South Dakota Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

South Dakota hunting season typically starts in the late summer and fall months. Hunting regulations vary depending on the type of game being hunted, as well as the region of South Dakota you are hunting in. Regardless of hunting game, hunting regulations also require hunters to have the necessary permits and licenses before hunting in South Dakota. Hunters are also encouraged to check with their local Department of Game, Fish & Parks offices for specific hunting regulations that may apply in their region.

Overall, hunting in South Dakota is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, while hunting for game. South Dakota hunting season offers plenty of opportunities to hunt upland game birds, deer and turkey, making it an ideal hunting destination.

South Dakota Antelope Seasons

Archery	Aug. 20 – Oct. 31
Mentored Archery	Oct. 1 – Oct. 16
Firearms	Oct. 1 – Oct. 16
Landowner	Oct. 1 – Oct. 16
Mentored Firearms	Oct. 1 – Oct. 16

*South Dakota’s antelope population has been greatly diminished due to climate changes and the degradation of their habitats. As a result, there are limited antelope hunting opportunities available in this state. If you’d like more information about how to secure an antelope permit for yourself, check out South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ website for additional details.

South Dakota Deer Seasons

Archery	Sept. 1 – Jan. 1
Apprentice and Mentored Hunts	Sept. 10 – Jan. 1
General Season	Nov. 1 – Dec. 18
Muzzleloader	Dec. 1 – Jan. 1

*Season dates vary by zone. For more information about hunting in your specific region, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ website for additional details..

South Dakota Elk Seasons   

Archery	Sept. 1 – Sept. 30
General Season	Oct. 1 – Dec. 31

*Season dates vary by zone. For more information about hunting in your specific region, visit theSouth Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ website for additional details.

South Dakota Black Hills Bighorn Sheep Seasons

General Season

Sept. 1 – Dec. 31

*Bighorn sheep season is restricted to state residents only, and are available on a limited basis. Recently, the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks divison has begun a bighorn sheep auction license, which raises funds for bighorn sheep management in the state and habitat improvements.

South Dakota Wild Turkey Seasons

General Fall Season

Nov. 1- Jan. 31

*Season dates vary by zone. For more information about hunting in your specific region, visit theSouth Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ website for additional details.

South Dakota Mountain Lion Seasons

General Season

Year-round until annual harvest limit is met

*South Dakota’s mountain lion season is restricted to state residents only. Permits are required to bag mountain lions, and hunts are limited to a maximum of 60 total lions or 40 female mountain lions, whichever is reached first. For more information about hunting in your specific region, visit theSouth Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ website for additional details.

South Dakota Small Game Seasons

Crow	Sept. 1 – Oct. 31 Mar. 1 – Apr. 30
Common Snipe	Sept. 1 – Oct. 31
Rabbit	Sept. 1 – Feb. 28
Quail	Sept. 24 – Jan. 31
Partridge	Sept. 16 – Jan. 7
Pheasant	Sept. 24 – Jan. 31
Ruffed Grouse and Prairie Chicken	Sept. 17 – Jan. 7
Tree Squirrel	Sept. 1 – Feb. 29

*Season dates vary by zone. For more information about hunting in your specific region, visit theSouth Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ website for additional details.

South Dakota Crossbow Regulations

Crossbow Specific Regulations: Draw-lock/crossbow permits are only available for disabled hunters in the state of South Dakota. The person must be impaired to the degree that he/she is unable to draw a traditional bow which has a minimum draw of 30 pounds. This may be due to a birth defect, disease, injury, or loss of both or one arm. Those who must use a wheelchair for mobility qualify for a disabled draw-lock/crossbow permit as well. For more information about crossbow regulations in your specific region, visit theSouth Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ website for additional details.

South Dakota Hunting License

In South Dakota, hunting licenses are required for hunting game birds and furbearers. In addition to hunting licenses, hunters may need additional permits or stamps depending on the type of hunting they are participating in. For hunting antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and buffalo, a special drawing permit is required. To hunt migratory birds, a hunting stamp must be acquired. It is important for hunters to familiarize themselves with the hunting regulations in South Dakota before hunting. For more information visit theSouth Dakota Game, Fish & Parks’ website.

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Tennessee.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, South Carolina.