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Senate approves bill broadening permitted calibers for nighttime predator control
Summary
The South Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 78 to allow an expanded range of bullet diameters for taking certain animals during night hunting, following debate focusing on modern optics and humane dispatch; Game, Fish and Parks reported no objection.
Pierre — The South Dakota Senate on final consideration passed Senate Bill 78, which authorizes a change in permitted bullet diameters for the nighttime taking of certain animals, after legislators debated technological changes in optics and cartridge performance.
Senator Kevin Jensen, who spoke for the bill, told colleagues that changes in night-vision and thermal-imaging technology and newer cartridges such as the "300 blackout" make the previous caliber restriction outdated. He said the change would allow hunters using subsonic 30-caliber rounds and suppressors to dispatch animals more quickly and humanely while reducing disturbance to nearby residents. "I hope for your favorable vote," Jensen said.
Jensen said he had consulted with the state Game, Fish and Parks agency and that "they have no objection." Senators moved to final consideration without additional amendments.
On a roll-call vote the Senate recorded 35 yeas, 0 nays, and the president declared the bill passed.
Why it matters: Supporters framed the change as an update for equipment and humane dispatch. During debate, Jensen contrasted older first- and second-generation night-vision scopes with modern thermal-imaging optics and described how subsonic heavier bullets reduce range and noise compared with some high-velocity rounds.
Action and next steps: Senate Bill 78 received final passage in the Senate; the title was deemed correct on the floor. The transcript does not show immediate further steps taken on enrolling or transmission to the House or governor.
Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 78 — final passage, yeas 35, nays 0.
Ending note: The bill's sponsor emphasized equipment and animal welfare as central rationales for the statutory change; the Department of Game, Fish and Parks was reported to have no objection during floor remarks.
