South Dakota NWTF Hunting Heritage State Super Fund Projects

Numbers updated in May of 2011

Administered jointly by the NWTF, its state chapters and state wildlife agencies, the Hunting Heritage Super Fund is used for projects that support the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of the hunting tradition. Nationally, NWTF chapters and cooperating partners have raised and spent more than $372 million for wild turkey conservation. Since 1985 over $827,744 has been raised and spent by South Dakota chapters on projects within the state. A sampling of these projects is provided below.

Habitat Enhancement

Spent $86,201 on habitat improvement projects.

  • maintenance and development of brood habitat
  • wildlife openings
  • prescribed fire
  • tree planting
  • riparian restoration
  • water development projects
  • control of invasive plant species
  • support for seed subsidy and conservation seed programs

Habitat enhancement projects have impacted more than 25,993 acres within the state.

  • 9,063 acres of wildlife openings

Purchased equipment for habitat management including:

  • 2 trailers
  • 1 tractor
  • 1 mower
  • 2 disks/harrows
  • 1 planter
  • 4 drills
  • equipment for prescribed burning

Projects were completed on: 

  • Black Hills National Forest
  • Minnekata Junction
  • Other private lands

Education

Spent $108,479 on educational programs and literature including scholarships, education boxes, 4-H and teacher workshops.

  • Awarded 160 scholarships
  • Donated more than 218 education boxes to area schools

Spent $39,279 on educational projects for volunteers and professionals including:

  • Volunteer leadership workshops
  • Wild Turkey Woodlands field days
  • State web sites and newsletters
  • Purchased 78 educational CD-ROMs

JAKES

Spent $45,606 to introduce youth to outdoor activities, conservation and hunting. Sponsored 85 JAKES Conservation Field Days throughout the state.

Hunting Heritage

Spent $25,478 to protect and promote the hunting tradition including contributions to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Hunter Safety

Spent $2,050 to support hunter safety classes and initiatives within the state. Purchased hunter safety materials and equipment, including interactive shooting systems.

Turkey Restoration

Spent $35,368 to trap and transfer turkeys within the state. Expenses include the purchase of trapping equipment such as nets, rockets and rocket charges. Spent $7,846 to reimburse other states for shipping expenses related to the trap and transfer of 315 donated turkeys.

Women’s Programs

Spent $13,548 on programs, materials and equipment to introduce women to the outdoors, hunting and conservation. Conducted 42 Women in the Outdoors events throughout the state.

Rewards

Spent $16,764 to protect wild turkeys and other wildlife through support of state sponsored reward programs, the printing of reward signs and reward payments.

Management

Spent $24,194 on wild turkey management.

  • operation of wild turkey check stations
  • hunter success and satisfaction surveys
  • completion of wild turkey management plans
  • support of law enforcement activities

Purchased equipment to support law enforcement and management activities including:

  • ATV’s
  • weight scales for check stations
  • survey/surveillance cameras
  • gates to limit vehicular access

Land Purchase

Spent $254,542 to purchase 35,352 acres of land or conservation easements to preserve wildlife habitat and provide additional hunting areas.

Research

Spent $36,350 on wild turkey research. Purchased equipment related to research such as radio telemetry equipment.

Wheelin’ Sportsmen

Spent $3,400 to provide opportunities for the disabled to participate in outdoor activities and learn about wildlife observation. Conducted 8 Wheelin’ Sportsmen events.

Other

Spent $100,176 on other projects including organizational dues, travel expenses to professional meetings, special NWTF projects, and chapter rebates.