South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks facts for kids
Official Logo of the South Dakota GFP
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | 1918 |
| Type | Fish and Wildlife Management, Parks and Recreation, Law Enforcement Agency |
| Jurisdiction | State of South Dakota, U.S. |
| Headquarters | 523 E. Capitol Ave, Pierre, South Dakota 57501 44°21′56″N 100°20′44″W / 44.365453°N 100.345622°W |
| Employees | 486 permanent, 513 seasonal, 174 interns (as of 2018) |
| Annual budget | $56,246,035 (FY 2018) |
| Agency executives |
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| Child agencies |
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| Map | |
Jurisdiction of South Dakota GFP
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The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks (or GFP) is a government agency in South Dakota. It helps manage the state's outdoor areas and natural resources. The GFP looks after 13 State Parks and 43 State Recreation Areas. These places cover more than 96,000 acres of public land in South Dakota.
The GFP also manages hunting and fishing in the state. They create special areas to help different animals and plants live and grow. The agency teaches people about outdoor safety, like how to hunt and boat safely. They give out licenses for hunting and fishing, and register boats. The GFP also makes sure people follow laws about fish, game, and invasive species. The main office for the GFP is in Pierre, South Dakota.
Contents
- GFP: Protecting South Dakota's Outdoors
- Images for kids
GFP: Protecting South Dakota's Outdoors
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) works to protect and manage the state's outdoor resources. They also help people enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, and visiting parks. This work is guided by the laws and rules of South Dakota.
The GFP Commission: Guiding the Way
The GFP Commission helps connect the department with the public. It has eight members chosen by the Governor of South Dakota. These members serve for four years. The commission helps set the rules and plans for the GFP.
Where the GFP Works: Offices Across the State
The main office for Game, Fish & Parks is in Pierre, the state capital. There are also other offices in cities like Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls.
Wildlife Division: Caring for Animals
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The Wildlife Division manages state wildlife areas. They also help manage the many animals, fish, and plants in South Dakota. This division keeps track of animal populations and sets hunting seasons. They also manage state lands to create good homes for these species.
Animals Managed by GFP
The GFP manages many animal species in South Dakota. These include pronghorn, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and mountain goat. They also manage mountain lions, bison, and turkeys.
Popular game birds include the common pheasant (South Dakota's State Bird), prairie grouse, and ruffed grouse. Other animals managed are mourning dove, cottontail rabbit, and various waterfowl like ducks and geese.
To hunt these animals, you need a state-issued hunting license. You can only hunt them during special hunting seasons. The GFP also sets rules for trapping animals like coyotes, raccoons, beavers, and red foxes.
Law Enforcement Division: Protecting Resources
The Law Enforcement Division has State Conservation Officers. These officers enforce laws about hunting, fishing, and boating. They also investigate accidents related to outdoor activities. Officers help with search and rescue efforts when needed. In 2018, there were 60 Conservation Officers working across the state.
Parks and Recreation: Fun in the Outdoors
The GFP manages 13 state parks and 43 recreation areas. These areas cover about 96,000 acres. They help protect natural features, historic Native American sites, and old pioneer settlements. They also offer places for fun activities and access to lakes and rivers.
South Dakota State Parks range in size. Sandy Shore Recreation Area is 19 acres. Custer State Park is much larger at 71,000 acres. Custer State Park was the first park in the system, started in 1919. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run was added in 2013. In 2016, over 7.5 million people visited these parks.
Education and Outreach: Learning About Nature
The GFP offers many ways to learn about the outdoors. They have learning materials, field guides, and safety training. They also have two Outdoor Campus facilities. These are in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. They help teach people in the state's two largest cities about outdoor activities.
Fisheries: Managing Fish Populations
The Fisheries Division manages fish in South Dakota's rivers, lakes, and streams. They operate state fish hatcheries. These hatcheries raise fish to release into the waters. They also study fish health and populations. The GFP has four state Fish hatchery facilities:
- Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery in Waubay
- Cleghorn Springs State Fish Hatchery in Rapid City
- McNenny State Fish Hatchery in Spearfish
- Whitlock Bay Salmon Spawning Station in Gettysburg
Images for kids
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View of the Black Hills within Custer State Park
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Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park
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King and Queen Rock in Palisades State Park
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Bear Butte State Park, near Sturgis
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Officers' Quarters at Fort Sisseton State Historical Park.
