Sportsmen Push Back Against Nonresident Waterfowl Bill

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – Some South Dakota sportsmen are pushing back against a bill that would expand waterfowl hunting for nonresidents in eastern South Dakota.  Representative Dick Werner’s bill would add five counties to the existing Missouri River unit where 1,500 three-day licenses are available each fall for nonresidents.  In the past five years, less than 500 nonresident licenses have been sold each year for the unit. Werner tells the American News the extra licenses should not go to waste and could help stimulate the economy of north central South Dakota.  Chuck Dieter is president of the South Dakota Waterfowl Association. He says the proposal would ruin the hunting experience for many residents.  The bill is scheduled to be heard next week in the state Senate.