PIERRE (AP) - South Dakota wildlife officials have rejected a proposal to allow statewide spearing and bow fishing of most game fish year-round.
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has voted against the measure that would have allowed the use of legal spear and bow fishing equipment on all game fish species, with the exception of paddlefish and sturgeon, in all inland waters starting next year.
The proposal was is in response to a petition submitted by spearfishermen.
The game fish spearing and bow fishing season currently runs from June 15 through March 15 in established open waters such as Lake Oahe, portions of Lakes Sharpe and Francis Case, and Angostura and Belle Fourche reservoirs.
