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General Information

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.

Request a free South Dakota Vacation Guide from the Office 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 Guide (PDF), a South Dakota Vacation Guide will automatically be sent with it.

Hunting/Fishing Lodges (Lodging)
Hunting/Fishing Guide Services (Traveler Services)
Hunting (general) (Outdoor/Seasonal)
Outdoors/Sporting Goods (Shopping)
Search the entire Travel Directory (all categories)

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. 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.

South Dakota Public Lands Information (GFP)
South Dakota Public Hunting Areas PDF (GFP)
South Dakota Hunting Atlas (GFP)
GPS Mapping (GFP)

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 hunting in South Dakota. To learn about healthy hunting, turning in poachers, national grasslands and forests, and more, visit these links:

South Dakota Healthy Hunter (Department of Health)
Disability Information for Hunting and Fishing (Department of Game, Fish & Parks)
South Dakota HuntSAFE Program (Department of Game, Fish & Parks)
South Dakota Nontoxic Shot Regulations (Department of Game, Fish & Parks)
South Dakota Turn In Poachers (Department of Game, Fish & Parks)
U.S. Forest Service - Northern Region (U.S. Forest Service)
U.S. Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Region (U.S. Forest Service)