South Dakota Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the HuntSAFE Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the South Dakota hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks website or a South Dakota–approved agent.

Types of South Dakota Hunting Licenses

South Dakota Resident

A resident is a person who has lived in South Dakota for at least 90 days. Non-resident full-time students who attend an institution in South Dakota and active-duty military members are considered residents. Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks website for more information about residency requirements.

All South Dakota residents age 16 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional licenses may be required.

Non-Resident

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional licenses may be required.

Youth Hunting License

South Dakota residents who are at least 12 years old may apply for a hunting license. Residents ages 16 to 18 are required to purchase the Junior Combination License. Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks website for more details.

Non-residents ages 12 to 15 may purchase the Youth Small Game License.

Senior Hunting License

South Dakota residents age 65 or older may apply for the reduced-fee Resident Senior Combination License. The license is for small game and fishing.

Disability License

South Dakota residents who have total disability may be eligible for a reduced-fee hunting and fishing license. The license is good for four years. Additional permits are available for hunters with disabilities. Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are South Dakota residents but stationed elsewhere are not required to have a hunting license to hunt small game. However, they must purchase permits and stamps needed to hunt specific game.

Resident veterans who were former prisoners of war or who have 40% or more disability may be eligible for a reduced-fee hunting and fishing license. The license is good for four years. Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks website for more details.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. All resident hunters age 12 or older must purchase the South Dakota Migratory Bird Certification. All non-resident hunters age 12 or older must purchase the South Dakota Waterfowl License, which includes the South Dakota Migratory Bird Certification privileges. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from Dec. 15 to Jan. 31 of the year after next. For example, 2016 licenses are good from Dec. 15, 2015, to Jan. 31, 2017.

Where to Buy a South Dakota Hunting License

• Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks website.
• Visit the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks licensing office, a county treasurer office, or an approved license agent.