05-19-2004, 04:19 AM
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[size 2]Aerial Depredation Hunting Rules Changed[/size]
[size 2]PIERRE – Game, Fish and Parks Commissioners recently voted to change the rules for aerial depredation hunting. The new rule lifts some of the restrictions on aerial hunting for predators by private pilots over selected public lands.[/size]
[size 2]"There are many areas in western South Dakota where public lands are leased for grazing, and those leased lands are intermingled with private lands," said Wildlife Damage Management Program Administrator Art Smith of Pierre. "Often it is impossible, either from the ground or air, to determine the boundaries between public and private lands. This rule change allows producers to hunt coyotes and fox over some public lands, provided they are permitted to conduct aerial predator control and follow certain restrictions."[/size]
[size 2]The Federal Airborne Hunting Act prevents anyone from hunting for sport or recreation out of an airplane, but retains the ability for producers to protect their livestock by aerial predator hunting. [/size]
[size 2]"Any pilot flying depredation hunts must be permitted through Game, Fish and Parks," Smith said. "The new rule reflects the input received from a number of South Dakota public lands management agencies."[/size]
[size 2]Under the new rule, permitted pilots cannot hunt predators from the air for three days prior to the start, plus the opening day of firearms antelope, west river firearms deer, east river firearms deer or the firearms prairie elk seasons. Depending on the type of public land, the requirements for conducting the flight activities and reporting varies. Depredation flights by private pilots will not be allowed over lands managed or owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ft. Meade Recreational Area and the Black Hills National Forest District.[/size]
[size 2]"Under no circumstances is sport hunting allowed from an aircraft," Smith noted. "Sport hunting, hazing and shooting depredating wildlife by private pilots without a permit are strictly prohibited by the Federal Airborne Hunting Act."[/size]
[size 2]If anyone witnesses a violation, they should contact their local conservation officer, Game, Fish and Parks regional office, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement division with a description of the aircraft, time., and location of the activity."[/size]
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[size 2]Aerial Depredation Hunting Rules Changed[/size]
[size 2]PIERRE – Game, Fish and Parks Commissioners recently voted to change the rules for aerial depredation hunting. The new rule lifts some of the restrictions on aerial hunting for predators by private pilots over selected public lands.[/size]
[size 2]"There are many areas in western South Dakota where public lands are leased for grazing, and those leased lands are intermingled with private lands," said Wildlife Damage Management Program Administrator Art Smith of Pierre. "Often it is impossible, either from the ground or air, to determine the boundaries between public and private lands. This rule change allows producers to hunt coyotes and fox over some public lands, provided they are permitted to conduct aerial predator control and follow certain restrictions."[/size]
[size 2]The Federal Airborne Hunting Act prevents anyone from hunting for sport or recreation out of an airplane, but retains the ability for producers to protect their livestock by aerial predator hunting. [/size]
[size 2]"Any pilot flying depredation hunts must be permitted through Game, Fish and Parks," Smith said. "The new rule reflects the input received from a number of South Dakota public lands management agencies."[/size]
[size 2]Under the new rule, permitted pilots cannot hunt predators from the air for three days prior to the start, plus the opening day of firearms antelope, west river firearms deer, east river firearms deer or the firearms prairie elk seasons. Depending on the type of public land, the requirements for conducting the flight activities and reporting varies. Depredation flights by private pilots will not be allowed over lands managed or owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ft. Meade Recreational Area and the Black Hills National Forest District.[/size]
[size 2]"Under no circumstances is sport hunting allowed from an aircraft," Smith noted. "Sport hunting, hazing and shooting depredating wildlife by private pilots without a permit are strictly prohibited by the Federal Airborne Hunting Act."[/size]
[size 2]If anyone witnesses a violation, they should contact their local conservation officer, Game, Fish and Parks regional office, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement division with a description of the aircraft, time., and location of the activity."[/size]
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