PIERRE, S.D. –(Ammoland.com)- The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposed several changes to archery equipment regulations during the May meeting in Custer State Park.
The proposal would result in the following:
- Remove the barbed point broadhead restriction.
- Remove terms “bolts or darts” from the archery rules as those terms apply to crossbow technology. Crossbows are not legal during the archery season, so these terms do not apply.
- Allow the use of cameras, video cameras and cell phones provided they are used strictly for photographic purposes and allow for the use of lighted sight pins and arrow nocks.
- Allow compound bows that measure 28 inches from the top of the upper wheel or cam to the bottom of the lower wheel or cam to be legal.
- Clarify that electronic string releases would be illegal.
- Allow hunters to use mechanical broadheads for elk hunting.
- Remove the restriction on mechanical broadheads with a cutting diameter greater than 2 inches.
- Clarify that a metal broadhead (fixed or mechanical) must be used and that hunters may use blunt points when hunting turkeys.
- Provide for a minimum bow draw weight of 40 pounds for individuals hunting elk and 30 pounds for individuals hunting all other big game.
View the proposal.
The SDFGP Commission will finalize this proposal at their June 5-6 meeting in Yankton at Lewis and Clark Resort. To be part of the official public record, comments must be received by 12 p.m. on June 5. Please include your full name along with the city and state of residence. If you would like to comment in person, the public hearing will be held Thursday, June 5, at 2 p.m. CDT at Lewis and Clark Resort in Yankton.