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Commission adopts resolution replacing nest‑predator bounty with youth trapping program and one‑year coyote bounty
Summary
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission on voice vote adopted Resolution 26‑01 to rescind the prior nest predator bounty resolution and launch a youth trapping recruitment program and a one‑year coyote bounty for 2026. The programs will be funded with license dollars and include enrollment, payment and eligibility limits.
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission adopted Resolution 26‑01 after staff proposed replacing the prior nest‑predator bounty program with two new programs: a youth trapping recruitment program and a one‑year coyote bounty program.
Tom Kersman, director of the Wildlife Division, told the commission the resolution rescinds the earlier 2003 resolution and formalizes two new elements. "The youth trapping recruitment program" would pay $10 per tail for five listed species, not to exceed $200,000, and would be for participants under 18 and run March 1 through July 1. The coyote bounty program would be conducted in 2026 as a one‑year program, pay $30 per tail not to exceed $300,000, and run April 1 through July 1. Kersman said the programs would use license dollars, not other funding sources.
Commissioners asked procedural and eligibility questions. Commissioner Bartley asked when staff would revisit program timing; Kersman said the department would discuss adjustments this fall to allow internal planning. A commissioner asked about license requirements; Kersman said youth would not be required to hold a license but adults would need a predator/varmint or combination license where those are applicable.
Commissioner Whitmer moved to adopt the resolution and Commissioner Spring seconded. The chair called for those in favor to say "I"; the motion carried on a voice vote. The resolution as presented directs staff to carry the programs forward for implementation and to provide details to the public when available.
The commission packet and the resolution text reference a statute that grants the commission authority to implement programmatic policies; the resolution itself does not change administrative rulemaking requirements, and Kersman said these are agency program actions implemented under the commission's statutory authority.
What happens next: staff will finalize implementation details and public instructions, including license and turn‑in procedures and a schedule of turn‑in days. Kersman said the department will publish specifics for participants prior to program start dates.
