Many of the special events are being offered in the state parks, and other events are offered through the state s snowmobile program. A fee is not required to participate in the events, but a park entrance license is required to enter any state park or recreation area. Upcoming events for January and February include a Kool Kids Klassic Ice Fishing Derby at Oakwood Lakes State Park Jan. 20 and a Women's Only Snowmobile Ride Jan. 27 at the Golden Hills Inn in Lead. Oakwood Lakes State Park Feb. 4 and the Governor's Snowmobile Ride is in Spearfish Feb. 17. A new prairie dog season recently established by the Game, Fish and Parks Commission will temporarily close prairie dog shooting each year on South Dakota s public lands.
Private land is unaffected, as people can still shoot prairie dogs anytime on private property.
Vandel said the goal of establishing the season is to help prevent the prairie dog from being listed as a federally threatened species. To do this, the season dates are a necessary step. Nonresidents need a South Dakota nonresident predator license or any other South Dakota nonresident hunting license. Vandel added that prairie dog shooting will remain closed year-round in the Conata Basin in the Badlands south of Wall. Volunteer opportunities exist in many of South Dakota s state parks and recreation areas.