08/26/2026
A partnership between the South Dakota and North Dakota state chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and Pheasants Forever is expanding public hunting access across the Dakotas. Through a combined investment this yearā$5,000 from the South Dakota NWTF chapter and $8,000 from the North Dakota NWTF chapterāthe organizations contributed to Pheasants Foreverās Public Access to Habitat (PATH) program, opening 10,515 acres of new public access.āIt's always such a great opportunity to work with other organizations like Pheasants Forever on any project, but when we can leverage dollars to create more public access, it becomes even more fulfilling for the NWTF mission and our membership,ā said Dr. Don Massa, South Dakota NWTF State Chapter president.The PATH program provides one-time incentive payments to private landowners who voluntarily open qualifying acreage to public hunting during any active state season. To qualify, properties must meet habitat standards or undergo habitat restoration. These incentive payments build on existing state programs, such as North Dakotaās Private Land Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS) and South Dakotaās Walk-In Access (WIA) program, while occasionally opening access to otherwise landlocked public lands.This year's additions build on previous efforts, which included opening 5,984 acres in South Dakota and 4,531 acres in North Dakota through past NWTF-supported PATH projects. Looking ahead, the South Dakota NWTF State Chapter has allocated an additional $10,000 for 2027, which is projected to open up to 8,000 more acres for hunters. Maps of all huntable parcels remain available on each respective state game agency's website.
