South Dakota Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for South Dakota including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
South Dakota Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for South Dakota including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in South Dakota
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 11 - May 31, 2026
Opens in 39 days
Complete Season Calendar
All South Dakota hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 4 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 27, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Resident archery | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Nov 15 - Dec 7, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Rifle season (East River) | |
| Rifle/Firearm | Nov 8-30, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Rifle season (West River) | |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 13-28, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Muzzleloader season | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 11 - May 31, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring prairie season | |
Elk 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Oct 1 - Nov 30, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Custer State Park draw | |
Pronghorn 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Oct 4-26, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Draw required | |
Pheasant 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 18, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | World-class pheasant | |
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South Dakota Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
- Available Species
-
- Deer
- Elk
- Pheasant
- Pronghorn
- Turkey
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Rifle/Firearm
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Shotgun
- Wildlife Agency
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for South Dakota
South Dakota is the pheasant hunting capital of America.
Hunting Method Legend
South Dakota Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in South Dakota
What are the hunting season dates for South Dakota?
South Dakota offers hunting seasons for Deer, Elk, Pheasant, Pronghorn, Turkey. The license year runs from Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in South Dakota?
Deer season in South Dakota typically begins with archery season starting Sep 27, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Nov 15, 2025.
Does South Dakota require a draw for hunting?
South Dakota offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in South Dakota?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 11, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in South Dakota?
South Dakota is the pheasant hunting capital of America.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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