OPPORTUNITY FOR INPUT ON PUBLIC HUNTING AREA PURCHASES

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking input on the Division of Wildlife’s land acquisitions priorities and guidelines document through April 10, 2016.

“The purpose of this document is to help guide our agency, the Division of Wildlife and the GFP Commission in conducting land acquisitions over the next decade,” stated Paul Coughlin, GFP habitat program administrator. “While the current priorities and guidelines are based on a traditional approach, we are seeking input from hunters, anglers, and other land users to help shape future land acquisition priorities.”

Game Production Areas (GPA) and Water Access Areas (WAA) provide South Dakota residents and visitors with a myriad hunting and fishing opportunities, as well as places to enjoy wildlife and the beauty of the South Dakota landscape. GFP owns and manages 717 individual GPAs or WAAs across 57 counties in South Dakota, encompassing 282,475 acres dedicated to wildlife habitat, providing public hunting opportunities, and water access for fishing and boating.