Why It Matters
South Dakota lawmakers have approved new elk hunting rules that expand hunting opportunities east of the Missouri River and in Custer State Park. The changes aim to address crop damage from growing elk populations in agricultural areas and manage overpopulation in state parkland.
What Happened
A legislative committee voted 4-2 Tuesday to approve rule changes from the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The package authorizes unlimited elk hunting east of the Missouri River and raises the maximum number of antlerless elk licenses in Custer State Park from 20 to 100. Two Democratic lawmakers from Sioux Falls cast the dissenting votes.
The rules take effect immediately, though the agency plans to issue 50 licenses for Custer State Park this year rather than the full allowable amount. Twenty-five licenses will be available for a two-week period in October, with the remainder offered in December.
By the Numbers
The Black Hills elk population stands at approximately 8,000 animals. Western South Dakota plains may hold up to 2,000 elk, according to state wildlife officials. Custer State Park currently has between 750 and 775 elk, well above the preferred range of 500 to 600.
East River elk populations remain significantly lower than western herds, with animals typically concentrated between Pierre and Chamberlain. The Crow Creek reservation will be excluded from the unlimited hunting zone.
The Conflict
Elk migrating into agricultural areas east of the Missouri River are causing crop damage in farm fields. Tom Kirschenmann, director of wildlife for the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, described elk management in farming regions as a challenging activity. The agency has no plans to maintain a permanent elk population in the East River area.
State Senator Liz Larson questioned whether sufficient evidence supports the unlimited hunting approach. She expressed concern about potential impacts on elk populations in what she called a new habitat area for the animals.
What’s Next
The Game, Fish and Parks department is coordinating with tribal wildlife officials on the Crow Creek reservation regarding elk management strategy. License availability for future hunting seasons will depend on population counts and whether herds are expected to grow or decline.
The staggered license distribution in Custer State Park is designed to reduce hunter congestion during each hunting period.