What is the current outlook for this year's hunting?

It's looking fantastic! Weather conditions have been excellent for an abundant wildlife population. Click here for the 2025 outlook. To keep up to date on all info pertaining to this year's outlook, sign up for the Game, Fish and Parks email by clicking here .

How do I obtain a South Dakota hunting license?

Purchase and view your license by creating an account here . You can also purchase your license at any authorized license agent across the state. Make sure to have your license available, either physically or digitally, when you are in the field. 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.

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).

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!

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.

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 five-day hunting periods work for non-residents?

When non-residents purchase their small game license, they may use the license for two five-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 choose 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 choose 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.

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.

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 you 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 toward 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.

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.

Where is the best place to hunt if I've never hunted in South Dakota before?

The best places to hunt can be based on an ideal landscape, which can vary throughout South Dakota. You will find different types of hunting experiences based on where you are in the state. With wide-open spaces, Redfield and the surrounding area will provide you with the traditional South Dakota hunt. Head to the northeast if you are looking for more cattails and slough hunting, or take in the rolling hills around Mobridge, Pierre, Chamberlain, Platte and other Missouri River areas.

Do I need to hire a guide to hunt or are there good public land opportunities?

Either opportunity is available and great in South Dakota. There are plenty of tremendous guides and all-inclusive preserves to select from that will allow for the least amount of effort for your hunt. If you're looking for a more challenging or budget-friendly hunt, there's plenty of public land ready for you to hunt .

Is South Dakota mostly wild birds or are there pen-raised birds as well?

Most bird populations at hunting lodges are supplemented by stocked birds. Birds harvested off public land are going to be wild, although some public land adjacent to preserves may have a mix.

What else can I do while I'm hunting in South Dakota?

There's a variety of outdoor adventures to enjoy when visiting South Dakota. Check out our state parks for wildlife viewing, hiking and plentiful lodging options that range from cabins to campsites. Bring your rods for a blast-and-cast trip. The Missouri River and other waters offer shore fishing, boating, fly-fishing and more. Don't miss some of South Dakota's top attractions , including Mount Rushmore National Memorial , Badlands National Park and Custer State Park .