Hunter and dog South Dakota Field Sunset

Hunting in South Dakota

When the cornstalks turn brown, South Dakota turns orange. The October weekend that opens pheasant season is basically a holiday as visitors and residents take to the fields in a state known for being home to the nation’s best pheasant hunting.

Friendly hosts, private lodges and more than 1 million acres of publicly accessible hunting land within the primary pheasant range welcome residents and non-residents alike. And pheasant hunters aren’t the only ones who flock to this world-class hunting haven: South Dakota also offers opportunities to hunt big game, waterfowl, turkey and more. 

To experience hunting in South Dakota is to find paradise in the middle of America. Come make some memories of your own this year. Come hunt in SD.

A hunter and two dogs walk a country road under the words "Hunt The Greatest South Dakota"
Pheasant Hunting

Home to more than 7 million pheasants, South Dakota is consistently the best state in the country for bird counts. That's just one reason why people come from all over the world to Hunt the Greatest.

Hunter taking aim
Hunting Licenses

Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks website to learn about the different types of hunting licenses available to residents and nonresidents, and to obtain your license today.

Where to Hunt in SD

Hunting on Public Land

Hunting on Private Land

Hunting on Native Reservations

Group of pheasant hunters gathered around a fire
In South Dakota, there’s more to hunting than just feathers and shells.

For many, a South Dakota hunting trip is a beautiful reunion. Friends and family travel from far-off distances to make their annual pilgrimage home. In the field, you’ll hear the sounds of laughter amid crunching stalks and happy dogs. You’ll see generations of experience guiding and teaching the young hunters in the party, showing them how to properly handle their weapons and aim just right in order to land their first bird. After a good day’s hunt, folks gather around tables across South Dakota to share food, stories and laughter. 

Sure, some hunting stories get politely exaggerated every year. Some shots don’t always hit the target. But no matter what, everything combines to create a consistently magical gathering of old friends and new.

Join the Hunt #SDINTHEFIELD

More Resources

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Oak Creek Lodge, McLaughlin
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Native American Dancers facing sunset at Rosebud Fair, Wacipi and Rodeo in Rosebud, South Dakota
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