With nearly 5 million acres of land designated as hunting territory, South Dakota is a hunter’s paradise. At any time of the year, the state offers plentiful hunting of various prey. In 2004, nearly $275 million was spent on hunting activities by locals and visiting hunters, making it a major contributor to the state’s economy. This was a rise of $52 million since 2001, demonstrating a steady growth in the popularity and volume of the sport.

All South Dakotan hunters are required to have a valid license in their possession while pursuing, shooting, or transporting any hunted animal. Click here for specific information about small game licenses and publications.

While pheasant and deer are by far the most popular prey of South Dakotan hunters, the state is rife with many other species that have their own designated hunting seasons:

Sharp-Tailed Grouse & Greater Prairie Chicken Hunting

Located primarily in the western two-thirds and central portion of South Dakota, sharp-tailed grouse overlap with prairie chickens, which are located along the Missouri River near the central portion of the state. Many hunters frequent the overlapping area to hunt for both species at once. Both grouse and prairie chickens inhabit areas of mature prairie grasslands, especially those in close proximity to rivers and farmlands. In cool or wet conditions, the birds seek shelter atop high ridge tops; in hot summer climates, they can be found seeking shady respite beneath trees and bushes. Grouse and prairie chicken hunting season varies according to which portion of the state you’re hunting in:

• Central and eastern South Dakota: Mid-September to mid-December
• Extreme eastern South Dakota: Mid-October to mid-December

Gray Partridge Hunting

Gray partridge (also known as Hungarian partridge) reside throughout the entire state of South Dakota, flocking most frequently to eastern agricultural areas and brush lands along grassy, mowed pastures. Gray partridge hunting season varies according to which portion of the state you’re hunting in:

• Central and western South Dakota: Mid-September to mid-December
• Extreme eastern South Dakota: Mid-October to mid-December

Dove Hunting

The dove population is scattered throughout the state of South Dakota, and is also fed from migratory flocks from the north. Dove hunters can find their prey most frequently perched on tree limbs above water reservoirs. They can also be found feeding on corn, oats, or wheat from harvested fields. Dove hunting season runs from September to mid-October.

Rabbit & Squirrel Hunting

Squirrels are drawn to the shade of tree belts and forested ridges, while rabbits are most often found in wetlands and tree strips in close proximity to crop-bearing farmland. Often hunted in combination with other overlapping species, rabbit and squirrel are not pursued nearly as frequently as other animal types. Rabbit and squirrel hunting season runs from September through February.

Quail Hunting

Quail can be tracked in the southeastern corner of South Dakota—specifically, the counties of Tripp, Yankton, Clay, Union, Bon Homme, Gregory, Lincoln, and Charles Mix. They are often combination-hunted with other species in the same area. Open quail season is from mid-October to December.

Ruffed Grouse Hunting

Residing in western South Dakota in the heavily wooded Black Hills region, ruffed grouse prefer to stay near forest clearings, burned areas, or alongside mountain meadows. They also have shown a proclivity for aspen trees. Ruffed grouse hunting season runs from mid-September to mid-December.

Duck Hunting

Ducks are a widely popular prey among South Dakotan hunters, with more than 15 million of them migrating through the state each year. The primary duck-hunting territory is in the heart of the Central Flyway. Commonly hunted species include mallards, teal, pintails, and gadwall. The types and amounts of ducks vary by region:

• Northeastern South Dakota: Ducks are found in large numbers around marshes, lakes, and potholes.
• Missouri River: At the height of migration in mid-November, duck hunters can find up to 600,000 ducks along the river.
• Western South Dakota: Ducks congregate around rivers, small lakes, and dams.

Duck hunting season lasts from early October to early January, with specific closing dates varying by region.

Geese Hunting

Geese hunters can find their prey in various areas throughout the state of South Dakota:

• Western and eastern South Dakota: Giant Canadian geese are commonly hunted in these locales.
• Missouri River corridor: More than 40,000 Canadian geese can be found migrating along this course.
• Eastern South Dakota: Each year, nearly 400,000 migrating snow- and blue-geese can be tracked here, most notably around the Sand Lake Wildlife Refuge near Aberdeen.

Geese hunting season varies according to which portion of the state you’re hunting in:

• Central South Dakota: Early October to early January
• Remainder of South Dakota: Early October to late December