PIERRE, S.D. — Gift giving can be one of the trickiest undertakings of the year, but don’t start buying numerous tins of popcorn or cookies to hand out just yet. This year, consider those on your list who might appreciate a year’s worth of visits to South Dakota’s over 50 state parks and recreations areas.

The 2006 SD state parks annual entrance license is now available for purchase at $23 for one and $34.50 for two. The license allows entry into designated state parks, recreation areas and lakeside use areas and is valid through May 2007. The SD state parks annual entrance license gives that special person on your list countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and biking, to bird watching, to fishing and boating.

The annual entrance license can be purchased at your local Game, Fish and Parks office, by calling (605) 773-3391, or online at www.sdgfp.info/Parks.

In addition, there are a number of gift possibilities available for all types of recreation-users and outdoor enthusiasts.

The SD State Park Trail Atlas will guide your favorite trail explorer along nearly 300 miles of trails in 30 state parks across South Dakota, whether they adventure by foot, bicycle, horse or cross-country skis. The atlas is available for $10 (plus $2.50 shipping and handling).

A $5 subscription to the South Dakota Conservation Digest will give the gift of the outdoors year-round. The bi-monthly magazine covers South Dakota's outdoor scene, including hunting, fishing, state parks and outdoor recreation.

Fans of the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills may appreciate an annual Mickelson Trail pass or either of the Jon Crane prints depicting scenes along the trail. Proceeds support development projects along the trail.

Also available is a South Dakota State Parks T-shirt for $10. The short sleeve T-shirt, available in stonewashed blue, features a state parks icon on the front, and an outline of the state of South Dakota on the back, which is overlaid with pictures of recreational activities.

For an all-inclusive gift, give your outdoor enthusiast a State Parks gift set. The gift set includes a 2006 park entrance license, a copy of the SD State Park Trail Atlas, a State Parks T-shirt and several free state parks and outdoor items. The set comes gift-wrapped and is available for only $40 (plus $5 shipping and handling).

This merchandise and more from Game, Fish and Parks can be viewed and purchased online by visiting www.sdgfp.info/Parks and then choosing "Shop GFP Online" along the left side. Orders may also be placed by phone by calling (605) 773-3391. Shipping and handling fees may apply.

-GFP-