Endangered Species

Though the state pheasant hunting industry remains on a historic downward slide -- and hunting has become more difficult for residents who access public lands -- hunters, state officials and business owners report that the 2022 season is off to a strong start.

A former South Dakota wildlife official took a hard line against the Nest Predator Bounty Program during an online panel discussion this week, saying the program was ramrodded into existence by Gov. Kristi Noem and is not ethical or effective. Current state wildlife leaders on the panel disagreed, and said the program is protecting pheasants and getting more children engaged in the outdoors.

South Dakota is a top destination for pheasant hunters, but the state has seen a steady decline in the lucrative hunting industry and the Nest Predator Bounty Program is one way the state hopes to increase bird numbers.

A group of pesticides known as neonicotinoids are heavily used in S.D. and across the world and have been shown in a groundbreaking study by scientists at South Dakota State University to cause deformities in deer. Now, the study is raising questions about the potential for harm to humans -- and ring-necked pheasants -- as well.

As national honeybee colony losses hit nearly 40 percent, South Dakota beekeepers who are leaders in the national market worry about the future of bees -- and of their businesses.

US House proposal would add millions for species protection in South Dakota and help pheasants along the way.