October 9, 2012 • Page 22 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com 2012 Pheasant Outlook PIERRE, S.D. - Annual August pheasant brood counts in South Dakota indicate that the statewide pheasant population is up from last year, and that should equate to an excellent pheasant season this fall. Complete Brood Survey Report 10-year Brood Count Trends Results of the survey show that pheasant numbers grew in many areas of the state, due in large part 2012 Pheasant count up from to a mild winter and ideal weather during the nesting Dakota Department of Game, Fish and and brood-rearing season. Parks. “It goes to show that, with the The pheasants-per-mile index for combination of good habitat and the 2012 is 4.21, up 18 percent from the right weather conditions, pheasants 3.57 index of 2011. can be quite prolific. “The mild winter of 2011-12 was the Much of the improvement in the boost we needed for pheasant survival pheasant counts came from areas of and reproductive potential,” explained the state that had a good habitat base. Jeff Vonk, secretary of the South “Pheasant hunting will be good across most of the state, with the traditional pheasant range once again providing excellent hunting opportunities,” Vonk said. “More than 1.5 million pheasants were harvested last year, and our counts indicate that this year will be another exceptional year for pheasant hunting in South Dakota.” Gov. Dennis Daugaard said the 2011 pheasant survey is good news for the state. “Pheasant hunting is important to the economic well-being of South Dakota, and it also helps support the strong outdoor heritage of our state,” the Governor said. Big Game Hunting Over Bait Prohibited PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is reminding hunters that hunting big game over bait is prohibited on all lands. A person may not establish, utilize, or maintain a bait station when hunting from August 15 to February 1 to attract any big game animal, including wild turkey. A bait station is a location where grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay, minerals, or any other natural food materials, commercial products containing natural food materials, or byproducts of such materials are placed or maintained as an attractant to big game animals for the purpose of hunting. The use of scents alone does not constitute a bait station. In addition, this restriction does not apply to foods that have not been placed or gathered by an individual and result from normal environmental conditions or accepted farming, forest management, wildlife food plantings, orchard management, or similar land management activities. For more information, contact a local conservation officer or GFP Division of Wildlife Office. S.D. part of nationwide trend in hunting/fishing participation PIERRE, S.D. - If fishing license sales are any indication, South Dakota is in line with a recent study showing an increase in the number of hunters and anglers in the United States. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported preliminary results from their onceevery-five-years study of hunting and fishing participation around the country. The study showed an 11 percent increase in the number of anglers over 2006. Meanwhile, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department reports one of its best years in fishing license sales in some time. Nearly 67,000 resident annual fishing licenses have been sold so far in 2012, compared to 56,000 at the same time in 2011. In 2006, there were 56,000 licenses sold for the entire year. Hunting has seen a less dramatic increase, but the Fish and Wildlife Service survey numbers showed an increase in hunter numbers for the first time in two decades. Numbers in South Dakota have been fairly consistent over the past several years. With hunting seasons just beginning to open many license sales have not taken place, so it will be late in the year before 2012 can be compared to past years. Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates - a leading research and data analysis firm focused on the sportfishing and hunting industries - says there are several factors that may be part of the increase. “The slow economy has certainly had an impact,” Southwick said. “When the economy took a hit, a lot of people went back to enjoying more traditional activities that were also less costly than other options. Fishing license sales and tackle sales data all back that up.” Another factor may be efforts by states, organizations and businesses to recruit and retain more anglers and hunters. South Dakota, like many other states, has been active in promoting outdoor activities and in particular participation in hunting and fishing. GFP has worked with national organizations such as the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and National Shooting Sports Foundation, as well as other businesses and organizations with an interest in pro- moting these sports. “It is a very rewarding experience when our staff introduces men and women, both young and old, to hunting and fishing,” said Tony Leif, director of the GFP Division of Wildlife. “We feel as though we are not only perpetuating a great South Dakota tradition, but also a way for our citizens to enjoy the many outdoor opportunities our state has to offer.” Leif pointed to the work at GFP’s Outdoor Campuses in both Sioux Falls and Rapid City, as well as numerous one-day events GFP hosted throughout the summer in locations around the state that all offered handson experience in shooting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. “The activities we host at our Outdoor Campuses and across the state in various communities are an open invitation for South Dakotans to become acquainted with the outdoor adventures our state has to offer. My hope is that after a sample of the fun, these folks will become life-long anglers and hunters,” Leif said. For more information about hands-on learning opportunities through GFP, visit their website at http://gfp.sd.gov/outdoorlearning/ . Camo Clad Wrap & Wild Game Processing “All the meat is vac sealed and legal for transport” • Deer • Ducks • Antelope • Pheasants • Geese “Camoing the World One Project at a Time” • Salami • Cheese Salami • Smoked Country • Ring Bologna • Wieners • Cheese Stick • Breakfast Sausage • Bratwurst • Cheesy Brats • Jerky • Sticks • Dried Deer • Vehicles • Guns • 4-Wheelers • Mowers • Tractors • Anything else you would want to camo! Protect Your Pickup Box...We install herculiners! 605.660.9049 3701 W. 8th St., Yankton West of All Seasons Power Sports