South Dakota 2025-2026 Hunting Access & Season Overview
South Dakota offers some of the nation’s most diverse and rewarding wildlife opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning to pursue whitetail in the eastern river valleys, chase ring-necked pheasants across golden prairies, or track elk in the Black Hills, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Mount Rushmore State’s upcoming game seasons.
In this article, we’ve compiled the latest information on season dates, licensing requirements, tag applications, and hunting zones across South Dakota to help both residents and visitors plan their next outdoor adventure.
🎯 Quick Reference Summary Table
| Species | Season Dates | Methods | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheasant (Youth) | Sep 27 – Oct 5, 2025 | Shotgun | 🎟️ Youth only |
| Pheasant (Resident) | Oct 11 – 13, 2025 | Shotgun | 🎟️ Residents only |
| Pheasant (Traditional) | Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | Shotgun | All hunters |
| Deer (Archery) | Sep 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 | Bow | Statewide |
| Deer (East River) | Nov 22 – Dec 7, 2025 | Rifle | Draw required |
| Turkey (Spring) | Apr 12 – May 31, 2025 | Shotgun/Bow | Multiple zones |
| Waterfowl | Sep 27 – Dec 9, 2025 | Shotgun | Zone dependent |
🦌 Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons
Deer Opportunities
South Dakota’s whitetail and mule deer populations provide excellent opportunities across diverse habitat zones.
Archery Options:
- Statewide Archery: Sep 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 (Applications: Jun 10, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026)
- Municipal Archery: Sep 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 (Applications: Jul 7 – 21, 2025)
- Apprentice/Mentored: Sep 13, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 (Applications: Jul 15, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026)
Firearm Dates:
- East River Regular: Nov 22 – Dec 7, 2025 (Applications: May 22 – Jun 17, 2025)
- East River Special Buck: Nov 22 – Dec 7, 2025 (Applications: Mar 19 – Apr 15, 2025)
- West River Regular: Nov 15 – 30, 2025 (Applications: May 22 – Jun 17, 2025)
- West River Special Buck: Nov 15 – 30, 2025 (Applications: Mar 19 – Apr 15, 2025)
- Black Hills: Nov 1 – 30, 2025 (Applications: May 22 – Jun 17, 2025)
- Custer State Park: Nov 1 – Dec 15, 2025 (Applications: May 22 – Jun 17, 2025)
Muzzleloader: Dec 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 (Applications: May 22 – Jun 17, 2025)
Elk Pursuits 🦬
Premium elk opportunities exist in the Black Hills and prairie units.
- Black Hills Archery: Sep 1 – 30, 2025 (Applications: Apr 23 – May 20, 2025)
- Custer State Park: Oct 1 – 31, 2025 (Applications: Apr 23 – May 20, 2025)
- Prairie Units: Check specific application dates (Applications: Apr 23 – May 20, 2025)
Pronghorn Antelope
Western South Dakota provides excellent pronghorn opportunities.
- Archery: Aug 16 – Oct 31, 2025 (closed during firearms period) (Applications: Jun 10 – Oct 31, 2025)
- Firearms: Oct 4 – 19, 2025 (Applications: Jul 22 – Aug 12, 2025)
- Special Draws: Oct 4 – 19, 2025 (Applications: Mar 19 – Apr 15, 2025)
Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Goats
Ultra-premium opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- Black Hills Bighorn: Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2025 (Applications: Apr 23 – May 20, 2025)
- Custer State Park Bighorn: Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2025 (Applications: Apr 23 – May 20, 2025)
Mountain Lion 🐾
- Statewide: Dec 26, 2024 – Dec 25, 2025
- Black Hills Fire Protection: Dec 26, 2024 – Apr 30, 2025
Buffalo (Custer State Park)
- Trophy: Check specific dates (Applications: Jul 23 – Aug 7, 2025)
- Non-Trophy: Check specific dates (Applications: Jul 23 – Aug 7, 2025)
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth
Spring Gobbler Pursuits
Multiple zones offer extended opportunities for spring gobblers.
- Prairie Areas: Apr 12 – May 31, 2025 (Applications: Jan 22 – Feb 12, 2025)
- Black Hills: Apr 26 – May 31, 2025 (Applications: Jan 22 – May 31, 2025)
- Custer State Park: Apr 26 – May 18, 2025 (Applications: Jan 22 – Feb 12, 2025)
- Archery: Apr 12 – May 31, 2025 (Applications: Jan 22 – May 31, 2025)
- Mentored: Apr 12 – May 31, 2025 (Applications: Jan 22 – May 31, 2025)
Fall Turkey Opportunities
- Prairie: Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 (Applications: Aug 19 – Sep 3, 2025)
- Mentored: Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 (Applications: Aug 19, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026)
🦝 Furbearer Trapping & Harvest
South Dakota provides year-round opportunities for most furbearer species, making it exceptional for trappers and predator control.
Year-Round Species:
- Coyote: Open year-round statewide
- Red Fox & Gray Fox: Open year-round statewide
- Raccoon: Open year-round statewide
- Badger: Open year-round statewide
- Skunk: Open year-round statewide
- Opossum: Open year-round statewide
- Beaver: Open year-round statewide (except certain restrictions)
License Requirements:
- Furbearer license not required for residents Apr 1 – Aug 31
- Youth under certain ages may not require licenses
- Check specific regulations for each species and area
🐦 Upland Birds
The Famous Pheasant Experience
South Dakota’s ringneck pheasant program is legendary worldwide, with an average harvest of 1.2 million roosters annually.
- Youth Only: Sep 27 – Oct 5, 2025
- Resident Only: Oct 11 – 13, 2025
- Traditional Season: Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Grouse & Partridge
- Sharp-tailed Grouse: Sep 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
- Gray Partridge: Sep 20, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Daily bag limit: 3 combined, possession 15
🐰 Upland Animals
Small Game Opportunities:
- Cottontail Rabbit: Typically open during similar timeframes as upland birds
- Jackrabbit: Various opportunities throughout the state
- Squirrel: Check specific unit regulations
🕊️ Other Small Game
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sep 1 – Oct 30, 2025 | 15 | Federal regulations |
| White-winged Dove | Sep 1 – Oct 30, 2025 | 15 | Where present |
| Quail | Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | 8 | Limited distribution |
| Crow | Check regulations | Varies | Pest species |
🦆 Migratory Birds
Waterfowl Excellence
The Missouri River system and prairie pothole region provide world-class waterfowl opportunities.
Duck Zones:
- Low Plains North: Sep 27 – Dec 9, 2025
- Low Plains Middle: Sep 27 – Dec 9, 2025
- Low Plains South: Oct 25, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026
- High Plains: Oct 11, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 (Note: End date appears incorrect in source – verify)
Sandhill Crane
- Regular Period: Sep 27 – Nov 23, 2025
- Provides unique opportunities for these magnificent birds
🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers & Geese
Canada Goose Opportunities
- Early Period: Sep 1 – 30, 2025
- Unit 1: Oct 1 – Dec 16, 2025
- Unit 2: Nov 3, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026
- September Nonresident: Sep 1 – 30, 2025 (Applications: Jul 29 – Sep 30, 2025)
Other Goose Species
- Light Goose (Snow/Blue): Sep 27, 2025 – Jan 9, 2026
- White-fronted Goose: Sep 27 – Dec 9, 2025
- Spring Light Goose Conservation: Feb 17 – May 15, 2025
Tundra Swan
- Premium Opportunity: Oct 4, 2025 – Jan 9, 2026 (Applications: Aug 7 – 14, 2025)
🎣 Other Waterfowl
Coots & Rails
- Typically follow federal framework dates
- Check specific regulations for daily limits
Youth Waterfowl Days
Special opportunities for youth hunters with extended periods and mentoring programs available.
🐾 Additional Game Opportunities
Paddlefish
Unique snagging opportunities in the Missouri River system:
- Lake Francis Case: May 1 – 31, 2025 (Applications: Jan 20 – Feb 10, 2025)
- Gavins Point Dam Snagging: Oct 1 – 31, 2025 (Applications: Apr 21 – May 13, 2025)
- Gavins Point Archery: Jun 1 – 30, 2025 (Applications: Mar 13 – Apr 2, 2025)
August Management Take
Special management periods: Aug 16 – 31, 2025
🎯 Additional Hunting Opportunities
Bighorn Sheep
- Black Hills Bighorn: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- Custer State Park Bighorn: September 1 – December 31, 2025
- Applications for both open: April 23 – May 20, 2025
Paddlefish
- Gavins Point Dam Archery: June 1 – June 30, 2025
- Gavins Point Dam Snagging: October 1 – October 31, 2025
- Lake Francis Case Snagging: May 1 – May 31, 2025
Bison (Buffalo)
- Custer State Park Trophy Buffalo: Dates vary, apply July 23 – August 7, 2025
- Custer State Park Non-Trophy Buffalo: Dates vary, apply July 23 – August 7, 2025
🗺️ Hunting Zones and Public Land
South Dakota divides its fish and wildlife management into distinct zones, each with specific regulations and opportunities. For detailed maps of these zones, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website.
The state offers extensive public hunting access through:
- Game Production Areas
- Walk-In Areas
- School and Public Lands
- National Grasslands
- Waterfowl Production Areas
🎟️ License Details
Resident Licenses
- Annual fishing: $28
- Annual small game: $33
- Combination (fishing/small game): $55
- Habitat stamp: $10 (required for most hunting)
Nonresident Licenses
- Annual fishing: $67
- Small game (10-day): $121
- Waterfowl (10-day): $121
- Habitat stamp: $25 (required for most hunting)
Youth and reduced-fee options are available for qualifying hunters and anglers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do I need to apply for big game tags in South Dakota?
A: Application dates vary by species and season, but most deer applications open May 29 – June 17, 2025, while elk applications run April 23 – May 20, 2025.
Q: Can nonresidents hunt pheasants in South Dakota?
A: Yes, but nonresidents cannot participate in the resident-only season (October 12-14, 2024). The traditional season (October 19, 2024 – January 31, 2025) is open to all properly licensed hunters.
Q: Is night hunting allowed in South Dakota?
A: Night hunting is generally prohibited except for certain species like raccoon and fox. Always check current regulations before planning any night hunting activities.
Q: What public lands are available to hunt in South Dakota?
A: South Dakota offers numerous public hunting opportunities, including Game Production Areas, Walk-In Areas, public lands, national forests, and federal waterfowl production areas.
🔗 Related Resources
- Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota
- Minnesota Hunting Seasons
- Nebraska Hunting Seasons
- North Dakota Hunting Seasons
- Wyoming Hunting Seasons
- Montana Hunting Seasons
Final Thoughts
South Dakota remains one of America’s premier wildlife destinations, offering exceptional opportunities for sportsmen and women across a variety of species and landscapes. From the world-famous pheasant fields to the majestic elk of the Black Hills, the state provides memorable experiences for hunters of all skill levels.
Before heading afield, always verify current regulations, obtain proper licenses, and check specific zone rules for your chosen area. The dates provided here reflect the most recent information available, but regulations can change. For the most up-to-date details, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website or contact their offices directly.
Remember that responsible sportsmen play a crucial role in conservation efforts that ensure these opportunities remain available for future generations. Good luck in your South Dakota wildlife adventures!
