Female pheasant hunter in a field

Sportswomen Welcome

South Dakota Pheasant Hunting

Traditionally, the outdoors space is a field dominated by men. South Dakota is working to change that. We’re emphasizing equal representation and using our platform to create the world’s premier destination for women who hunt.

In the Field with Erica Hill

Getting out and experiencing the habitat — that’s what Pheasants Forever representative Erica Hill loves about pheasant season. Hear her share a passion for the sport that goes beyond the thrill of the flush.

Hunt the Greatest Sweepstakes

Show up as yourself and make some powerful hunting memories — that’s the South Dakota way. See why winning the Hunt The Greatest trip led Michelle to some powerful personal revelations in the fields of South Dakota. “Hunting’s not just about the birds. It’s about the community.” Amen.
Group of women pheasant hunters

On Women Hunters: Rethinking Pink by Nancy Anisfield

“We need to show girls and women that once they’re out there hunting, shooting or handling their own bird dogs, they are no different than male hunters, shooters or dog handlers. Hunters are hunters, and gender has nothing to do with the ability to shoot well, outsmart a rooster, read a dog’s body language or trudge through thick cover in the pouring rain.”

Read the Full Story

Get Your License

A female hunter smiles while holding a gun and walking through a brown South Dakota field

Learn more about licenses and the different pheasant hunting seasons available to South Dakotans and visitors. For more complete information, check out the South Dakota Hunting and Trapping Handbook.

License Information

Becoming an Outdoorswoman

BOW is a national education program that teaches skills usually associated with hunting and fishing. But it’s really more of an introduction to the outdoor lifestyle. Finding a class near you is easy with workshops in 38 states and six Canadian provinces.

More Information

Listen In

Hear Emily Kiel (SD Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks) and Taniya Bethke (Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports) talk about South Dakota’s pheasant hunting tradition and the incentives aimed at getting new hunters into the game.

Listen Now

Maps & Resources

Find a variety of maps, downloads and planning information on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.

Learn More

SD GFP Mobile App

Carry your license in your pocket. Type "SD GFP Outdoors" into the App Store.

Learn More

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.

Pubic Hunting Areas

Season Information

Region Breakdowns

Explore More

Pheasant Recipes
There's no meal more rewarding — and no greater way to respect an animal — than to eat what you harvest.
5 Tips for a Successful DIY Solo South Dakota Pheasant Hunt
Outdoorswoman Tammy Bashore channels her hunting experience to help you make the most of your hunt.
South Dakota Hunting Licenses
Find info about types of licenses and fees for South Dakota residents and nonresidents alike.
Where to Fish in South Dakota
Cast for walleye on Lake Oahe, fly-fish in the Black Hills or ice fish on Lake Eureka — South Dakota offers anglers big thrills.
Booming Grounds: A Prairie Chicken Photo Essay
Known for their unique mating dance, these birds thrive across South Dakota's central grasslands.
A-Z South Dakota Hunting and Fishing Field Guide
From Aberdeen to Ziebach, explore a variety of places, game and adventures that make South Dakota's outdoors so great.
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#SDinthefield

If it's worth shooting, it's worth sharing. Show off your best shots from the field and find more trip inspiration @TravelSouthDakota.

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The South Dakota badlands pictured at sunrise

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