South Dakota Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

If you're looking to hunt in South Dakota, it's important to familiarize yourself with the state's hunting seasons and licensing requirements.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of what you need to know in order to legally hunt in South Dakota. We'll also discuss some of the different types of game that are available to hunt in the state.

So if you're ready to start planning your South Dakota hunting trip, read on for more information!

Hunting In South Dakota

South Dakota is a hunting paradise. The state is home to an abundance of game, including deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and more. South Dakota also offers some of the best hunting opportunities in the country. With nearly 60% of the state being covered in public hunting land, there are plenty of places to explore.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a first-timer, hunting in South Dakota is an unforgettable experience. The state’s diverse landscape provides a variety of challenges, and the abundance of game means you’re sure to have a successful hunt.

If you’re planning a hunting trip to South Dakota, be sure to check out the state’s hunting regulations. And always remember to practice safety first. With a little planning and preparation, you’re sure to have a great hunting experience in South Dakota.

South Dakota Antelope Seasons

Archery	Aug. 21-Oct. 1 and Oct. 18-31
Mentored Archery	Aug. 21-Oct. 31
Firearms	Oct. 2-17
Landowner	Oct. 2-17
Mentored Firearms	Oct. 2-17

Antelope, also called pronghorn, are in limited supply in South Dakota due to weather extremes and habitat changes. South Dakota offers limited antelope hunting. To learn more about applying for an antelope hunting permit, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website.

South Dakota Deer Seasons

Archery	Sept. 1-Jan. 1
Apprentice and Mentored Hunts	Sept. 11-Jan. 1
General Season	Nov. 1-Dec. 19**
Muzzleloader	Dec. 1-Jan. 1**

**Season dates vary by zone. Deer firearms season dates vary greatly throughout South Dakota depending on region. Find specific hunting dates and regional requirements at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.

South Dakota Elk Seasons

Archery	Sept. 1-30
General Season	Sept. 1-Dec. 31**

**Season dates vary throughout South Dakota depending on region. Find specific hunting dates and regional requirements at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website. Only South Dakota residents are able to obtain elk licenses.

South Dakota Black Hills Bighorn Sheep Seasons

General Season

Sept. 1-Dec. 31

Bighorn sheep season is restricted to state residents only, and are available on a limited basis. Recently, the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks divison has begun a bighorn sheep auction license, which raises funds for bighorn sheep management in the state and habitat improvements.

South Dakota Wild Turkey Seasons

General Fall Season

Nov. 1-Jan. 31

South Dakota Mountain Lion Seasons

General Season

Year-round until annual harvest limit is met

South Dakota’s mountain lion season is restricted to state residents only. Permits are required to bag mountain lions, and hunts are limited to a maximum of 60 total lions or 40 female mountain lions, whichever is reached first. Hunters should check the online harvest status before heading out to ensure the season is still open.

South Dakota Small Game Seasons

Crow	Sept. 1-Oct. 31 and March 1-Apr. 30
Common Snipe	Sept. 1-Oct. 31
Rabbit	Sept. 1-Feb. 28
Quail	Oct. 17-Jan. 3
Partridge	Sept. 18-Jan. 2
Pheasant	Oct. 9-11 and Oct. 16-31
Quail	Sept. 19-Jan. 3
Grouse and Prairie Chicken	Oct. 16-Jan. 2
Tree Squirrel	Sept. 1-Feb. 28

How To Get A Hunting License In South Dakota?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the HuntSAFE Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the South Dakota hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks website or a South Dakota–approved agent.

South Dakota License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from Dec. 15 to Jan. 31 of the year after next. For example, 2016 licenses are good from Dec. 15, 2015, to Jan. 31, 2017.

Where to Buy a South Dakota Hunting License

Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks website.
Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks licensing office, a county treasurer office, or an approved license agent.

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for South Dakota hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks agency website.