Pierre, S.D. -(Ammoland.com)- The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission formally adopted the Elk Management Plan for South Dakota (2015-2019) at their April meeting last week.
“This plan serves as the guiding document to ensure elk populations and their habitats are managed appropriately; addressing both biological and social tolerances while considering the needs of all stakeholders,” stated Tony Leif, director of the GFP division of wildlife. “Staff will continue to work closely with private landowners, the Black Hills National Forest, Wind Cave National Park along with sportsmen and women to overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities regarding the future of elk management in South Dakota.”
The elk management plan provides important historical background and significant biological information for the formulation of elk management over the next five years. Current elk survey methods and management tools are presented, along with a thorough discussion of objectives and strategies to guide management of this resource. This plan is a working document for staff that will be amended as new biological and social data provide opportunities to improve management of elk resources in South Dakota.
The plan outlines a Black Hills population objective (excluding Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park) at 7,000 wintering elk, with a range of 6,000 to 8,000 elk depending on habitat conditions. The Custer State Park population objective is at 800 wintering elk, with a range of 700 to 900 elk.
The plan, in its current and final version, benefitted greatly from the elk stakeholder work group and the public comment period held Dec. 10, 2014, through March 22, 2015. For more information, and to download the Elk Management Plan for South Dakota (2015-2019), visithttp://gfp.sd.gov/wildlife/management/plans/default.aspx.