The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has approved a new three-year resolution governing depredation hunts used to address wildlife damage on private property.
The resolution allows GFP to issue up to 600 depredation permits annually, plus 200 landowner permits for deer, antelope and turkeys, and up to 100 elk depredation permits each year.
Officials emphasized that depredation hunts are a last-resort tool used only after other methods—such as fencing, food plots, netting and habitat management—have been attempted. The hunts are designed to move wildlife away from areas where damage is occurring rather than significantly reduce animal populations.
Hunters can sign up each December for the state’s depredation hunt list, with participants selected through a random drawing when hunts are needed.
Under the resolution, elk depredation hunts may occur year-round, while hunts for deer, turkeys and pronghorn are limited to Aug. 15 through March 31. The policy will remain in effect for the next three years.
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