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Licenses and Publications

Online License Application:
If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks offers the option of purchasing any over-the-counter license online. You must be over 16, possess a valid Social Security Number (not required of Canadian citizens), have a credit card and a printer.

• Online License Application System (GFP)

Licensing:
Non-residents who are at least 12 years old or turn 12 before Jan. 1, may apply for or buy licenses and may hunt in an open season beginning Sept. 1. To purchase a South Dakota license, non-residents under 16 must show proof they have passed a hunter safety course or they hold a hunting license for the current or previous year from any state. All big game archery licensees, ages 11-15, all first-time archery big game licensees regardless of age, and all archery elk licensees must possess a National Bowhunter Education Foundation certificate or certificate of completion from a bowhunter education course approved by any state or provincial government.

• South Dakota Hunting and Fishing License Fees (GFP)
• South Dakota Residency Requirements (GFP)

Small Game Licenses:
Small game licenses, including pheasant, may be obtained from authorized licensing agents, such as hardware and sporting goods stores. Non-resident small game licenses are valid for two periods of five consecutive days each. Hunters may buy additional small game licenses.

• South Dakota Hunting and Fishing License Agents (GFP)

Non-resident License Applications:
Non-resident applications are available by season. Specific deadlines are set by the Department of Game, Fish & Parks.

Season	Application Available
Spring Turkey	February
Special Buck	April
Archery Antelope	May
Archery Deer	May
Waterfowl	May
Fall Turkey	June
Black Hills Deer	June
Refuge Deer	June
West River Deer	July
Antelope	July
East River Deer	August

Publications:
Both the South Dakota Office of Tourism and the Department of Game, Fish & Parks produce print publications specifically for hunters and sportsmen/women. Most of these publications are available to read online and/or to download:

• South Dakota Fishing and Hunting Guide PDF (Tourism)
  
  
• South Dakota Hunting & Trapping Handbook PDF (GFP)
• South Dakota Hunting & Trapping Handbook Supplement PDF (GFP)
• South Dakota Public Hunting Areas PDF (GFP)
• Nontoxic Shot for Upland Birds PDF (GFP)
• all Department of Game, Fish & Parks publications (GFP)

Request a free Fishing & Hunting packet from the Office of Tourism.

Request a variety of information from the Department of Game, Fish & Parks.