Additional Custer State Park Elk Hunting Opportunity Now Open for Applications

November 7, 2017

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission increased the number of licenses available for a special Custer State Park antlerless elk hunting season from 20 to 60.

In addition, four new antlerless elk hunting units (for residents only) were established for these antlerless elk licenses allowing department officials to use adaptive management to learn more about the chronic wasting disease (CWD) infection rate of elk inside Custer State Park. This additional harvest will help GFP better understand prevalence rates, reduce numbers where elk congregate and provide additional information to construct season structures for future hunting seasons.

The online-only application period opens today, Nov. 7, and will close on Nov. 15 at 8 a.m. CST.

The additional 40 licenses will be equally distributed through four seasons: 

1.       CAE-CU3: Dec. 2-10, 2017;

2.       CAE-CU4: Dec. 16-24, 2017;

3.       CAE-CU5: Dec. 30, 2017 – Jan. 7, 2018; and

4.       CAE-CU6: Jan. 13-21, 2018. 

Preference points will be factored into the application process in which successful applicants will lose all accumulated preference points for the Custer Antlerless Elk season and will not be able to re-apply for this season for nine years.

For map details and additional information, visit http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/big-game/elk/custer.aspx.

-GFP-

GFP Mission: The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks provides sustainable outdoor recreational opportunities through responsible management of our state’s parks, fisheries and wildlife by fostering partnerships, cultivating stewardship and safely connecting people with the outdoors.

 

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