Drought Damage Reaches Hunting In South Dakota

Drought that hurt South Dakota farmers and ranchers this year might also pose a threat to hunting in the state.

 

 

 

 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Drought that hurt South Dakota farmers and ranchers this year might also pose a threat to hunting in the state.

The drought has cut into pheasant numbers in some areas. It also is cited as a factor for an outbreak of disease in deer that prompted state wildlife officials to pull unsold hunting licenses in several southeastern counties.

Conservation officers say they are still seeing good numbers of pheasant hunters despite fewer birds in some areas. Pheasant hunting is big business in South Dakota, with hunters last year spending $225 million.

The drought's effect on hunting will be clearer next spring when the Game, Fish and Parks Department releases its annual review of license sales, hunter participation and hunter success.

(KFGO News file photo)

 

AP

   

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