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South Dakota Hunting Information
Accommodations and Services
Most South Dakota communities offer motels, campgrounds and bed and breakfast housing at reasonable rates. Reservations are typically unnecessary except during the opening of the pheasant and west river deer seasons. In addition, some farm families host hunters. See our list of accommodations and services.
Request a free South Dakota Vacation Guide from the Department of Tourism for a listing of accommodations, or visit the Interactive Trip Planner (requires Flash). If you have already requested a South Dakota Fishing and Hunting packet, a South Dakota Vacation Guide and highway map are automatically sent with it.
Hunting on Public Land
South Dakota offers hunters access to nearly five million acres of public land. The Department of Game, Fish & Parks maintains an interactive tool that allows you to view maps and other information about public lands and other hunting ground in South Dakota. In addition, the department offers maps and information on Walk-In Areas, Game Production Areas, Waterfowl Production Areas, some School Lands and some Bureau of Land Management Lands.
Hunting on Private Land
Hunters and trappers must have permission from landowners or lessees of private land before hunting on that land. No one may enter Black Hills land to hunt if the land is posted or after being told by the owner or lessee not to do so.
Hunting On Indian Reservations
South Dakota's Indian Reservations hold a wealth of hunting and fishing opportunities. State licenses are not valid on Indian trust lands, unless authorized by tribal councils. Please contact the game offices of each individual tribe for specific licensing information.
More Information
Numerous state and federal agencies provide information for safe and successful South Dakota hunting. To learn about healthy hunting, turning in poachers, national grasslands and forests, and more, visit these links: