South Dakota Bird Protection Bounty Program Nets Big Numbers

With just a few days to go until the start of pheasant and duck hunting seasons in South Dakota, some new numbers are revealing just how successful a state program to help with bird population has been.

One Green Planet is reporting that the Nest Predator Bounty Program from the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department was responsible for eliminating 134,000 predators over the past three years.

The program, which awarded $10 for every skunk, raccoon, or other kinds of predators that were trapped and killed, has already been extended into 2022.

Get our free mobile app

The goal of the program is twofold.

First, it helps to increase the number of ducks and pheasants in the state by reducing the nest predators of the birds, like skunks and raccoons.

Second, the program encourages more people in the state to get involved in trapping.

SOUTH DAKOTA DUCK HUNTING SEASON DATES

Youth Only Season
Start: September 11, 2021
End: September 12, 2021

Low Plains North Season
Start: September 25, 2021
End: December 7, 2021

Low Plains Middle Season
Start: September 25, 2021
End: December 7, 2021

Low Plains South Season
Start: October 23, 2021
End: January 4, 2022

High Plains Season
Start: October 9, 2021
End: January 13, 2022

SOUTH DAKOTA PHEASANT HUNTING SEASON DATES

Youth Only Season
Start: September 25, 2021
End: October 3, 2021

Resident Only Season
Start: October 9, 2021
End: October 11, 2021

Traditional Season
Start: October 16, 2021
End: January 31, 2022