Pheasant Season FAQs
What’s a Habitat Stamp? Where can I get a license? Can someone without a gun walk with? The pheasant hunting experts at South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks have answers to all your questions, even the ones you didn’t know you have.
Why do I need to sign up for a new account? I've been buying my license for years.
GF&P updated to a new and better system in 2022, so anyone with a pre-2022 account will have to sign up for a new one. Don't worry. It's easy AND quick. Take a minute to create a new account by clicking here. Don't let anything come between you and the field this year!
What is a Habitat Stamp and why do I need one?
The Habitat Stamp, created by the state of South Dakota, provides protection and improvement of habitat and public accessibility while ensuring our world-class outdoor resources are available for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Individuals 18 and over are required to purchase a Habitat Stamp when buying or applying for a hunting, fishing or furbearer license. This includes both residents and non-residents.
The annual fee for the habitat stamp is $10 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The Habitat Stamp will automatically be added to your first purchase of a hunting, fishing or furbearer license for the year.
How do the two 5-day hunting periods work for non-residents?
When non-residents purchase their small game license, they may use the license for two 5-day periods. These periods may be used consecutively or they may be broken up.
For example, an individual who arrives for their hunting trip on November 1 may purchase their license and begin using it that day. If they chose to only stay for these five days, select the last five days of the hunting season for the second privilege dates.
After hunting in early November, if they chose to return to hunt again in December, they would then change their next five-day period to the date they wish to begin hunting. For example, if the first day of their trip would be December 1 they would simply change their final five-day period from the last days of the season to December 1.
Do I need to carry my physical license in the field?
You must always be able to display your license when you are in the field. This can be a physical or electronic copy. If you wish to print out your license and carry a physical copy and you bought your license online, you can use your user profile to get a copy of your license.
To carry an electronic version, log into your GFP online licensing account from your smartphone device to view your small game, fishing or trapping license and take a picture or screenshot. This electronic version is an acceptable method of carrying a small game, fishing or trapping license.
Can non-residents participate in youth hunts?
Yes, non-resident youth under the age of 18 may participate in the youth only season. Youth must be accompanied by an unarmed adult while hunting.
Where can I buy a license and shells when I get to South Dakota?
You can purchase their license at any Authorized License Agent across the state. While many of these agents will also have hunting, fishing and other outdoor equipment, it’s recommended that hunters arrive with adequate shells to hunt as inventories may be depleted from other hunters.
How can I connect with a landowner about hunting on private land?
We recommend hunters make contact with landowners in advance of the hunting season. Doing your research and contacting landowners in the summer months will allow you to build a relationship prior to the hunting season.
Hunters who wait until the last minute to contact landowners are often turned away as the property may be utilized by other hunters who made contact earlier or by the landowner's friends and family. Making contact early will also allow you to plan out your hunt, as some landowners may have prior commitments for opening weekends or other time periods but may allow hunters to access the property during the week or at a different time.
Where can I find places for game processing?
You can find Sportsmen Against Hunger Game Processors or contact local businesses in the area they plan to hunt. Several butcher shops, meat lockers or other businesses will be willing to process game for hunters for a fee.
If I do not plan on hunting, but wish to accompany others while they hunt, is this allowed?
People who don’t plan on hunting but wish to participate in the hunt may walk with. These individuals may not count towards the daily bag limit nor carry a weapon. For safety, it is recommended extra walkers wear orange when they are in the field, even if they’re not carrying a weapon.
What is the minimum age to hunt or purchase a hunting license?
Residents and non-residents at least 12 years old, or who will turn 12 by December 31, may hunt any season they are licensed for after September 1. They must possess a Hunter Safety Card (or in case of non-residents, a copy of a current or previous hunting license issued to them from any state).
Am I required to wear hunter orange when on a hunt?
Small game hunters are recommended to wear at least one visible fluorescent orange garment when they are in the field, although it isn’t required.
Find a variety of maps, downloads, and planning information on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.
Carry your license in your pocket. Type "SD GFP Outdoors" into the App Store.
Planning Tools
Whether you’re looking for a guided lodge experience or a public land adventure, we’ve got the resources to get you started.
