CUSTER (AP) -- South Dakota's Game, Fish and Parks Commission is proposing another reduction in Black Hills deer-hunting licenses this fall. The goal is to rebuild a deer herd that is one-third the size it used to be.
According to media reports, commissioners are proposing 3,618 licenses for a November rifle deer-hunting season in the Black Hills. That is down more than 900 permits from last year and far below the 8,000-9,000 permits authorized annually between 2006 and 2008, when the Black Hills herd was estimated at 60,000 deer. It is now down to 40,000.
Wildlife officials say hunting pressure is the main reason for the herd decline. Some hunters think mountain lions are the main factor.
The commission could approve the season proposal at its meeting in Pierre next month.
