Drought in South Dakota means more cow elk hunting licenses

South Dakota's Game, Fish and Parks Department will issue an additional 50 cow elk hunting licenses this year because of drought. The Capital Journal reports that the move is part of a drought contingency program in the state's elk management plan. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of western South Dakota in severe or extreme drought. The U.S. Forest Service says range conditions in the Black Hills are deteriorating quickly. Game, Fish and Parks in late July said it would not recommend issuing contingency licenses, but ranchers pressured the agency to change its mind. Five additional licenses will be issued for each of 10 northern Black Hills antlerless elk hunting units. A license lottery drawing will be held within the next few months.  AP