South Dakota Panel Proposes Big Game Application Fee Hike

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A state hunting regulatory commission has proposed doubling the nonrefundable fee for big game license applications.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposed increasing the nonrefundable fee from $5 to $10. The fee applies to licenses for elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat.

The fees haven't changed since they were established in 1987. Members of the commission say the additional revenue that would be generated from the proposal would be used in the management of those big game species.

Officials say most of the money would be allocated to help the Game, Fish and Parks Department elk depredation program services.

The commission will finalize the proposal in November. The panel will accept comments from residents until Nov. 6.

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