Hunting season has been in full swing as the temps are getting colder throughout the night. The fields of South Dakota will soon be full of hunters taking their chances of bagging a deer of a lifetime.
For some hunters it could even be the first deer of their life as the Apprentice Deer Season has already been in full swing. The hunting heritage in South Dakota is deep in many families, which can mean families have multiple tags for multiple seasons.
Deer numbers have been looking really well throughout the surrounding area. Plenty of does supporting twin fawns and good size doe groups have been seen throughout. We’ve had some nice mild winters the past few years and the deer population have been benefitting. Our springs and summer haven’t been as kind as our winters. We have been experiencing low water tables and drought conditions. With these conditions brings out signs of EHD. If you see any deer acting strange call your local GFP officer.
You might be wondering what the apprentice deer tag is. The apprentice deer tag is the new youth tag but also allows someone who hasn’t drawn or received a deer tag in the last 10 years or more to get one. This tag is an antlerless deer tag only.
Some quick season reminders:
• East River deer season starts on November 17 and goes through to December 2. Anyone with an antlerless deer tag that hasn’t filled it yet, will still have a chance during the antlerless season. The antlerless season runs from December 8 through December 16. Just a reminder an Any deer tag is not valid during the antlerless late season you must have a antlerless only tag. For those of you wanting to use a bow during rifle season, you can always down grade to a bow or crossbow and fill your rifle tag.
• Muzzleloader deer season runs from December 1 through January 1, 2019. With the muzzleloader a hunter may not have a magnified scope. A hunter may not shoot a muzzleloader deer with a bow or crossbow. This tag is restricted to muzzleloader only.
• West River deer season starts on November 10 and goes through to November 25. Units 30A are from November 3 through 6 and November 19 through 25.
• Apprentice Deer season started September 8 and goes through January 1, 2019.
I hope you all have a great and successful season. Let’s be safe out there and enjoy the outdoors.
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