The season dates will continue to be November 1 through 30 for the buck-only unit and November 10 through 19 for the other units. Applications are due July 10. Vandel said GFP will continue to work with the U.S. Forest Service to improve the quality of Black Hills habitat, but advised hunters not to expect improved Black Hills deer herd numbers in the near future. The 1998 Special Buck license will apply to East River Units this year, but only for residents. The West River license quota for both residents and nonresidents has been increased from 250 to 400 licenses.
Unsuccessful applicants are eligible to apply in the initial East or West River Deer drawings.
In the spring of 1865, soldiers and local Indians began the ambitious task of building several permanent buildings at what eventually became Fort Sisseton. More than 130 years later, the sounds of hammers and saws returned to this historic post and those attending this year's Fort Sisseton Historical Festival will be the first to see its polished, new look. To commemorate this milestone in the fort's history, the post will be rededicated during this year's 21 st annual Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, June 6 -7. He added that the arts and crafts booths are always a favorite at Fort Sisseton. There will be demonstrations of long forgotten crafts and skills, including vinegar making, blacksmithing, butter churning, quilting, and more.