South Dakota Regulations
Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, species information, and public access resources for the state of South Dakota.
Overview
South Dakota offers world-class pheasant hunting, strong big-game opportunities, and excellent fishing across prairies, grasslands, and the Missouri River system.
Below are quick links to seasons, species, licensing, and access information.
Season Information
- Whitetail & Mule Deer (archery, rifle, muzzleloader — lottery)
- Pronghorn (lottery)
- Elk (Black Hills & Custer State Park — lottery)
- Turkey seasons (spring & fall)
- Pheasant, Sharptail Grouse, Partridge
- Waterfowl (Central Flyway)
- Fishing seasons (walleye, pike, perch, trout, salmon)
Licensing
South Dakota requires appropriate licenses for hunting and fishing activities.
- Hunting license (resident & non-resident)
- Fishing license (annual, 1-day, 3-day)
- Big game lottery tags (deer, elk, pronghorn)
- Turkey permits
- Waterfowl stamps (state & federal)
- HIP certification (required for migratory birds)
Key Species
- Whitetail Deer
- Mule Deer
- Pronghorn
- Elk
- Pheasant (world-famous)
- Sharptail Grouse & Partridge
- Walleye, Pike, Perch
- Trout & Salmon (Black Hills & Missouri River)
Public Land & Access
South Dakota offers extensive public access through Walk-In Areas, national grasslands, state lands, and the Missouri River reservoirs.
- Walk-In Areas (WIAs)
- National Grasslands (Buffalo Gap, Fort Pierre, Grand River)
- State Game Production Areas (GPAs)
- Black Hills National Forest
- Missouri River reservoirs (Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case, Lewis & Clark)
- Special permits & controlled hunts