of nonresident hunters, we slash the opportunities for resident hunters, and many give up hunting.” According to Vandel, it’s resident hunters who pour money into the economy. “Resident waterfowl hunters travel to hunt by the thousands. They stay in motels, eat in restaurants, drink in bars, buy gas and they do it for an entire season, not just a few days. Most nonresidents don’t buy their guns, waders and decoys in South Dakota; they bring their equipment with them, along with the ice in their coolers.”

According to Department of Game Fish and Parks statistics, the number of resident waterfowl hunters has plummeted from 43,500 in 2001 to 30,000 in 2015, a one third decline in the last 15 years. The most recent department survey showed that a primary reason for the rapid decline was a loss in the opportunity to hunt. “The numbers are clear,” says Vandel. “We are losing a great South Dakota waterfowl tradition for lack of opportunity, and our economy is paying a price just to benefit a few.”