South Dakota Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
You many not have known it, but South Dakota is home to an expansive list of game animals. South Dakota hunting seasons include antelope, deer, elk, turkey, mountain lions and a selection of small game. Many of these seasons are restricted to South Dakota residents only.
South Dakota hunting licenses and park entrance permits can be purchased online. Additionally beneficial, the state offers a Volunteer Hunter program, which pairs hunters with landowners wishing to maintain property herd and flock sizes.
South Dakota Antelope Seasons
| Archery | Aug. 19-Oct. 31** |
| Firearms | Sept. 30-Oct. 15 |
| Landowner | Sept. 30-Oct. 15 |
| Mentored Firearms | Sept. 30-Oct. 15 |
Antelope, also called pronghorn, are in limited supply in South Dakota due to weather extremes and habitat changes. South Dakota offers limited antelope hunting. To learn more about applying for an antelope hunting permit, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website.
South Dakota Deer Seasons
| Archery | Sept. 1-Jan. 1 |
| Apprentice and Mentored Hunts | Sept. 9-Jan. 1 |
| General Season | Nov. 1-Jan. 1** |
| Muzzleloader | Dec. 1-Jan. 1** |
**Season dates vary by zone. Deer firearms season dates vary greatly throughout South Dakota depending on region. Find specific hunting dates and regional requirements at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.
South Dakota Elk Seasons
| Archery | Sept. 1-30 |
| General Season | Oct. 1-31** |
**Season dates vary throughout South Dakota depending on region. Find specific hunting dates and regional requirements at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website. Only South Dakota residents are able to obtain elk licenses.
South Dakota Black Hills Bighorn Sheep Seasons
| General Season | Sept. 1-Dec. 31 |
Bighorn sheep season is restricted to state residents only, and are available on a limited basis. Recently, the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks divison has begun a bighorn sheep auction license, which raises funds for bighorn sheep management in the state and habitat improvements.
South Dakota Wild Turkey Seasons
| General Fall Season | Nov. 1-Jan. 31 |
| General Spring Season | April 13-May 31** |
South Dakota Mountain Lion Seasons
| General Season | Dec. 26-April 30, or until quota is met |
South Dakota’s mountain lion season is restricted to state residents only. Permits are required to bag mountain lions, and hunts are limited to a maximum of 60 total lions or 40 female mountain lions, whichever is reached first. Hunters should check the online harvest status before heading out to ensure the season is still open.
South Dakota Small Game Seasons
| Crow | Sept. 1-Oct. 31 March 1-April 30 |
| Common Snipe | Sept. 1-Oct. 31 |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Sept. 1-Feb. 29 |
| Quail | Oct. 21-Jan. 7 |
| Partridge | Sept. 16-Jan. 7 |
| Pheasant | Sept. 21-Jan. 31** |
| Ruffed Grouse and Prairie Chicken | Sept. 16-Jan. 7 |
| Tree Squirrel | Sept. 1-Feb. 29 |
**Season dates may vary by region or hunting permit. Find specific hunting dates and regional requirements at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for South Dakota hunting seasons vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks agency website.