SDHRA Endorses McCain-Palin

During this very important election cycle, SDHRA has examined the record of both presidential candidates and sincerely believes that John McCain and Sarah Palin provide the greatest assurance of protecting both our ongoing constitutional right to bear arms, and our God given right to hunt wild game for food and recreation.

Most are aware that Mr. Obama and his running mate has no interest in preserving gun rights; he's demonstrated that in statements he's made, as well as in one of the few legislative initiatives he's been involved with. Accordingly, SDHRA encourages hunters across the state interested in protecting the hunting rights of South Dakota residents to cast their vote for the McCain-Palin Ticket.

SDHRA Busy During 2008 Legislative Session

SDHRA worked to support and conversely oppose a wide aray of hunting related legislation during the 2008 legislative session.  The various bills together with SDHRA's stance are detailed below.  Two bills, however, demanded particular attention - the Youth Mentoring Program and the Landowner Sponsored Big Game Free-for-all.  SDHRA lobbied extensively relative to both bills and was delighted with the outcome of both.

SDHRA Helps Defeat Landowner Sponsored Big Game License

Sneaking its way into the Senate this year was SB 96.  As written the bill would have required the South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks (GF&P) to issue to every person who owns or leases not less than 320 acres of private land, a voucher for a big game license which the landowner/lessee could transfer to a resident or nonresident hunter of the landowner/lessee’s choosing.  Armed with the voucher, the recipient hunter could then pay the allotted landowner license fee to GF&P and have the right to select any license type available in the county in which voucher would be valid. 

Landowners, supported by the South Dakota Stock Growers Association and others saw the bill as “payback” for the problems that wildlife cause ranch and farm operations. Some landowners testified that it would permit them to allow a relative or friend that had moved out-of-state, to hunt on their land without the need to acquire a nonresident license.  However, never addressed by the proponents of the bill was the fact that nothing in the bill prohibited landowners/lessees from offering the vouchers for sale to the highest bidder.  Moreover, with over 35,000 eligible landowners/lessees in the state, the draw on buck tags alone, would have meant that buck tags in many counties across the state would no longer be available for residents that apply through the GF&P lottery system. Despite SDHRA testimony against the bill it squeaked by the committee.  It failed on the floor, however, where SDHRA was able to garner more support.

This was not the first time this type of bill has been presented and SDHRA anticipates that it won’t be the last.

Youth Hunting Initiative

HB 1263 established a hunter mentoring program, to authorize hunting under limited by persons ten years of age and less than sixteen years of age. The bill authorized the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to promulgate rules. In essence, the bill permits youth, beginning at 10 years of age to hunt large and small game under the supervision of an adult "mentor". SDHRA went to the mat on this bill, both through testimony and printed briefs.  Passage of the bill was one of the best thing to happen to South Dakota hunting in many years.

As stated above, this bill in combination with SB 96 received the largest amount of focus and active lobbying on the part of SDHRA.  Both had the potential to seriously impact the rights of South Dakota residents – HB 1263 in a very positive way, and SB 96 in a very negative way.

SDHRA is pleased that HB 1263 passed and was signed by the Governor, and that SB96 was rightly defeated..

SD Residency Defined

HB 1042 revise certain provisions pertaining to the definition of residency and the issuance of resident hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses.  This bill clarified the definition of resident and work to prevent individuals from the ability to obtain resident hunting privileges while a resident of another state.  The bill passed both houses and has been signed by the Governor.

Firearms on Campus

HB 1086 extend to postsecondary campuses certain protections relating to the possession of dangerous weapons.  In response to the spade of recent campus shootings across the country, HB 1086 was  presented by the South Dakota Board of Regents to make the possession of a firearm on any property leased or owned by any institution under the control of the Board of Regents, a criminal offense. 

SDHRA objected to the bill and worked to defeat it for two reasons; first, it would have created an undue hardship on those college students that live on campus and enjoy hunting; second, many sections of public hunting land involve experimental plots managed by the agricultural departments in the state’s universities.  These lands would have fallen under the definition of secondary campus and would have made anyone hunting on these lands subject to criminal prosecution. 

The bill was deferred to the 36th legislative day, and never made it out of committee.

Seniors and Crossbows

HB 1116 authorize senior citizens to hunt deer using crossbows. This bill would have allowed seniors to use crossbows in the place of bow and arrow for hunting big game.  Although SDHRA was not opposed to the bill, there was a sense that the use of a cross bow may have a detrimental effect on the standing bow hunters appreciate in the establishment of  big game seasons, and perhaps open the door to the use of crossbows in the state beyond the exception for handicapped hunters.  The bill was effectively killed in committee.

Extending the Military Hunting Perk

HB 1140 provide for the issuance without charge of certain big game licenses to resident active duty military personnel. The bill would have extended the privilege of obtaining a license to hunt big game without the payment of a fee, presently available to that active duty military, to members of their immediate family.  SDHRA supported the bill, however it was narrowly defeated in committee. 

Mountain Lions

HB 1171 authorize the hunting of mountain lions as predator/varmints in certain areas of the state. As the population of mountain lions continues to grow in the state and the number of sightings becomes more frequent, farm and ranch owners grow concerned for the safety of their livestock. Consequently, much of the support for this measure arose from an interest in protecting against depredation by the large cats.  SDHRA opposed the bill for conservation reasons.  The surge of mountain lions in South Dakota is the result of low hunting pressure.  However, relegating the cat to the level of a varmint could be devastating to the present population.  A far better approach would be to permit GF&P to monitor the numbers and issue licenses under the present lottery system.  This would provide all residents a fair and equitable opportunity to hunt the big cat, while ensuring that the mountain lions remain a viable game animal for years to come.

Although the bill passed committee, it failed by a large margin on the house floor.

Lifetime Hunting License

HB 1183 establish a lifetime combination small game and fishing license and authorize the Game, Fish and Parks Commission to promulgate rules.  SDHRA was neutral on this issue on the basis that the benefits to the individual lifetime licensee would probably never be justified by the cost.

Are You Kidding?

HB 1208 reimburse certain motorists involved in vehicle collisions with wildlife.  This bill was filed under the SDHRA “you’ve got to be kidding” file.  Apparently, the lawmakers agreed, defeating it soundly in committee.

Extending the use of Crossbows to those with Disabilities

HB 1228 revise certain provisions related to bow hunting methods used by persons who are disabled or physically incapacitated. SDHRA supported this revision of existing statute.  The change clarifies the statute and makes it friendlier to those relegated to using a cross bow during bow seasons, due to their disabilities.