Two complexes grow in the eastern half of the state
Pheasants Forever (PF) is proud to announce new additions to the Shutler Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) and to the Weaver WPA, both in eastern South Dakota. Combined, the parcels add 320 acres of publicly accessible grasslands and wetlands to one of the greatest pheasant hunting states in the nation.
“These parcels are a high priority for us and for upland enthusiasts everywhere,” said Eric Sytsma, PF’s habitat protection officer. “South Dakota is well known for incredible hunting opportunities, and that is made possible by PF and incredible partners like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, continuously pursuing strategic habitat protection and access projects. I’m thrilled to see these high-quality habitat acres permanently protected and available to the upland hunters of today and tomorrow.”
A 230-acre addition to Shutler WPA in Kingsbury County, previously enrolled in a grassland and wetland easement, adds public hunting access to a highly utilized complex in the area around Lake Thompson.
The Weaver WPA addition secured 90 acres near the center of the growing complex in Beadle County. Located just west of Huron, this area provides excellent upland and waterfowl hunting opportunities right off Highway 14.
These two properties have been conveyed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, adding to the nearly 150,000 acres of public land in the WPA program across the state. These new additions will be managed as publicly accessible wildlife habitat for ducks, geese, pheasants, deer and more.
This project was made possible by PF & QF chapters, partners and members who contribute to the organization’s Build a Wildlife Area® program. Build a Wildlife Area® is Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s permanent habitat protection program delivering strategic, fee-title acquisitions to conserve habitat and increase public hunting access. The program strives to create functional landscapes supporting wild, sustainable populations of upland birds and other wildlife, while providing ancillary benefits to natural resources and communities. Since 1982, the program has permanently protected more than 243,000 acres of publicly accessible habitat in 17 states.
For questions about public land access in South Dakota, contact Eric Sytsma at ESytsma@PheasantsForever.org.