Wildlife officials scale back nest-raider bounty program

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – South Dakota wildlife officials are scaling back Gov. Kristi Noem’s program that pays bounties for predators that raid migratory birds’ nests.

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission voted Friday to extend the program for a second year but cap spending at $250,000 and set bounties at $5 per tail from a raccoon, striped skunk, opossum, red fox or badger.

Last year the cap was $500,000 and the bounty was $10 per tail.

Bounties will now be paid regardless of whether a predator is shot or trapped. Last year bounties applied only to trapped animals.