shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com October 3, 2017 • Page 13 Deer Hunting East River Deer South Dakota east of the Missouri River comprises the East River Deer area. This is rolling farmland divided by two major river drainages, the James and the Big Sioux. Whitetails abound throughout the area, with mule deer mixed in near the central part of the state. Nonresidents may apply for unsold licenses. Season Dates: East River Deer - Nov. 18 - Dec. 3, 2017; Antlerless Only tags are valid Dec. 30, 2017 - Jan. 7, 2018 West River Deer The West River Deer season includes most of South Dakota west of the Missouri River and outside of the Black Hills. The short grass prairie is home to mule deer, with whitetails scattered along drainages and the rare wooded areas. Both residents and nonresidents may apply for limited licenses available in specific units. Season Dates: West River Deer - Nov. 11 26, 2017 Some units have different season dates, refer to the application for details. Archery Deer The archery deer season is set in May and is open to residents and nonresidents. There is no deadline for submitting an application and licenses are sold throughout the season online. The primary archery deer season opens in late September. All first time archery deer hunters, resident or nonresident, are required to pass the National Bowhunter Education course. Season Dates: Archery Deer - Sept. 23 Dec. 31, 2017; Antlerless Tags Jan. 1 - Jan. 15, 2018 See application for additional details on state parks, recreation areas, nature areas, lakeside use areas and refuges. Custer State Park is closed to archery deer hunting. In addition to a regular license, a FREE Access Permit is required to hunt certain areas during this season. To assist with deer management on the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve area, 20 archery access permits will be made available this fall. • Archery hunters can apply for a free access permit after obtaining an antlerless whitetail archery deer license. Free access permits will also now be required for Dakota Taxidermy and Wild Game Processing •Affordable Prices •Professional Service •Quality Mounts Big Game Processing archery hunters wishing to hunt Newton Hills State Park in Lincoln County. • Due to its close proximity to Sioux Falls and other populated areas, Newton Hills State Park is heavily used by archery deer hunters. • Any hunter possessing an archery deer license will also need to obtain a free access permit prior to hunting the park. • The requirement of the unlimited, free access permits will allow the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) to collect hunter and harvest data for improved deer management. vSouth Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Pheasant Hunting Season Information Season Dates: Oct. 21, 2017 - Jan. 7, 2018 Open Area: All of South Dakota except the following: Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Brown County, Renziehausen Game Production Area and Game Bird Refuge in Brown and Marshall Counties, Gerken Game Bird Refuge in Faulk County and White Lake Game Bird Refuge in Marshall County are open Dec. 11, 2017 - Jan. 7, 2018. Daily Limit: 3 rooster pheasants Possession Limit: 15 rooster pheasants, taken according to the daily limit. The limit accrues at the rate of 3 birds a day, and 15 birds may not be possessed until after the fifth day of hunting. Shooting Hours: 12 Noon, Central Time for the first 7 days of the season; 10 a.m., Central Time, to sunset the rest of the season. NOTE: Central Time is used for opening shooting hours statewide. Future Opening Dates: The pheasant season traditionally opens on the third Saturday in October. 2017 Information License Requirements Residents = Small Game License, or any Combination License, or Youth Small Game License; or 1-Day Small Game License. Nonresidents = Nonresident Small Game License, or Nonresident Youth Small Game License (each valid for two 5-day hunting periods; start dates must be identified before license issued). vSouth Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Gifts for Avid Hunters, Anglers and Outdoorsmen The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services’ 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation unveiled that more than 90 million United States residents aged 16 or older participated in some sort of wildlife-related activity that year in the most recent year on record. Wildlife recreationists spend nearly $150 billion per year on their activities. With this in mind, those who have hunters, anglers or outdoorsmen on their holiday shopping lists may find that gifts facilitating these specific pursuits can be the ideal fit this holiday season. Rather than scouring the mall for hours, a visit to the nearest sports outfitter can yield a bevy of appropriate gift ideas. For some inspiration, consider these gifts for the outdoor enthusiast. •Binoculars: Scoping out territory and looking for game is often part of the hunt. A set of durable new binoculars can give hunters an edge. •Heated shoe insoles: Hunting and fishing often require long wait periods and sometimes in chilly weather. Heated shoe insoles and hand warmers can keep outdoorsmen warm. •GPS/digital watch: Although many smartphones tell time and offer GPS services, lightweight watches may be more convenient than phones. For example, the Garmin Fenex Watch is waterproof and offers such functions as GPS, an altimeter, barometer and a digital compass. •All-season tent: Camping out is not just a summer activity. A tent that is rated to withstand various temperatures and conditions can be an asset. •Waders: Anglers sometimes need to get up close and personal with their prey. A sturdy pair of breathable waders is ideal for those who venture out of the boat or off of the coast. •Wool socks: They may be a basic item, but hikers, hunters and other sports people can’t stock up enough on warm, sweat-wicking wool socks that will keep their feet comfortable and dry on all excursions. •Folding knife: Knives are ideal for cutting fishing line, twigs for a campfire and much more. A sturdy, quality knife that fits easily in a pocket or backpack is a must-have for hunters, campers and anglers. •Water-resistant pouch: A day on the boat or near the water requires gear that can get wet without soiling items stored inside. Choose a pouch that can fit a camera, keys, phone, and other necessities. •Climbing stand: Hunters frequently spend time up in the trees to get a better view of oncoming game. Stationary tree stands may remain for the season, but lightweight offerings fold and can be transported from area to area. vMetro Connections Did You Know? Autumn generally kickstarts deer hunting season in many areas of the United States and Canada. Depending on the region, elk, caribou, moose, and other deer species also may be in open season in fall as well. Each state/province has specific regulations concerning weaponry and hunting locations. Archery, muzzle-loader and youth hunting seasons often precede general firearms seasons. Licencing is widely necessary, and licenses can typically be acquired through Department of Wildlife and Game centers and websites. Counties may implement bag limits. Hunters are advised to check regulatory information prior to any hunting excursion. While frequently hunted for sport and trophy, game meat can be butchered and enjoyed throughout the winter months. Pre-Owned Specials Rifles starting at $169 Shotguns starting at $189 Remington • Mossberg Winchester • Savage Ruger • Surplus vMetro Connections A-1 Pawn 515 E. 4th, Yankton • 605-665-3182 •Deer•Elk•Antelope We do one deer at a time to ensure you get your own deer back. Includes all game bonedout, cut and wrapped and frozen to your order. “Where the Buck Stops and the Hunter Shops! Dakota Archery & Outdoor Sports 2305 E. Hwy. 50, Yankton, SD • 665-8340 Open Every Night Till 9 p.m. Like Us On Facebook! Triple T Hunting Adventures Lynch, NE www.triplethunt.com Early “Bird” Rate: * Limit of 5 birds per hunter * Receive a home cooked meal * Birds cleaned & packaged for travel ALL FOR 200 $ Hunts may be booked from October 1st through December 31st, 2017. Other packages are available upon request. Pheasant Hunts Are Conducted On A CONTROLLED SHOOTING AREA. All Nebraska hunting rules apply. Contact Tom Allen: (402) 388-4366 or go to www.triplethunt.com Offering Pheasant Hunts