East River, West River Deer seasons reopen

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PIERRE, S.D. – Both East River and West River deer hunters in South Dakota will get a last chance to pursue their quarry when the firearms seasons reopen from Dec. 26 through Jan. 3.

“The added opportunity for taking antlerless deer is an important part of our deer herd management strategy,” Chad Switzer, the game program administrator for Game, Fish and Parks said. “We hope by offering this opportunity during the holiday season, friends and families will have a chance to get together for a last hunt. Harvesting an antlerless deer will help control the deer population in areas where we still have too many deer.”

Both seasons are open for taking antlerless deer only. Hunters who did not fill their tags during the first part of these seasons may use those tags for taking antlerless deer for the species designated on their tag. In addition, there are unsold tags available for both seasons. There is no limit on the number of licenses an individual may hold for these seasons.

Information on remaining licenses may be found at the Game, Fish and Parks Department Web site at www.sdgfp.info.

Certain antelope hunters will also benefit with an extension to their season. Those with licenses for Butte, Meade, Harding and Perkins counties may also hunt from Dec. 26 through Jan. 3. All unused tags are valid for taking a doe or kid antelope only. Licenses remain unsold for Butte and Meade counties.

For those who may already have enough venison in their freezer, the opportunity to donate their deer or antelope to the South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger organization still exists. Information on the program, how to donate, and the potential to have assistance in the cost of processing deer and antelope donated to the organization, can be found at www.feedtheneedsd.com.

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