PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) — The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department (GFP) is reminding outdoor enthusiasts the habitat stamp requirement goes into effect July 1. The habitat stamp was created by the 2020 South Dakota legislature.
“The key to abundant wildlife is habitat,” said Department Secretary Kelly Hepler. “The money raised from this stamp is going to directly benefit our wildlife and all individuals who love the outdoors in South Dakota.”
Revenue obtained from the habitat stamp can only be used to develop habitat on public land and waters or to provide public access to private land, as defined by Senate Bill 75.
A habitat stamp is required for anyone 18 years of age or older when purchasing or applying for a hunting, fishing, or furbearer license. The annual fee for the habitat stamp is $10 for residents and $25 for non-residents.
A habitat stamp is not required for the one-day hunting or fishing license, youth hunting license, private shooting preserve license, Hunt for Habitat entries, landowner hunting license, preference points, or to purchase a park entrance license or camping reservation.
“We often see wildlife populations directly related to the amount and type of habitat on the landscape,” said wildlife division director Tom Kirschenmann. “Improving the habitat we have, and providing access to that habitat is a win-win for everyone – photographers, birders, kayakers, anglers, hunters… everyone who loves the outdoors.”
Habitat stamp funds associated with hunting and furbearer license sales will fund wildlife habitat developments and public access improvements on public lands across South Dakota. Additionally, habitat stamp funds will be used to provide public hunting access to private lands that offer quality hunting opportunities.
Habitat stamp funds associated with fishing license sales will fund aquatic habitat projects on public waters across South Dakota. In addition, projects like improving boat docks, roads or vault toilets can increase access to public waters.
“We have dams and small impoundments all across the state that need our help right now,” says Kirschenmann. “The money generated from this stamp is going to allow us to enhance these fisheries and create additional opportunities for anglers all across the state.”
Additional information regarding the habitat stamp can be found on the GFP website: https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/docs/Habitat_Stamp_FAQ.pdf
(Dog Leier, 790 KFGO, contributed to this story.)
