STATE ENDANGERED SPECIES PERMIT PROCEDURE

1. Legal aspects:

South Dakota Codified Law 34A-8-8 states:

1. "The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Game, Fish and Parks may permit the taking, possession, purchase, sale, transportation, exportation, or shipment of species of plants or wildlife which appear on the state list of endangered or threatened species for scientific, zoological, or educational purposes, for propagation in captivity of such fish or wildlife to insure their survival."
2. The current state list of threatened or endangered species can be found on the SDGFP Wildlife Diversity Program web-site.

2. An applicant for a state endangered species permit should submit an email or written letter to:
   
   

   Eileen Dowd Stukel
   South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
   523 E. Capitol Avenue
   Pierre, SD 57501
   
   The request should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the time the authorization is needed. The request should include the following:
   

   • What individual is responsible for complying with the permit? Also include address, phone number, fax number, and email address.
   • What specific activity is planned (capture, possession, exportation, etc.)?
   • List the scientific name, common name, and number of individuals requested.
   • How long will the activity last?
   • What is the purpose of the activity? Only those purposes stated in 34A-8-8 will be considered for authorization.
3. Issuance of a SDGFP state endangered species permit does not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to obtain other local, state, federal, or international permits. SDGFP will not make the determination of whether additional permits are needed; that is the responsibility of the applicant.
4. Holders of SDGFP state endangered species permits must comply with the terms of their specific permits. Permit holders should not assume that other activities, additional species or increased numbers of individuals, or timeframes outside the permit conditions are authorized by SDGFP.
5. Violations of SDGFP state endangered species permits may jeopardize future permits and may be referred to law enforcement personnel for follow-up actions.
6. This procedure does not apply to captive nondomestic animals permitted for possession by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board.