SD Hunting Seasons
South Dakota is well known for outstanding pheasant hunting, but that is only the tip of the wild game this state offers both resident and non-resident hunters.
Below you will find South Dakota hunting season dates, application deadlines and many more great resources for Pheasant, Antelope, Deer, Elk, Turkey, Mt. Lion, and Prairie Dog hunting trips.
If you would like to apply online, the links below will guide you to the SD Game Fish and Parks online application feature and as always with Hunting Connections, we offer direct links to the best South Dakota hunting guides and outfitters in the state.
SD Pheasant Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Requirement |
Application |
| Pheasant |
Oct. 15 - Jan 1 |
Small Game License |
Apply Online |
SD Prairie Dog Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Deadline |
Application |
Prairie Dog
|
Open Yr. Round |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
SD Grouse Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Requirement |
Application |
| Grouse |
Sept. 17 - Jan.1 |
Small Game License |
Apply Online |
SD Bobwhite Quail Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Requirement |
Application |
| Quail |
Oct. 15 - Jan. 1 |
Small Game License |
Apply Online |
SD Duck Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Requirement |
Application |
| Duck |
Oct. 8 - Jan 12
|
Small Game License, SD Migratory Bird Stamp & Fed. Waterfowl Stamp |
Apply Online |
SD Goose Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Requirement |
Application |
| Goose |
Seasons Vary |
Small Game License, SD Migratory Bird Stamp & Fed. Waterfowl Stamp |
Apply Online |
SD Antelope Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Deadline |
Application |
| Archery Antelope |
Aug. 20 - Sept. 30 & Oct.17 - Oct.31 |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
| Firearms Antelope |
Oct. 1 - Oct 16 & Dec. 17 - Jan.08 |
Aug. 12th |
Apply Online |
SD Deer Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Deadline |
Application |
| Archery Deer |
Sept. 24 - Dec. 31 |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
| Black Hills Deer |
Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 |
July 22 |
Apply Online |
| East River Deer |
Nov. 19 - Dec. 4 |
Sept 2 |
Apply Online |
| West River Deer |
Nov. 12 - Nov. 27 |
July 22 |
Apply Online |
| Special Buck |
WR: Nov. 12 - Nov. 27
ER: Nov. 19 - Dec. 4 |
April 22 |
Apply Online |
| Youth Deer |
Sept. 10 - Jan. 15 |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
| Mentored Deer |
Varies By Unit |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
| CSP Deer (Res) |
Nov. 5 - Nov. 18 |
May 20 |
Apply Online |
Muzzleloader
|
Dec. 1 - Jan 15 |
Sept. 2 |
Apply Online |
| Landowner |
N/A |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
SD Elk Hunting *
| Seasons |
Dates |
Deadline |
Application |
| Archery |
Varies By Unit |
May 20 |
Apply Online |
Black Hills Firearms
|
Varies By Unit |
May 20 |
Apply Online |
Custer State Park
|
Varies By Unit |
May 20 |
Apply Online |
Prairie Elk
|
Varies By Unit |
May 20 |
Apply Online |
*Resident Only
SD Turkey Hunting
| Seasons |
Dates |
Deadline |
Application |
Spring Turkey
|
|
|
|
|
Archery
|
Apr. 2 - May 22 |
Feb. 18 |
Apply Online |
|
Prairie
|
Apr. 9 - May 22 |
Feb. 18 |
Apply Online |
|
Black Hills
|
Apr. 9 - May 22 |
Feb. 18 |
Apply Online |
|
Custer State Park
|
Apr. 9 - May 22 |
Feb. 18 |
Apply Online |
| Fall Turkey |
Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 |
Jul. 22 |
Apply Online |
| Mentored Turkey |
|
|
|
|
Spring Turkey
|
Varies By Unit |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
|
Fall Turkey
|
Oct. 1 - Jan. 31 |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
SD Mt. Lion Hunting *
| Seasons |
Dates |
Deadline |
Application |
Mt. Lion Statewide
|
Jan. 1- Limit |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
| Mt. Lion CSP |
Jan.1 - Mar. 31 |
No Deadline |
Apply Online |
*Resident Only
SD Big Horn Sheep Hunting *
| Seasons |
Dates |
Deadline |
Application |
Big Horn Sheep
|
Sep. 1 - Dec. 31 |
May 20 |
Apply Online |
*Resident Only