PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has received reports of significant deer loss in western Sully County likely due to hemorrhagic diseases such as Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease and Blue Tongue.
In an effort to be proactive on behalf of both the hunter and the deer population, GFP is offering voluntary refunds to individuals who have already received a deer license for unit 59A.
"It is the hunter's option," said licensing office supervisor Shon Eide. "But it is advised hunters return their license and tags for a refund if they are questioning the potential impact this deer loss may have on hunting opportunities."
Hunters who applied in the first drawing will have preference points reinstated for next year.
Those wishing to take advantage of the option to return a license for a refund, please mail the license/tags to GFP Licensing Office, 20641 SD Hwy 1806, Fort Pierre, SD 57532.
Returned licenses must be post-marked prior to the start date of the East River Deer season, Nov. 21. Refund checks will then be mailed.
