How to Hunt in South Dakota

South Dakota has an abundance of both small and big game hunting. In addition to the natural habitat for hunting, the state offers private shooting preserves for game birds such as quail, pheasants, turkey and partridges. Game population is controlled by monitoring game harvest and release records. South Dakota benefits from massive revenue added to the economy as a result of yearly hunting activity.

Things You'll Need

• Hunting safety training certificate
• Hunting license
• Vehicle registration
• Federal waterfowl stamp
• Driver's license

Instructions

1. Show proof of at least 90 days residency in South Dakota to qualify for a resident hunting license. Additional proof of residency requires bearing a South Dakota driver's license with a South Dakota registration on your motor vehicles. You cannot claim a residence in another state if you apply for a resident license in South Dakota.

2. Apply for a resident license if you have resided in South Dakota for the previous 30 days and you are in the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in South Dakota. Employees of the VA, full-time students in a college or university located in South Dakota or foreign exchange student in the state are also eligible to apply for a resident license after proof of 30 days of residency.

3. Present proof of completion of a hunting safety course. Cards will be accepted from other states, as long as the class meets the same standards as that offered in South Dakota.

4. Plan for certain licenses such as for big game, turkeys and non-resident fall waterfowl to be issued by lottery. Application is available on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website (see Resources below).

5. Carry your hunting license and valid identification with you at all times while hunting. You must be able to show proof of identity while hunting or transporting game.

6. Purchase a federal waterfowl stamp and keep it with you at all times. This stamp is available in most state's Post Offices, and it is good in all states.

7. Determine the right kind of license for your hunt. Choose from a combination license, disability license, furbearer license, youth license (12 to 15), youth license (16 to 18), landowners license, military big game license or military general hunting license.

8. Expect non-resident licenses to hunt big game to be issued by a drawing. A non-resident must possess a predator/varment license, big game license, waterfowl or small game license to shoot animals such as ground squirrel, coyotes and red fox.

Tips & Warnings

• If you move out of South Dakota before your hunting license expires, it is still valid for the term of the license (unless hunting privileges have been revoked prior to moving).

• All licenses are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another individual.

Resources

• Application for big game hunting on South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website