Funding stays in tact for South Dakota’s Nest Predator Bounty Program

An attempt to reroute the money used to pay for South Dakota’s Nest Predator Bounty Program failed this week (Feb. 18, 2025) in the state legislature.

The program has paid residents $10 per tail for raccoons, skunks, badgers, opossums and red foxes from April 1 to July 1 of each year since it began in 2019. House Bill 1262 called for the Nest Predator Bounty Program funding to instead be devoted to creating more pheasant habitat.

Governor Larry Rhoden has indicated plans to collaborate with landowners, conservation groups and GF&P on long-term solutions. He said we must find a way to help agriculture and wildlife to survive to ensure the future of South Dakota.