10-23-2004, 08:07 PM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. – A recent Game, Fish and Parks proposal would double the length of the state’s archery paddlefish season.[/size]
[size 2]Currently, the state’s archery paddlefish season is 15 days in length, and it would be extended to 30 days if finalized without changes at the November GFP Commission meeting in Pierre. South Dakota’s paddlefish snagging season is 30 days long.[/size]
[size 2]"Available tags control the annual paddlefish harvest, so the season length has little effect on the number of fish taken," said GFP Fisheries Biologist Jason Sorensen of Chamberlain. "By proposing additional days of opportunity, paddlefish archers would have more recreation and not negatively impact the paddlefish population."[/size]
[size 2]Another element of this proposal would repeal the daily limit of one paddlefish, which is contrary to the intent of the paddlefish tag system. Sorensen said that the tag system intends for paddlefish archers to be able to apply for and receive more than one paddlefish archery tag when leftover tags are available.[/size]
[size 2]To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Ramkota in Pierre, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to [/size][url "mailto:wildinfo@state.sd.us"][font "Arial"][size 2]wildinfo@state.sd.us[/size][/font][/url][font "Arial"]
[size 2]Comments must include full name and address.[/size][/font]
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[size 2]Currently, the state’s archery paddlefish season is 15 days in length, and it would be extended to 30 days if finalized without changes at the November GFP Commission meeting in Pierre. South Dakota’s paddlefish snagging season is 30 days long.[/size]
[size 2]"Available tags control the annual paddlefish harvest, so the season length has little effect on the number of fish taken," said GFP Fisheries Biologist Jason Sorensen of Chamberlain. "By proposing additional days of opportunity, paddlefish archers would have more recreation and not negatively impact the paddlefish population."[/size]
[size 2]Another element of this proposal would repeal the daily limit of one paddlefish, which is contrary to the intent of the paddlefish tag system. Sorensen said that the tag system intends for paddlefish archers to be able to apply for and receive more than one paddlefish archery tag when leftover tags are available.[/size]
[size 2]To comment on the proposals, people can attend the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Ramkota in Pierre, or write Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. E-mail comments can be sent to [/size][url "mailto:wildinfo@state.sd.us"][font "Arial"][size 2]wildinfo@state.sd.us[/size][/font][/url][font "Arial"]
[size 2]Comments must include full name and address.[/size][/font]
[signature]