The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has approved a major expansion of the area where hunters can use dogs to pursue mountain lions in the Black Hills. Previously limited to Custer State Park, hound-hunting will now be allowed in a crescent-shaped section of the southern and southeastern Black Hills Fire Protection District.
The decision, passed by voice vote during Thursday’s commission meeting in Rapid City, aims to help manage predator populations and support struggling deer herds. Hound-hunting has proven far more effective than hunting on foot—35 lions were taken with dogs in Custer State Park over five years, compared to just one by boot hunters.
The expansion drew passionate debate. Supporters, including members of the South Dakota Houndsmen Association, cited low lion harvests in the southern Hills and the need for better predator control. Opponents, including the Black Hills Mountain Lion Foundation and several landowners, raised concerns about trespassing, livestock disruption, and the region’s patchwork of public and private land.
Commissioner Travis Theel recused himself from the vote due to public concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Commissioner Travis Bies, who made the motion to approve, said he did not own land in the proposed area and voted to represent western landowners.
The lion harvest cap remains unchanged at 60 total or 40 females for the Black Hills season, which runs from December 26 to April 30. The 2024–25 season saw 52 lions taken. Dogs are already permitted year-round for prairie lion hunts.
The expansion also extends the hound-hunting window in Custer State Park from two to three weeks and removes limits on boot hunters there. Temporary access permits for the new hound-hunting zone will be issued via random drawing.
The Legislature’s Rules Review Committee will consider final approval at its next meeting on Tuesday, September 9. If passed, the changes will be in effect for two years, with a review planned afterward.
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