GFP To Decide Deer License Proposal

The deer application proposal would hold draws for all deer seasons at the same time. In addition, applicants would have to choose among the six seasons as their first and second choice in the first draw.

The end goal seeks to potentially increase the number of hunters who would draw their "preferred" deer license.

However, GFP Secretary Kelly Hepler said the proposal — which wouldn’t be finalized until next month’s meeting in Deadwood — has unleashed what he considers unwarranted personal attacks in person, by phaone and online.

"I’m disappointed by the tone of a lot of the comments," he said. "They were personal attacks on the staff; on Game, Fish and Parks as a whole; and an attack on the commission."

Hepler noted the GFP staff and commissioners are fellow South Dakotans — and even friends and neighbors — of those launching the sharp criticism.

"We go to the same places to worship, eat at the same diners and our children attend the same schools," he said. "(Our staff members) are completely committed to customer service and to the outdoor legacy of South Dakota. As far as the commissioners, these are volunteers. They are very objective and perform a thankless job. It troubles me to hear this division. I know a lot of these people."

The proposal remains subject to change or not even going into effect, Hepler said.

The GFP has sought feedback through all means, including two forums at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron.

"Right now, this is a draft. People think this is a done deal. This (process) is like making sausage. We really do listen towhat the public says," he said.

Hepler said he was disturbed at those who think the proposal is merely a way of making more revenue for GFP or even staff members.

"We’re hearing that this is all about money. I find that interesting," he said. "It tells me we’re not doing a good job explaining how our money is being used.

The money doesn’t go to salaries; it goes right back into the operations. I would be happy at any time to share with people what our budget is. I can tell them where the money is going."

Hepler took responsibility for the proposal, calling it part of his job to create discussions about alternatives. He also realizes people are resistant to change.

"Tolerance is one of the most important things we need to have as a community," he said. "We need to work together to improve things."

GFP chairman Barry Nelson said he also realizes the resistance to the proposal.

"It is a change, no doubt about it. Most of us don’t like change, it’s as simple as that," he said. "But I think the process is on a sound basis, and we certainly want to hear these comments about them. It will be another 30 days before it becomes finalization."

THE PEOPLE SPEAK

The public comments during Thursday’s meeting solidly opposed changes.

Darrel Reinke of Fort Pierre said the current system provides an equal chance for each applicant. Under the proposed system, applicants would be shut out of some opportunities.

"The proposed change, I feel, goes against the definition of a lottery," he said. "Just because some people didn’t get a tag in a highly sought unit doesn’t warrant such a drastic change."

He told his personal story of seeking out landowners in areas where it was easier to get a tag, not necessarily his first choice. He spoke of developing strong relationships with the landowners over the course of nearly a half-century.

"I’ve been in business, and I know you change certain things," he said. "But it doesn’t need change if it’s not broke."

Josh Hagemann of Mission Hill questioned the GFP use of data from 2009 to 2017.

"They say the tag numbers after 2009 are decreasing," he said. "This proposal by the state says the reason for the decreasing applications is the low application success. However, this is influenced by the deer licenses available."

The proposed changes aren’t considered for biological issues facing wildlife but for purely human reasons to satisfy a certain group of disgruntled hunters, he said.

"I believe this proposal is being rushed to finalization. Why is the department taking more time to educate the public?" he asked. "The proposal is still open to changes as we speak. If the department continues to change the proposal and not take the time to education the public, I don’t’ want to hear confusion or misinformation as excuses."

Gerald Koster of Yankton used an analogy to make his point.

"Our state motto is the Land of Infinite Variety, but I think it also needs to be the Land of Infinite Opportunity," he said.

Don Lepp, a retired Yankton veterinarian, said she has hunted around the world. He praised South Dakota’s allocation system compared to other locations.

"We’ve got a system that works," he said. "You want to see things screwed up, go for a license in other states of the country, in Canadian provinces and the rest of the world. My point is that we’ve got a system that works."

Bob Winter of Yankton spoke about how he grew up hunting with family and friends in Jerauld County. He continues to enjoy that experience, but he’s seeing more of a movement toward "pay to hunt" by landowners or the need to lease land for hunting.

Winter questioned GFP data, warning officials that figures can become distorted or not present an accurate data.

"I went to the last (GFP) meeting, and I thought the overwhelming observation was, don’t make a change (in deer license applications)," he said.

Brendan Gerth of Clear Lake said he opposed using the 2010 survey results, instead calling for another survey to represent current sentiment among hunters.

Lance Gerth of Brandt said reforms can be made within the current allocation system. "I would like to see no changes," he said.

Daniel Golay of Sioux Falls opposed the use of what he considered outdated GFP survey data. He called for an overhaul, if true change is desired. "If we want to give everybody an equal opportunity to draw a tag, then let’s go to a true preference system," he said.

Daren Feenstra, a hunting safety instructor from Corsica, said he opposed changes in the current process. He spoke of preserving hunting opportunities for the next generation. He noted he teaches young people lessons about building lasting relationships through hunting around the state.

Dale Weber of Salem spoke of the hunting tradition he has enjoyed with his four sons and nine grandsons. He sees the proposed regulations bringing major changes, or greatly altering, their ability to continue hunting, at least West River.

Wayne Lloyd of Wentworth presented petitions with 1,000 signatures opposed to the changes. In addition, he said an online petition had drawn 6,550 signatures opposing the change.

"At worst case, I would like to see you continue a system that works. Why not give it another year?" he asked.

Bob Conway of Yankton feared the end of a great hunting tradition in the state.

"I don’t think the system we have now is broken," he said. "There are probably small things that could be done to improve it, and there’s always room for improvement. But this is a pretty drastic change, the most drastic change in my 50 years of hunting."

GFP staff member Tony Leif told the commissioners they need to make decisions for the process to move forward.

"We are working out the details on how that system would work. We’re soliciting input on the path that would work," he said. "By the time you leave here and adjourn, we need a detailed list of the changes, should it be your wish to move forward with this process. That’s the caveat. You also have the option of no change. No change is still on the table. That’s a possibility."

The commissioners can make changes in their proposal, if they want to keep it alive, Leif said.

"There are points that we can put back out there for additional comment and input," he said. "But ultimately, if we move forward, we need to have those details in place."

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