South Dakota Administrative Rules Title 41 - Department of Game, Fish And Parks
gfp.sd.gov
Here’s a comprehensive overview of South Dakota Administrative Rules, Title 41 – Department of Game, Fish And Parks, which govern wildlife, parks, hunting, fishing, permits, and more:
🧾 Title Structure
Title 41 is organized into Articles and Chapters, each addressing key regulatory areas under the Department of Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) (regulations.justia.com, en.wikipedia.org). Here's a breakdown:
• Article 41:01 – Administration
Definition of terms like Commission, Department, Secretary, State Park System, and Water Access Areas (law.cornell.edu).
• Article 41:02 – License Agents
Rules for appointing and regulating agents who issue hunting, fishing, and park licenses .
• Article 41:03 – Parks and Public Lands
Covers authorized uses and restrictions in state parks, recreation areas, water access areas, trails, camping rules, park entrance fees, parking, vehicle use, etc. (regulations.justia.com).
• Article 41:04 – Public Waters
Regulations about boat use, water access, safety, and reserving access to public lakes and rivers .
• Article 41:05 – Refuges
Operational rules for wildlife refuges and conservation areas under GFP jurisdiction (gfp.sd.gov).
• Article 41:06 – Hunting Seasons and Methods
Season dates, bag limits, weapon regulations.
Example: Rule 41:06:03:06 requires tagged leg plus head or hind quarter for transported big game—but exempts certain cases (law.cornell.edu).
• Article 41:07 – Fishing Seasons and Methods
Regulations on catch limits, gear restrictions, and methods for specific species and water bodies (casetext.com).
• Article 41:08 – Furbearer Seasons and Methods
Similar rules tailored for regulated trapping and taking of fur-bearing animals .
• Article 41:09 – Special Permits and Licenses
Covers special use licenses for guides, nonresident hunters, tournaments, dog training, and other permitted activities .
• Article 41:10 – Special Management Categories
Includes controlled-access areas, limited entry zones, habitat management units .
• Article 41:13 – Park Concession Leases
Regulations for businesses operating within park facilities (e.g., food vendors, equipment rental) (gfp.sd.gov).
📜 Legal Foundation
Statutory Authority: Rules implemented under SDCL Chapters 41‑2‑18, 41‑14‑14, etc. (law.cornell.edu).
Rules are updated quarterly; a systematic review in 2019 led to amendments for clarity and streamlining .
📌 Enforcement & Provisions
Rule 41:06:03:06 mandates big game transport tags plus additional identification, with exemptions (law.cornell.edu).
Statute SDCL 41‑1‑8 prohibits interference with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping, with penalties including misdemeanors and injunctions (animallaw.info).
🔍 How to Access
Check the official GFP Commission regulations page for handbooks and updates (gfp.sd.gov).
Use the South Dakota Legislature site for precise chapters, sections, statutory authority, and amendment history (sdlegislature.gov).
Cornell LII / Casetext offer easier navigation through rules by Article/Chapter (law.cornell.edu).
✅ Summary Table
Article
Focus Area
Highlights
01
Administration
Defined terms, organizational rules
02
License agents
Appointment & oversight of license issuers
03
Parks & public lands
Use rules, fees, vehicle/camping regulations
04
Public waters
Boating, access, water use regulations
05
Refuges
Conservation area rules
06
Hunting seasons & methods
Seasons, weapons, tagging, transport rules
07
Fishing seasons & methods
Gear, species limits, seasonal regulations
08
Furbearer seasons & methods
Trapping regulations
09
Special permits & licenses
Guides, tournaments, training, nonresident permits
10
Special management categories
Habitat & restricted zones
13
Park concession leases
Vendor licensing within parks
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