Lately, there has been a trend of more and new opportunities geared towards the youth in the hunting world. South Dakota is hopping on that bandwagon and deserves a toast around the camp fire for it. First-time youth applicants under 15 will get a point for applying for the limited draw areas. If unsuccessful in the draw they will receive a 2nd point. Preference points will be free for the year the point is acquired. Points can be accrued at ages 10 and 11 and those fees will also be waived. Cheers South Dakota!!!!
“With the current proposal and these enhancements, we are putting youth first and focusing on the retention of our resident hunters. Approximately 3,800 deer hunters who would have been sitting on the sidelines as an unsuccessful applicant under the current system, would now have an opportunity to take to the field for their preferred deer hunting season on an annual basis,” stated Commissioner Russell Olson of Madison.
But wait there’s more. SDGFP officials are also giving residents a better shot at deer hunting by moving non-resident applications to the fifth draw. It is a tough break for non-residents but in the end, every resident of state deserves the first crack at the wildlife they live with.
