FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings to all Outdoor Women of South Dakota members!! How is your fall season? Have you had the opportunity to get out and enjoy the last of the sunny, warm days to get in one last paddle, or one last walk and crunch the leaves under your feet, or go fishing? Well, what is holding you back? Get out and enjoy the beautiful season.

My husband and I did just that last weekend and drove to Spearfish Canyon. Yes, you know it--we drove through the canyon and stopped many times for photos and just to breathe deep and take in the 70-degree weather, the colors, and all the splendor the area provides. If you have never taken the Canyon drive on a late summer/early fall day you are missing out one of the very best drives in South Dakota!! more

Thank You--BOW 2006
May Schaefer, President
Outdoor Women of South Dakota

I would like to express a huge thank you to all of the OWSD members who assisted at the annual Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) workshop at Lake Poinsett this year. There were a total of 67 participants at the three-day workshop, many of them new to BOW and new to hearing about OWSD. Your efforts of networking with the ladies and making them feel right at home in the outdoor atmosphere was greatly appreciated by all of the instructors and the planning committee. I hope that along with showing them the ropes, you have made more new friends and outdoor partners to share your experiences with and to learn new ones from them.  more

Ways to be Safe, Rather Than Sorry, Afield
As hunters go after grouse Saturday they should be wearing blaze-orange clothing and protective eye gear. And they'd better make sure they know where their partners are.
Dennis Anderson, Star Tribune

Grouse season opens Saturday, a gun-swinging affair if there ever were one. Safety will be important, as it will be in all upcoming fall shooting seasons. Here's an abbreviated safety review that might help you -- and me -- stay out of trouble.
Blaze orange: Difficult as it is to believe, some upland hunters -- grouse, pheasant, Hungarian partridge -- still wear predominantly drab or camouflage clothing.   more

2006 Healthy Hunter
The upcoming hunting season will be here soon and preparing for that hunt is an important component of a great experience. Just as the proper equipment and accessories are important, eating the right foods and being physically ready are also essential.
Governor Mike Rounds announces that Healthy South Dakota is launching the 2006 Healthy Hunter Campaign in collaboration with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Hunters can find practical ways to prepare for the hunting season with a six-week training plan and tips for nutritious snacks and recipes to make this a healthy and enjoyable hunt. Small steps can make a big difference and eating right and staying hydrated will maximize your physical endurance and mental concentration. Feeling good and making healthy choices can make a major impact on your comfort and the enjoyment of your hunt.
Healthy Hunter was launched in 2005 to promote healthier lifestyles for South Dakota hunters. Go to the Healthy Hunter section of the www.healthySD.gov web site for training tips, a 6-week exercise plan, nutrition tips, healthy recipes and the opportunity to register for a free GPS unit.
 

Hunters Get Choice on Ducks
Doug Leier, The Forum
Published Sunday, September 10, 2006

About 15 years ago I attended my first Game and Fish Department advisory board meeting. I was a fisheries and wildlife management student at North Dakota State University, and had a goal of one day working in the natural resource field. I decided it might be a positive learning experience to attend this open public meeting, and it sounded like more fun than studying for a statistics exam.
I still recall then Game and Fish Director Lloyd Jones discussing the upcoming waterfowl season and regulations. Having hunted waterfowl, I knew full well the necessary difference between regulations for ducks as compared to upland game like pheasants and grouse. more

Snow, Fall Colors Bring Unique Experience to Riders on Mickelson Trail Trek
GF&P News 9/18/06

Snow in the northern Black Hills on Sunday challenged the bicyclists on the annual Mickelson Trail Trek this past weekend, but many of the 435 riders were excited to take it on.

“It’s hard to get this group’s spirits down,” said Shannon Percy, Mickelson Trail Park Manager. “Even with the snow and wind on Sunday, people were laughing and visiting at rest stops just as they did the previous two days, and taking pictures of each other riding in the snow. It was definitely a Trail Trek these folks will remember for the rest of their life.” more
 

Processing Certificates Make Deer Meat Donations Easier
SD Game, Fish & Parks News Release
August 28, 2006

A new program instituted this year will make it easier for South Dakota hunters to donate game to the needy.

Deer hunters will be eligible for a $30 certificate to assist in paying the costs of processing a donated antlerless deer. Funding for the certificates has been made available through a combination of donations and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department license revenue.

“Everyone wins with this program,” said Jeff Olson, Rapid City, president of South Dakota Sportsmen Against Hunger and a member of the GFP Commission. “Hunters win because they don’t have to bear the full cost of processing. Landowners win because of the likelihood of fewer depredation problems from a smaller deer population. And, best of all, more hungry people in South Dakota are going to get nutritious meals of venison.”   more
 

Custer State Park's 9th Annual Halloween Night Hike
Brad Block, Chief Interpreter for Custer State Park

The Halloween Night Hike is slated for Friday and Saturday, October 27th and 28th. It is a family-oriented, guided trek through the park's darkness. It takes place along a paved bicycle trail, covering about 2 miles. The trail is lit only by carved jack-o-lanterns.

The 2006 theme is geared toward the "crazy-looking" insects that live within the creepy areas of the park. Some species live within leaf matter; others prefer dead trees; and, still others use decaying logs. In every case, participants will have the chance to interact with costumed characters and learn more about the natural history of each species.

Along the paved route, "spooks in the woods" will entertain hikers with some holiday spirit. Using students from the Outdoor Education Program at Black Hills State University, the "spooks" tend to prey on the adults...allowing the kids to enjoy the shrieks and yelps of their parents.

Hikes depart from the historic Peter Norbeck Visitor Center, located along Hwy 16A near the State Game Lodge. Hikes are scheduled every 15 minutes, starting at 5:30 p.m. The last hike departs at 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required for both nights.

The hike is free for the public; however, a park entrance license is required on all vehicles. For more information, contact the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center at (605) 255-4464 any day after October 1st from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

More Halloween Hikes
Two other state parks are also hosting Halloween Hikes. On Saturday, October 28th, the Big Sioux Recreation Area will be holding it's 3rd Annual Spooktacular Trails at 5:00 p.m. There is no fee to participate, but a park entrance license is required. Participants may hike or bike in for free on the paved bike trail. Contact the Big Sioux Recreation Area at (605) 582-7243.

On Sunday, October 29th, LaFramboise Island in Pierre will be having their annual Trick or Treat Trails WITP, starting at 4:30 p.m. There is no cost to participate. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (605) 773-3391.


Newton Hills Hosts 7th Annual FestiFALL & CandleLight Walk
SDGF&P E-News 9/18/06

See pumpkins fly at Newton Hills State Park near Canton on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006. Pumpkin catapulting is one of many demonstrations and activities featured at the Newton Hills' 7th annual FestiFALL.

The popular FestiFALL event features many family activities including arts & crafts and bluegrass music. Autumn's harvest crop, the pumpkin, will take the spotlight with pumpkin catapulting, demonstrations on pumpkin carving and decorated pumpkin contests. Visitors are encouraged to bring in their own decorated or carved pumpkins for judging. Also featured are a variety of "make and take" crafts for the kids and music by Clay County Breakdown Band for entertainment. Activities run from 1-5 p.m.

Following the afternoon FestiFALL celebration, the Candlelight Walk will lead visitors along 2.2 miles of candle-lit trail through the deep woods of Newton Hills. Walkers will encounter many surprises along the trail, including musicians and colorful characters from the past. The Sioux Falls Astronomy Club will also have telescopes for visitors to view the stars and planets while learning about the night sky. Walkers may begin the self-led adventure anytime between 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites with a fall theme. Park staff will judge the sites, and prizes will be awarded. Trolley rides will be available Saturday afternoon to take visitors through the campground to look at the sites.

There is no cost for participation at any of the events. A park entrance license is required. For additional information, please contact Newton Hills State Park at (605) 987-2263 or NewtonHills@state.sd.us.

Events in Your SD State Parks
Becky Graff
South Dakota State Parks recognize this with some parks accepting camping reservations until mid-October and many more offering weekend activities through Halloween. The following is a list of the activities you can take part in at your local state parks.

October
1 - 17th Annual Buffalo Wallow Chilli Cook-Off, CSP, 11:00 AM
2 - 41st Buffalo Roundup, CSP, 7:00 AM
7 - Fall Frolic, Fort Sisseton, 1:00 PM
7 - FestiFall, Newton Hills, 1:00 PM
7 - Candle Light Walk WITP, Newton Hills, 7:00 PM
27-28 - Halloween Night Hike WITP, CSP, 5:30 PM both days. Pre-registration required.
28 - Spooktacular Trails, Big Sioux, 5:00 PM
29 - Trick or Treat Trails WITP, LaFramboise Island, 4:30 PM

WITP = Walk in the Park
For information on individual park events, contact the park directly or visit the Game, Fish & Parks website: http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Calendar.htm.

Black Hills Moon Walks
A Series of Natural History Walks During a Full Moon

Sponsored by the Black Hills National Forest & Black Hills Parks and Forests Association.

Final Moon Walk of the Season:
October 7 – Sounds of the Forest

This walk is located near Cement Ridge Lookout. Forest wildlife biologists will present a program featuring the sounds of wildlife in the forest, which may include elk bugling, raptors, songbirds and more.

For More Information Contact:
Amy Ballard, 343-1567
Black Hills National Forest
803 Soo San Drive
Rapid City, SD 57702
605-343-1567
www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills


 

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