Located in the center of the Midwest, South Dakota is easily accessible by both car and air.  Traveling by car affords the opportunity to enjoy the expansive landscapes of the state, while traveling by air will get your hunting trip started even more quickly.

By Car

South Dakota has two major interstates running through it, I-90 running east and west, and I-29 running north and south.  I-90 runs through the middle of the state, from Rapid City all the way to Sioux Falls, and I-29 is in the eastern part of the state, running from Vermillion at the southern border to Sisseton on the northern border.

Points along the two interstates are easy to reach, and driving is relatively easy in the central and eastern regions, unless there is snow and ice.  In the western region, driving can be more difficult, particularly during the winter, due to winding roads in the Black Hills.  Regardless of your hunting destination, it is wise to check road conditions before your trip.  Click here to find out about current road conditions. 

By Air

There are plenty of options when arriving in South Dakota by air.  If you are planning to hunt in the western region of the state, you will want to arrive at the Rapid City Regional Airport.  For the central part of the state, the Pierre Regional Airport will be the most convenient.  If you are planning to hunt in the eastern part of the state, you can choose from the Sioux Falls Regional Airport in the south, and the Aberdeen Regional Airport in the north.  Omaha, Nebraska, is also convenient for hunting in the southeastern part of South Dakota, and often has cheaper flights.

If you are traveling by air with firearms and ammunition, there are special guidelines you should consider.  First, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific regulations on what you can carry, and how it must be packed.  Click here to read the regulations.  You should also check with the airline you are traveling with, as they each have their own regulations regarding firearms and ammunition.  Many airlines charge for checked luggage by the piece, and you may want to compare prices for checking your guns and ammunition compared to shipping them to your destination, or renting once you arrive.