PIERRE, S.D.-The 2020 Nest Predator Bounty Program will begin on April 1. However, due to concerns of COVID-19, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will not be accepting tails for the program until a later date. Participants are asked to freeze all tails until dates and locations are determined for submission.

Beginning April 1, striped skunk, opossum, red fox, badger and raccoon tails will be worth $5 for South Dakota residents who submit them to the program. The Nest Predator Bounty Program will have a cap of $250,000.

“This program is a great way for families to spend time together outside,” said GFP department secretary Kelly Hepler. “Now, more than ever, it is important that families connect with our outdoor resources by trapping, hunting, fishing and really just being outside together.”

Tails eligible for submission can be harvested via trapping or hunting. Participants need a hunting, furbearer or fishing license to be eligible to participate in the bounty program. Landowners harvesting nest predators for the program on their own land and youth under 18 are exempt from this license requirement.

GFP will communicate dates and locations for tail turn-in as information becomes available on gfp.sd.gov and through their social media platforms.