October 8, 2013 • Page 16 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Hunters, Anglers Score in Yankton By Jeremy Hoeck The Press & Dakotan No matter the month, no matter the season and no matter the interest, there are plenty of opportunities for local and regional outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a successful outing. The southeastern part of South Dakota boasts more than 175 fishing lakes, ranging in size up to 29,000 acres, according to the Yankton visitors website. Lewis and Clark Lake offers more than 29,000 acres of surface water, and has attracted anglers because of its abundance of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Westside Park in Yankton also has a fishing pond for kids. Three major rivers that run through the region also make Yankton and the surrounding area a hotbed for anglers. The Big Sioux River, James River and the Missouri River — which includes Lewis and Clark Lake — are popular attractions during the summer for families. Harvest and length limits vary for fish taken on the Missouri River, but the most popular have been bass and walleye. Anglers have a daily limit of four and a possession limit of eight for walleye, and a daily limit of five and possession limit of 10 for largemouth/smallmouth bass. Paddlefish are also a popular target for anglers. There are two seasons for paddlefish, a summer archery season and a fall snagging season. Both occur in the Missouri River, downstream from Gavins Point Dam, which is located near Yankton. Anglers must apply for a paddlefish tag, but there is a limited number available. Even when the weather turns cold and those bodies of water freeze over, anglers aren’t out of options for fishing. Ice fishing is also very popular in the area, because of the amount of perch, bluegill, crappie and other species of fish who reside in nearby lakes. On the water isn’t the only area where South Dakotans and out-of-staters can get their fill of the outdoors. Hunters have access to nearly 4.5 million acres of public land, while many public land owners have been happy to allow hunters to use their property. Predator hunting consumes the winter months, while spring marks the start of turkey hunting as well as the snow goose seasons. Pheasant hunting is also a popular and financially critical part of South Dakota’s hunting tradition. According to statistics from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department GF&P), nonresident small game hunting licenses were down 4.3 percent compared to last year. Pheasant numbers may have been down in this state this year, but the financial benefits were still plentiful. According to information from the GF&P, a total of $1.3 million was spent in Yankton County by resident and non-resident hunters in 2010. There were a total of 6,661 pheasants harvested in the county, according to the report. The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department is also gauging public support for a potential East River bobcat season, following a report by GF&P and South Dakota State University that showed an increase in bobcats in the region. The West River portions of the state already have a bobcat season, which runs from Dec. 10 to Feb. 15. Whether it’s on the water or on land, anglers and hunters alike have plenty of options for a bountiful — not to mention enjoyable — outing in the southeastern corner of South Dakota. Catch Of The Day New Option To Complete South Dakota Bowhunter Education PIERRE, S.D. - A new online bowhunter education course is now available to help South Dakotans improve their archery skills. “This new, totally online option teaches safety in-thefield, bowhunting basics, shot placement and recovery techniques through easy-tounderstand information, instructional videos and detailed illustrations,” Jason Kool, hunter education administrator for the Game, Fish and Parks Department, said. All archery big game licensees ages 11-15, all firsttime archery big game licensees regardless of age and all archery elk licensees are required to possess bowhunter education certification prior to obtaining an archery license. “This new training opportunity meets the national and state bowhunter education program requirements and allows students to learn at their own pace,” said Kool. This new online course is a partnership between GFP, the National Bowhunter Education Foundation and Kalkomey Enterprises allowing students to study for free, paying only $30 when they pass the online course. Students wanting to complete this new online South Dakota bowhunter education course can visithttp://www.bowhuntered.com/southdakota/. For those who are looking for a more personable approach to their completion of bowhunter education, the in-person classroom option is still available for free. Class listings can be found under the Outdoor Learning section on the Game, Fish and Parks website www.gfp.sd.gov. State Park Entrance Licenses Available For 2014 PIERRE, S.D. - The 2014 annual park entrance license for South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas will be available for purchase Oct. 1. The 2014 park entrance license is valid from Oct. 1, 2013, through May 17, 2015. An annual park entrance license is $30. Purchasers of one license can also buy a second at half price. The license is required for entrance into designated state parks, recreation areas and lakeside use areas, although it does not cover camping costs or additional fees. Entrance licenses can be purchased online at www.campsd.com, at local state park offices or by calling the SD Division of Parks and Recreation at 605-773-3391. The 2014 annual entrance license features a tent camped at Lake Thompson Recreation Area. KELLY HERTZ/P&D The arrival of October may have shut down the government, but it opened up the fishing action in the tailwaters below Gavins Point Dam Tuesday as the annual paddlefish season open. Scores of anglers worked the waters to hook these prehistoric fish. Lisa Carda of Crofton, Neb., landed this keeper, which measured 49 1/2 inches from eye to the fork of the tail. The season runs through Halloween. Larry Wold National Champion Wildlife Artist 717 Main St. Armour, SD 605-770-8968 (Cell) Larry@atailfortales.com www.atailfortales.com MV Shopper M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y CLASSIFIEDS IN PRINT & ONLINE To place your ad call... 605.665.5884 3609 W 8th St. Yankton, SD 57078 605-665-7433