Wildlife and Habitat management
While hunting and fishing are what most individuals think of when they look at GFP, there are a multitude of programs behind the scenes that support those activities, as well as other non-game species.
landowners matter
Funding
- Funding Opportunities: We provide funding opportunities through competitive small grant programs.
Critters
- Learn About Critters: Learn more about other critters like amphibians, reptiles, snakes, baby animals, insects, birds and rare animals.
Species Information
- Species Information: We monitor aquatic invasive species that invade and degrade habitat, rare, threatened and endangered species struggling to survive along with other non-game species.
Habitat Resources and Landowner Programs
- Habitat Resources and Landowner Programs: We work to connect farmers and ranchers to the appropriate habitat resources and help them implement wildlife habitat where it makes the most sense. With numerous programs and financial incentives available to farmers and ranchers, Habitat Pays helps connect them to the appropriate resources. Habitat truly does pay because of opportunities for improved soil health, increased land value and abundant wildlife.
Wildlife Damage Management Program
- Wildlife Damage Management Program: GFP employs 27 full-time Wildlife Damage Specialists (WDS) within its Wildlife Damage Management Program. These staff work directly with landowners and producers to reduce or alleviate wildlife damage such as: livestock losses, damage to stored-feed supplies and hay, damage to growing crops, as well as damage to personal property.
Wildlife Diseases
- Wildlife Diseases: Learn more about wildlife diseases like chronic wasting disease, lyme disease, west nile and more.
Wildlife Diversity Program
- Wildlife Diversity Program: The Wildlife Diversity Program inventories, protects, and manages the diversity of species and habitats in South Dakota. It works to address wildlife diversity issues, and sustain all native plants, animals and habitats. Learn more.
Wildlife Management Plans
- Wildlife Management Plans: We do research to prepare wildlife management plans.