DISABLED HUNTING ACCESS AREAS
South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks has purchased various land tracts called Game Production Areas (GPA’s) across the state that are open to public access for hunting or wildlife viewing. Special restrictions for vehicle access are posted at the entrances to these areas. The department also has four GPA’s that have been designed, modified and signed as areas providing exemptions to vehicle access for individuals qualifying as "hunters or outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities." The following are the designated areas:
These areas let disabled hunters enjoy the areas scenic beauty and seek deer, pheasants, grouse, waterfowl, and coyotes.
The four designated disabled access areas will permit access with all-terrain vehicles (ATV) or other vehicles on special designated roads and trails for those individuals with a disabled hunter permit. Due to the safety concerns for those with disabilities, as well as other hunters, the potential for fire danger and the need to maintain wildlife habitat, vehicles will not be allowed to travel off of these trails, except for the direct trail line to retrieve downed game. Any passengers in or on the disabled permit holders vehicle must be non-hunters, and all firearms must be fully cased and unloaded while the vehicle is in motion or transit. The access vehicle must come to a complete stop with the motor turned off while aiming, firing, or shooting a weapon.
The department also has a special unit for the West River firearms deer season (Unit 358D - Stanley County in central South Dakota) for those persons confined to a wheelchair. This hunt takes place on a specified weekend in November. GFP will allow successful applicants to hunt as instructed with volunteers from established blinds in a forested area below the Oahe Dam.
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