9/26/2005 - PIERRE, S.D. – Youth hunters get first dibs at hunting pheasants in South Dakota during the state’s two-day youth pheasant season. Youngsters can hunt starting at
noon on Saturday, Oct. 1, until sunset. The season will pick back up at noon on Sunday, Oct. 2, and will conclude at sunset that day.Youth hunting will be open statewide on both private and public land, including Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge. All public road rights-of-way will be closed to hunting during this season, except for those adjacent to public hunting lands.
"Resident and nonresident youths meeting South Dakota’s eligibility requirements can hunt," said GFP Regional Law Specialist Marty Pennock of Sioux Falls.
Eligibility requirements include:
 | Being 12 to 15 years of age, or will turn 12 on or before Dec. 31. |
| Possesses a valid Hunter Safety Certificate. |
| Is properly licensed to hunt small game (SD youth small game license). |
| Is accompanied by an adult who is not carrying a firearm. |
The daily limit for youth is three rooster pheasants, with a possession limit of six taken according to the daily limit. Shooting hours open at noon, Central Time, and end at sunset each day.
Pennock reminds hunters that nontoxic shot is required on most public lands. However, public lands that do allow lead shot for small game hunting include Walk-In Areas, U.S. Forest Service National Grasslands and state School and Public Lands.
"Another important regulation to remember is that transported game birds must have sufficient plumage attached for proper identification," Pennock said. "For pheasants, this means the attachment of a fully-feathered head or wing or the attachment of one leg with a foot."
-GFP-
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