PIERRE, S.D. -- Ducks Unlimited-managed properties in McPherson and Edmunds counties will be enrolled in S.D. Game, Fish, and Parks Department’s Walk-In Area hunting program. Enrollment will be in time for this year’s resident-only pheasant season set for Oct. 11 through Oct. 13 as well as the regular pheasant season that opens on Oct. 18.

These tracts, totaling 13,400 acres, were acquired by DU as part of its revolving land fund that targets for acquisition degraded waterfowl habitat in the prairie pothole region. Once acquired, the grasslands and wetlands are restored.

Hunters can find the locations of these properties by examining GFP’s Hunting Atlas Web site at http://www.sdgfp.info/Publications/Atlas/WIAupdate.htm or by picking up a map at the Goebel Ranch Headquarters located on about three mile east of 349th Ave. on 123rd Street, or six miles west of McPherson County Road 17 on 123rd Street.

The DU properties open to Walk-In Area hunting are clearly posted with blue DU signs. Red or orange DU signs indicate DU lands closed to hunting. Due to the late sign-up, GFP was unable to post the area with its traditional white WIA signs.

Both organizations remind hunters to be respectful of the rights of landowners who open their lands for public hunting. Hunters are also reminded to take note of the location of the DU signs so adjacent private lands are not inadvertently crossed. As with all WIAs, no driving is allowed on the DU property.

DU officials request that hunters sign in at one of their permit stations, so they can track hunting activity on their property and possibly survey hunters at a later date. Permit stations (mail boxes) are located at the Goebel Ranch headquarters, Long Lake property, Hoffman property on the South Dakota/North Dakota state line, and the Ipswich grassland property. All DU restrictions, which are listed at the permit stations, must be followed.