Episode 11 Zebra Mussels In Sharpe and Francis Case/CWD proposal

·52 min·5 clips

Chris Hall reveals South Dakota's Hunt for Habitat raffle with elk, deer, and antelope tags up for grabs.

This episode of the South Dakota GFP Podcast focuses on the confirmed presence of zebra mussels in Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case. Host Chris Hall, the public information officer for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, provides official updates and management guidance. The episode serves as a critical resource for anglers, boaters, and anyone using South Dakota's Missouri River reservoirs. Hall confirms the invasive zebra mussels were found at the Fort Randall Dam tailrace on Lake Francis Case and near the Big Bend Dam on Lake Sharpe. He explains the department's mandatory inspection and decontamination protocols for boats leaving these two lakes. The host details the "Clean, Drain, Dry" protocol that all water users must follow to prevent further spread. He emphasizes that these rules are enforceable by law, with potential penalties for non-compliance. The discussion clarifies that Lake Oahe remains the only major Missouri River reservoir in South Dakota without a confirmed zebra mussel population. Hall also provides a brief update on the department's Hunt for Habitat raffle, which offers big game tags as prizes. He gives a seasonal reminder about reports of blue-green algae blooms in some waters. A key insight is that the mussels' spread to these lakes was anticipated by biologists given their presence in upstream states. The mandatory decontamination requirement applies regardless of whether a boater actually encountered the mussels. Hall stresses that the invasive species can cause significant ecological and economic damage by outcompeting native species and clogging infrastructure. The episode clarifies that the "Clean, Drain, Dry" steps are a simple but vital routine for all watercraft and equipment. Listeners learn that the department's containment strategy is focused on preventing spread to Lake Oahe and other unaffected waters. The host underscores that public cooperation is the most effective tool in managing the invasive species. The tone is official and educational, delivered in a straightforward, conversational manner by a department representative. The style is informational, providing clear directives and explanations of state regulations and biological facts. This episode is essential listening for any angler or boater using South Dakota's Missouri River system. Listeners seeking purely recreational hunting stories or off-topic banter might find the first portion less relevant.

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