Game, Fish, and Parks commissioners choose to table removing one-day nonresident fishing licenses.
Officials said opponents of the proposal are gaining support.
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks commissioners this week decided to take a step back from the controversial topic. One-day nonresident fishing licenses do not require an additional $25 for a habitat stamp. The other two license options do.
Money from habitat stamps pays for projects like boat docks, roads, and vault toilets.
Currently, nonresidents can purchase a one-day, three-day or an annual fishing license. This means a nonresident wanting to save money could purchase multiple one-day licenses and avoid spending extra for a required habitat stamp.
GF&P’s Wildlife Division recommended removing the one-day option.
Tom Kirschenmann is the Director of Wildlife for Game, Fish, and Parks. He said there are more opponents voicing concern than before.
“Information was shared with us, some very good exchanges of ideas where shared with us." said Kirschenmann. "Resident, nonresident, tourism industry, fish guiding industry, individuals who know they have friends and family that come and visit every now and then, or once a year, whatever it might be.”
Kirschenmann said delaying a decision will allow more public input on alternative ideas.
Julie Bartiling is a South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Commissioner. She said stepping back from the proposal is the best idea.
“I think it opens up a bigger picture for us, as to look at maybe some other areas in licensing whether that’s in our fishing or hunting or whatever, it’s a bigger conversation to have. But, certainly I agree that sitting back for a little while, taking more thought into it, and putting the mission and the goals of the department in front of us first and foremost, to see what we want to do to offer to those who want to come and enjoy our recreational, and our fisheries, and all of that,” said Bartiling.
GF&P officials said the commission will reevaluate ideas as they are presented by the public. One-day nonresident fishing license remain available for now.
The next GFP Commission meeting is in Fort Pierre on Dec. 7-8.
