Custer State Park in South Dakota is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including a thriving bison population. Among the various hunting opportunities available in the park, the non-trophy bull hunt stands out as a unique and regulated experience. This blog post will delve into the details of the Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls hunt, providing valuable information for state park touring enthusiasts and tour planners.
Purpose and Age Range of Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls
The primary purpose of the non-trophy bison hunt in Custer State Park is to manage the herd’s population by removing excess cows and bulls, particularly two-year-old bulls. These non-trophy bulls typically range in age from 2.5 years and weigh between 900-1,100 pounds, making them an ideal target for this specialized hunt.
Licenses and Allocation for Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls
The Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls hunt is a highly regulated and limited opportunity, with a total of 13 licenses available to both residents and nonresidents. The allocation of these licenses is as follows:
| License Type | Number of Licenses |
|---|---|
| Resident-Only | 7 |
| Nonresident | 6 |
Hunting Details for Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls
The Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls hunt is a unique experience, with several key details that set it apart:
- Season Dates: The half-day hunts are scheduled from October 17 to November 9, 2023.
- Guided Hunt: The hunt is guided by a park representative, who locates the animal for selection and provides field handling and transportation back to the buffalo corrals.
- Weapon Requirements: Hunters must use rifles of at least .270 caliber that generate a minimum of 2,200-foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. Archery equipment may also be used.
Fees and Eligibility for Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls
Participating in the Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls hunt comes with specific fees and eligibility requirements:
- Fee: The hunt fee is $3,256 for both residents and nonresidents.
- Age Eligibility: Hunters must be at least 12 years old by December 31 to participate. Resident hunters under 16 must complete a HuntSAFE course, while nonresident hunters under 16 must provide a hunter safety card or previous hunting license.
Preference Points for Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls
The Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls hunt utilizes a preference point system to allocate licenses:
- Preference Point Fee: Residents pay $5, and nonresidents pay $10 for each preference point.
- Preference Point System: Unsuccessful applicants can purchase a preference point, which is automatically credited to their application even if they do not apply the following year. Preference points are valid for the first drawing in the applicant’s first unit-type choice.
Additional Information for Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls
To enhance the hunting experience, the Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls hunt offers additional services and resources:
- Taxidermy Services: Local taxidermists are available to prepare a cape for shipping or provide complete service in mounting the animal.
- Application Deadline: The application deadline for the Custer State Park Non-Trophy Bulls hunt is August 6, 8 a.m. Central Time.
Custer State Park’s Non-Trophy Bulls hunt is a unique and regulated opportunity for both residents and nonresidents to participate in the management of the park’s bison herd. By understanding the purpose, age range, license allocation, hunting details, fees, and preference point system, state park touring enthusiasts and tour planners can better plan and prepare for this exceptional experience.