A conversation with GFP Commissioner, and Eagan native, Russ Olson

The 2019 South Dakota Legislative Session brought the passage of a habitat stamp. We have been getting a TON of questions regarding the "stamp" so Nick Harrington and Chris Hull sat down to relay some of the most frequently asked questions.

We got the chance to sit down with GFP Secretary Kelly Hepler and talk about where GFP has been, and where we are going in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

Deer and elk hunters in South Dakota will be seeing some new rules in place when transporting harvested critters. I invited SD GFP big game biologists Chad Switzer and Steve Griffin to explain some real life situations on what hunters need to do while transporting and disposing of carcasses.

Ever had to take an EMERGENCY bathroom break outside? Well our resident potty expert Derek Klawitter has some tips on what to do!

Then, GFP biologist and awesome dog trainer, Hilary Morey talks at length about picking out a puppy and training. If you are even THINKING about getting a puppy...better have a listen!

Sr. Fisheries Biologist, Bob Hanten discusses stocking and spawning fish this spring/summer and then discussed mercury levels in SD lakes. Then we take on several of your questions regarding fishing, littering, and more.

Adams Homestead naturalist, Jody Moats captured an amazing picture of a group of snakes that has gone viral to the tune of nearly 23 million views. Here her talk about the pic, snakes and the Adams Homestead.

Then Fishstories.org creator Buddy Seiner talks about the tradition of telling fishing stories and his drive to preserve them. Buddy also talks about fly tying and fly fishing for things other than trout.

We are getting TONS of questions regarding GFP activities during this pandemic. Communications guy Nick Harrington joins me to help answer some of your questions. We also have a clip from Sec. Kelly Hepler and the GFP Commission regarding the "Are you closing fishing and hunting seasons?".

Yes, we know it's been a while, but we are back! Zebra mussels have been found on the Missouri River's Lake Sharpe. What does that mean for boaters and the future of the fishery? Also, possible BIG changes coming for South Dakota deer and elk hunters in the way they transport their big game from the field.

As flood waters rise in southeastern South Dakota, I sat down with GFP park supervisors Jeff VanMeeteren and Jason Bowman to discuss flooding and how it effects their parks and visitors. I also talked with Thea Miller Ryan and Emmett Keyser about flooding at the Outdoor Campus East.

To wrap things up, I talked with northeastern South Dakota fisheries manager, Mark Ermer about winterkill and what can or cant be done to help lakes.