Golden Eagle Shot In Wing & South Dakota Police Want Answers Now

South Dakota officers are hoping to find a hunter who senselessly shot a Golden Eagle just passing through the state.

A Facebook post from South Dakota Turn In Poachers shared the heartbreaking news that someone illegally shot a Golden Eagle near Gettysburg, South Dakota, in Potter County.

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TIPs (South Dakota Turn In Poachers) (via Facebook)

Officials with South Dakota Turn In Poachers explain that South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks has been working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to bring this jerk to justice.

When Was the Golden Eagle Shot in South Dakota?

The incident was reported last Wednesday, January 7th. Not the best start to 2026 if someone is already being so careless.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Jon Dunlap responded to a report of an injured Golden Eagle in Potter County, northeast of Gettysburg. Officer Dunlap located and recovered the eagle, which was transported to a rehabilitation facility for evaluation. X-rays revealed the eagle had been shot with a shotgun, leaving multiple pellets in its wing....
Golden Eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Lacey Act. While Bald Eagle populations have rebounded significantly, Golden Eagles have not been as fortunate. Their numbers have declined from historical levels and remain vulnerable, with only slight decreases still being observed.

TIPs (South Dakota Turn In Poachers) (via Facebook), Canva

Identifying the person responsible for shooting this bird will help protect animals in South Dakota and beyond for future generations.

So, Where Is The Golden Eagle Now?

The upsetting part is that this Golden Eagle will never be released back into the wild and will remain in captivity. But there's good news! The Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, South Dakota, is currently caring for the Golden Eagle. So far, the wing is healing, and the eagle is doing well.

How Can We Help Find The South Dakota Shooter?

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tip hotline number at 1-888-OVERBAG (683-7224). You can also directly call Wildlife Officer Jon Dunlap at (605)-730-1570. If you prefer to submit an online tip, click here.

This is sad and cruel. I hope the South Dakota Turn In Poachers find whoever hurt this beautiful Golden Eagle!

South Dakota's Weird Exotic Animal Laws Are Amazing

Have an interesting pet or looking to get one? Check this out from South Dakota Exotic Animal Laws before you go trying to adopt one.

You will need a zoo permit to harbor a raccoon dog. That's a real species. It's a small wild dog with a black facial mask and long fur, native to the forests of Asia.

Gallery Credit: Danny V

17 Animals You Can Hunt All Year in South Dakota

South Dakota loves to hunt. It's not only one of the state's most popular pastimes, but it's also big business. Especially South Dakota's famous Pheasant season.

There are seasons for hunting deer, antelope, turkey, and even bison. Plenty of opportunities to get that freezer in the garage stocked up.

The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department is the place to go for info about hunting licenses and specific rules and regulations for hunting in South Dakota.

GET: South Dakota Hunting and Trapping Handbook

Hunting most game in South Dakota is restricted to specific hunting seasons. Like deer and pheasant seasons in the fall.

But there are also animals you can hunt year-round in South Dakota.

There are still some rules to follow, like where exactly you can hunt. South Dakota has millions of acres of public and private land to hunt on. And you'll still need a hunting license.

So, always check with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department for the latest information and regulations.

LOOK: South Dakota Is Home to the World’s Largest Pheasant [PICTURES]

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns