Elk Hunting in South Dakota

Elk hunting is allowed by residents only in South Dakota.

As of 2010, about 2,000 elk resided in South Dakota. This herd was rebuilt from zero at the time of statehood in 1889. They provide limited hunting opportunities for residents of South Dakota and are managed by the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department. There are also some private hunting preserves offering elk hunting opportunities.

Elk Areas

There are two regions of South Dakota with elk populations that support hunting. South Dakota hunters can pursue elk in the Black Hills or in Gregory or Bennett counties outside the hills. This is referred to as the prairie elk season. Hunters applying for an elk license must specify either the Black Hills elk season or the prairie elk season.

Who Can Apply

Only residents of South Dakota can apply for an elk hunting license in the state. A hunter is prohibited from applying again for a license until nine years after they have successfully received a South Dakota elk hunting license.

License Applications

Elk licenses are awarded on a drawing system. Applications are available from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department each May. The filing deadline is announced at that time. Online applications are allowed and hunters specify antlered or antlerless elk hunting in the application.

Special Licenses

Elk hunting is allowed each year in Custer State Park. This is a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, with any successful applicant for a license being prohibited from ever being awarded a license in the park again. They may apply for the Black Hills or prairie elk seasons.

Archery Hunting

Archery hunting is allowed by special license in all hunting seasons, including the Custer State Park season. The Custer State Park archery elk hunt is also a once-in-a-lifetime hunt.

References

• South Dakota Game Fish and Parks: Elk Hunting
• South Dakota Game Fish and Parks: Hunting Handbook