STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis Police Department will conduct a deer harvest between Nov. 1, 2022, and Feb. 28, 2023.
Each year, under strict guidelines regulated by the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks (GF&P), the Police Department is required to complete a Deer Population Study. Based on this study, the GF&P determines if the deer population should be curtailed. If a reduction is determined, a specific number of deer licenses are issued to the Sturgis Police Department and the harvest takes place. The goal of the program is to maintain a healthy and viable urban deer population.
Through the program, city residents can apply for deer meat through an open application process. The application is now available on the city’s website (www.sturgis-sd.gov), on Facebook (City of Sturgis, SD), or at city hall.
Any excess meat will be donated to the Sturgis Kiwanis Food Pantry. Police Chief Geody VanDewater reminds residents it is unlawful to feed wildlife within city limits. Feeding deer encourages herds to remain in the city, he said.
