Non-Resident Hunters Might Get Waterfowl License
Air Date:01/31/2012
Non-resident hunters might have a shot at ducks next fall. Currently, two thousand tags are issued for specific counties along the Missouri River. Only 500 tags are issued for other counties. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee passed a bill that issues two thousand tags across the entire state. After that, counties can issue 500 more tags. Proponents say it gives nonresidents a chance at a license, and they say the state's missing out on potential revenue. However, opponents say the bill hurts state hunters. South Dakota Wildlife Federation Executive Director Chris Hesla says the measure diminishes the quality of hunting.
"They're going to see huge reduction in the quality of hunting. I bring that up, and Norby I believe said it, but I believe it's due to the over-commercialization of a natural resource. We oppose this bill. We ask you to keep one last foothold of a natural resource in South Dakota, and don't sell it out for the might dollar," Hesla says.
The measure passed unanimously. It is debated next on the House floor.
By Travis Berg
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