PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota departments of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and Agriculture (SDDA) want to remind South Dakota ranchers and producers to contact either department regarding prairie dog encroachment issues. The state’s prairie dog control program is cooperatively operated by the GFP and SDDA.
GFP manages encroachment issues for prairie dogs that move from public lands to adjacent private lands, while the SDDA manages complaints between private landowners.
“GFP will control prairie dogs that have encroached onto private land from adjacent public land,” said GFP Wildlife Damage Program Administrator Keith Fisk. “However, landowners that have encroachment problems on their property from adjacent public land must be within one-mile of the public land and have at least 10 acres (of actual prairie dog colonies) to be eligible for assistance.”
Additionally, landowners must register on GFP’s website and request assistance regarding unwanted prairie dogs before Aug. 15, 2018. Once eligibility has been verified later this fall, GFP staff or a department representative will control the invading colony on the private land. All complaints must be received by the Aug. 15, 2018, deadline.
Landowners who are experiencing encroachment from adjoining private land should contact the SDDA. If the colony is encroaching from private land, a signed written complaint must be completed.
There are two methods to file a complaint. The first option is for the affected landowner to sign a letter of complaint and mail it to the local County Weed and Pest Board. The second method requires the landowner to submit a formal written complaint to the SDDA and mail a copy to the neighboring landowner. Landowners can find the complaint form at http://sdda.sd.gov/legacydocs/Ag_Services/forms/pdog%20complaint%20form.pdf or by calling the SDDA at 605.773.3796. Notices of private land encroachment may be sent to the
