Hunting Seasons and Dates

When Can I Hunt in South Dakota?

South Dakota’s hunting seasons are relatively straightforward, making it easier to plan your year—though tracking and harvesting game is still the real challenge. Be sure to pay close attention to application deadlines for big game hunts, including turkey, as these can vary.

The season information provided here reflects the most recent updates from the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department (SDGFP). We’ll continue to update this guide as new details become available.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend checking the official SDGFP resources regularly, as season dates and regulations may change throughout the year.

Deer

Check the SDGFP deer hunting information page on their website for application dates so you don't miss out on the season.

• Municipal Archery: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Nonresident Archery Public/Private Land: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Archery: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Apprentice and Mentor: September 13, 2025 – January 1, 2026
• Black Hills (including Landowner): November 1 – 30, 2025
• Custer State Park: November 1 – December 15, 2025
• West River:
  • Regular and Special Buck: November 15 – 30, 2025
  • Landowner: November 15 – December 21, 2025
• East River:
  • Landowner: November 22 – December 21, 2025
  • Regular and Special Buck: November 22 – December 7, 2025
• Muzzleloader: December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026

National Wildlife Refuge Deer and Access Archery Permit: See application for season dates

South Dakota Turkey Hunting

Visit the SDGFP turkey hunting information webpage for application dates so you don't miss out on the season.

Spring

• Prairie: April 12 – May 31, 2025
• Archery: April 12 – May 31, 2025
• Mentored: April 12 – May 31, 2025
• Black Hills: April 26 – May 31, 2025
• Custer State Park: April 26 – May 18, 2025
• Nonresident Black Hills: See application

Fall

• Mentored: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Prairie: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Elk

• Black Hills Archery: September 1 – 30, 2025
• Landowner Black Hills Archery: September 1 – 30, 2025
• Custer State Park Firearms: October 1 – 31, 2025

Check the SDGFP website for elk hunting application datesand all other season dates.

Antelope

• Access Permit Archery: August 16 – October 31, 2025
• Archery (Closed during firearms season): August 16 – October 31, 2025
• Nonresident Archery Public/Private Land (Closed during firearms season): August 16 – October 31, 2025
• Firearms: October 4 – 19, 2025
• Special: October 4 – 19, 2025
• Landowner: October 4 – 19, 2025

For application details and dates, check the state's antelope hunting information.

Buffalo

Hunting is available for the Custer State Park herd.

Trophy and Non-Trophy Buffalo Application dates are July 23 – August 7, 2025.

Bighorn Sheep

• Custer State Park: September 1 – December 31, 2025
• Black Hills: September 1 – December 31, 2025

Small Game

• Pheasant:
  • Youth Only: September 27 – October 5, 2025
  • Resident Only: October 11 – 13, 2025
  • Traditional: October 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Snipe: September 1 – October 31
• Quail: October 19 – January 31, 2025
• Partridge: September 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Dove: September 1 – November 9, 2025
• Grouse:
  • Prairie: September 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Ruffed: September 20, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Sage: Closed
• Cottontail Rabbit: September 1 – March 31, 2025
• Tree Squirrel: September 1 – March 31, 2025

Mountain Lion

• Black Hills Fire Protection District: December 26, 2024 – April 30, 2025
• Statewide: December 26, 2024 – December 25, 2025
• Custer State Park Access Permit: See application details

Waterfowl

• Duck:
  • Low Plains North: September 27 – December 9, 2025
  • Low Plains Middle: September 27 – December 9, 2025
  • Low Plains South: October 25, 2025 – January 6, 2026
• Goose:
  • Canada Goose (Unit 2): November 4 – February 16, 2025
  • Spring Light Goose Conservation Order: February 17 – March 15, 2025
  • Canada Goose (Resident Special): October 18 – December 21, 2025
  • Canada Goose (September Nonresident): September 1 – 30, 2025
• Sandhill Crane: September 27 – November 23, 2025
• Tundra Swan: October 4, 2025 – January 9, 2026