HUNTING HEAVEN See More guides & lodges South Dakota boasts 5 million acres of private and public hunting land, including walk-in areas, game production areas, wildlife refuges, national grasslands, and more. Hunting is a long-standing tradition along the Missouri River in central South Dakota. Pheasant season brings bursts of bright orange to everyday attire -deer season sees hunters rising at 4 AM for an early start. The rolling river breaks, brush-filled draws, sprawling grasslands, and agricultural fields provide prime habitat for a variety of game species. HUNTING LICENSES Nonresident Licenses: Small Game, Waterfowl, State Migratory Bird Certificate, Federal Waterfowl Stamp, Predator/Varmint (hunt or trap), Furbearer (hunt or trap), Shooting Preserve, Big Game and Tags, Habitat Stamp Youth Nonresident: Youth Small Game (12-17) Resident Licenses: Small Game, 1-Day Small Game, Combination, Combination Senior, State Migratory Bird Certificate, Federal Waterfowl Stamp, Predator/ Varmint (hunt or trap), Furbearer (hunt or trap), Big Game and Tags, Habitat Stamp Youth Resident: Youth Small Game (12-17), some species require no license for resident youth under 18 HUNTING GUIDES & LODGES In Central SoDak, there are many experienced guides and outfitters equipped with the know-how and personality to make a memorable trip. Guides and outfitters can be found in town or at private lodges and resorts. These guides have access to thousands of acres of hunting preserves and private grounds. GOLD-STAR SPECIES Upland Birds: Ring-necked Pheasant, Prairie Chicken, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Sage Grouse, Gray Partridge, Chukar Waterfowl: Duck, Canada Goose, Light Goose, White-Fronted Goose Birds: Mourning Dove, Snipe, Sandhill Crane, Tundra Swan, Crow Small Game: Prairie Dog, Tree & Ground Squirrel, Cottontail Rabbit, Gopher, Marmot, Porcupine Large Game: Mule & White-tailed Deer, Antelope, Turkey Furbearer: Mink, Weasel, Beaver, River Otter, Bobcat, Red & Grey Fox, Badger, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum, Jackrabbit, Coyote game, fish & parks PublicationS SD Hunting Handbook 2025 -2026 Public Hunting Atlas 2025 -2026 Hunting publications are updated every year and published in August, right before fall hunting seasons begin. See these handbooks for regulations, licensing, limits, public hunting lands, seasons, maps, species and other useful information. SDMissouriRiver.com // 195
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2026 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 195
