<p><img src="assets/images/blog/sd-fish-n-game.jpg" /></p>
<p>As prairie dog shooters from across the nation head to South Dakota, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks and U.S. Forest Service remind hunters that the Conata Basin remains closed year-round to all prairie dog shooting.</p>

<p>"A new law this year did not change the status of the Conata Basin, south of Wall, South Dakota," explained Keith Fisk, GFP Wildlife Damage Program administrator. "The Conata Basin remains closed. It is managed by the Forest Service, which has the authority to keep the area closed because of the endangered black-footed ferret."
The new state law that went into effect July 1, 2011, allows prairie dog shooting to occur year-round with no possession limits on most public lands in South Dakota. However, each government agency managing public property retains the authority to close specific areas in certain situations. </p>

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Because the Conata Basin is a critical habitat component for reintroduction of the black-footed ferret, prairie dogs may not be hunted there.</p>

<p>"Our annual surveys indicate that the Conata Basin continues to provide habitat for about 100 black-footed ferrets," said Ruben Leal, Forest Service district ranger. "This area is very important for the continued effort of ferret reintroductions and remains closed to all prairie dog shooting activities."</p>

<p>Typically, ferret family groups will engage in play behavior in the early morning and early evening, leaving the animals vulnerable to shooting. At extended shooting distances, it can be nearly impossible to distinguish between prairie dogs, burrowing owls, and ferrets emerging from prairie dog burrows.</p>

<p>The restriction on prairie dog shooting in the Conata Basin prevents the accidental killing of ferrets and helps maintain quality ferret habitat with a sufficient food source (prairie dogs).  It also is safer for agency personnel monitoring the ferrets.
People caught shooting prairie dogs in the Conata Basin face citations and substantial fines.</p>

<p>For more information on the Conata Basin and its ban on prairie dog shooting, contact the U.S. Forest Service in Wall, South Dakota at 605-279-2125.  For other inquires regarding prairie dogs, contact GFP at 605- 223-7660 or visit: <a href="http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/predator-varmit-furbearer/prairie-dogs.aspx">http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/predator-varmit-furbearer/prairie-dogs.aspx</a></p>
