South Dakota Deer Hunting License


While hunting for small game in the state is fairly limitless in how many hunting licenses are issued, the big game are a little tougher to come by. To hunt deer in South Dakota you must apply for a license before you can hunt deer as the GFP controls the number of animals to be harvested. The Game Fish and Parks (GFP) offers many different types of tags - including west river deer, east river and archery tags. There is a deadline to apply for these (and all other) tags, a random drawing is held and the winners are announced. In the event there are leftover tags after the drawing those will go up for sale as well.

Regardless if you are a resident or non-resident, if you are interested in deer hunting you are encouraged to check out the Game Fish and Parks "Limited Issue Licenses" deadlines to know when you need to have your applications in by. The list of deadlines can be found here. This also applies for antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, turkey and nonresident fall waterfowl.

Applying for a License

Learn About Rates

To learn about the big game hunting rates check out the GFP site for more details on Deer Hunting Licenses.


Deer Hunting Guides

Garnos Ranch Hunts
Presho, SD - Central Region
World class pheasant, grouse, deer, duck, antelope, prairie dog and goose hunting. […]
Lodgepole Creek Outfitters
Lemmon, SD - Black Hills / Badlands Region
With over 32,000 acres of owned and leased land, Lodgepole Creek Outfitters has abundant habitat for all species of game, both large and small. […]
Anderson Outfitters
Huron, SD - Eastern Region
Two Rivers Outfitters, LLC
Midland, SD - Eastern Region
South Dakota hunting with Two Rivers Outfitters offers first class hunting all the way around. Whether you are hunting Whitetail or Mule deer, Merria […]
Cheyenne Ridge Outfitters and Lodge Inc.
Pierre, SD - Central Region
Sought for its phenomenal upland bird hunting, extended season and diverse habitat, Cheyenne Ridge Signature Lodge is the first sporting venue to ever […]
High Trail Connection
Frederick, SD - Eastern Region
Thousands of acres of prime pheasant, deer and waterfowl hunting in Northern South Dakota. […]

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