SD GF&P briefs: Changes proposed for special buck tags

PIERRE — The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks commission has proposed two changes to licenses available for the West River special buck hunting season.

The number of licenses available for the West River season would increase from 500 to 600 for both residents and nonresidents. The license fee for the nonresident West River Special Buck license would increase from $500 to $600.

No changes are proposed for the resident East River special buck licenses. There would be 500 licenses available for the next season.

The special buck licenses run in conjunction with the West River deer season and East River deer season, respectively.

Changes in public water zoning proposed

PIERRE — The Game, Fish and Parks commission has proposed changes to existing boating restrictions on several bodies of water in South Dakota.

One of the changes that affects the Mitchell area could create a “no-wake zone” on Lake Mitchell any time the water level of the lake reaches the height of 12 inches or more over the top of the spillway. The protective zone would be rescinded when the lake level drops to a level of 6 inches over the top of the spillway. It also is proposed that the “no-wake zone” on the west end of Lake Mitchell be reduced. The proposed zoning would extend from the lake point located in the southwest quarter of Section 32 and extending across the lake to a point on the shoreline 100 feet north of the entrance to the man-made channel connecting Lake Mitchell to Firesteel Creek.

GF&P commission eyes changes to boating regulations

PIERRE — The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks commission has proposed two rule changes involving equipment used on boats.

One measure would mandate that fire extinguishers required on boats be in working order. A current rule requires U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extinguishers on boats. Class A and Class 1 motorboats must carry at least one fire extinguisher of B-I type or larger; Class 2 motorboats at least two B-I type or larger; and Class 3 boats at least one B-II type and one B-I type, or three B-I type.

However, the existing rule does not stipulate that those fire extinguishers be maintained in working order. Fire extinguishers that are not serviceable or those that have been discharged are a safety risk to boaters.

The second GFP commission proposal would allow emergency rescue and law enforcement boats to use red emergency lights or a combination of red-and-blue emergency lights, as well as the blue emergency lights currently allowed.

Tags: updates, hunting, fishing, outdoors