PIERRE — The Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed rule changes that will prohibit the use of horses by dog trainers on certain national grassland public lands.
Under the proposal, the Fort Pierre National Grasslands, the Grand River National Grasslands and the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands would continue to be open to dog trainers handling their dogs on foot, but closed to those handling dogs with the use of horses.
“The Department conducted an extensive survey on the impact of dog training using horses on the Fort Pierre National Grasslands,” GFP Game Program Administrator Tony Leif said. “The study documented some affect of training on grouse and grouse broods, but the affects were not great. However, the Commission was concerned that the benefits of allowing this activity did not outweigh the risk of allowing it to continue.”
The proposed rule would only prohibit training dogs on horseback on public lands. This activity would still be allowed on private land where dog training and horseback activity is permitted by the landowner. Dog training on wild game birds is prohibited statewide from April 15th to July 31st, but all public land, including the federal grasslands will continue to be open to dog training on foot during the time of year when nesting activity is not taking place.
The comment period for the dog training rule proposal will be open up to 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 5. Anyone interested in presenting a comment is encouraged to do so at any time during the comment period by e-mailing wildinfo@state.sd.us or writing to Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, S.D. 57501. All comments must be received before 5 p.m. on April 5, and include the person’s full name and address. Comments may also be presented in person to the GFP Commission at the time of the public hearing at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 6, at the Ramkota River Centre in Pierre.