SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks is tearing down at least one road block when it comes to getting families outdoors.
If you’re looking to upgrade your hunting or fishing gear, or try an activity for the first time, the Outdoor Campus is set to host its annual Hunting & Fishing Gear Giveaway.
“One of the barriers we found is actually having the supplies and being able to afford the supplies, so we’re trying to take down that barrier a little bit, make it easier for people to get out and enjoy one of my favorite hobbies,” naturalist Derek Klawitter said.
Derek Klawitter is a naturalist with the Outdoor Campus and says the merchandise is free, with something for everyone.
“Everything from cross-country skis to a lot of decoys, duck and goose decoys, camping equipment, grills for camping,” Klawitter said.
The trailer is already packed with gear, but Klawitter says there’s always room for more donations.
“Really, right now we could use hunting clothing, coats, hats, gloves, boots. Those are the main items that a lot of people are looking for,” Klawitter said.
“Got rid of some hunting clothes, it shrunk in my closet. I don’t know how that happened. Clothing, some fishing poles, some hunting equipment I don’t use any more,” volunteer Eric Olson said.
Eric Olson made a donation and volunteers at the Hunting & Fishing Gear Giveaway, but also serves as a mentor at the Outdoor Campus.
“I quit hunting ten years ago for myself but I like going, and so they have a great program for mentoring, turkey hunting in the spring and deer hunting in the fall,” Olson said.
Programs that are helping pave the way for the next generation.
“We’re doing our best to try to get people to enjoy South Dakota’s heritage,” Klawitter said.
The Hunting & Fishing Gear Giveaway is Saturday, August 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls.
If you’d like to make a donation, bring your gear to the front desk at the Outdoor Campus.
