Licenses

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Hunting Licenses

Pheasant Hunting - SD

Obtain a Pheasant License

Pheasant hunting is the most popular form of hunting in the state.

In order to hunt pheasant each resident and non-resident of the state must purchase a small game license. 

To purchase a license order online or purchase a license at your nearest gas station or bait shop.

Hunters are required to obtain either a small game or big game licenses in order to hunt in the state of South Dakota.

Many small game licenses actually allow you to hunt multiple types of game, including pheasant, grouse, partridge, quail and more.

Resident and Nonresident Licenses

There are some differences in a resident and non-resident license, but the purchasing process is roughly the same.

Visit the official Game Fish & Parks website to review the differences.

Purchasing Hunting License in South Dakota

In South Dakota, hunters have the ability to buy licenses from over 250 registered sales agents in the state. Many of these locations are gas stations and bat shops.

Find the locations online or call GF&P at 605-223-7660.

Purchasing a License Online

One of the more convenient options to obtain a license is to go to the official license page and purchase one online. 

To purchase, simply visit the Game, Fish and Parks license page. Follow the link to setup an account. You will need a driver’s license or state issued ID and a major credit card.

Fishing Licenses

Fishing

Fun Fact: Nearly 98% of the state’s waters are publicly accessible and open to fishing.

A fishing license is required for those who want to fish throughout the state of South Dakota. However purchasing one is simple, regardless if you are a resident or non-resident to the state.

Purchasing Fishing License in South Dakota

In South Dakota, anglers have the ability to purchase licenses from over 250 registered sales agents in the state. Many of these locations are gas stations and bat shops.

Find the locations online or call GF&P at 605-223-7660.

Purchasing a License Online

One of the more convenient options to obtain a license is to go to the official license page and purchase one online. 

To purchase, simply visit the Game, Fish and Parks license page. Follow the link to setup an account. You will need a driver’s license or state issued ID and a major credit card.

South Dakota Hunting & Fishing Lodges

There are many hunting & fishing lodges located all throughout the state. No matter what you are looking for, there is certainly a lodge that can fit your needs.

Pheasant Camp Lodge

Pheasant Camp Lodge

Lake Andes

Thunderstik Lodge

Thunderstik Lodge

Chamberlain

TNT Hunting Lodge Bed and Breakfast

TNT Hunting Lodge Bed and Breakfast

Platte

Dakota Pheasant Guide

Dakota Pheasant Guide

Aberdeen

Hidden Hill Lodge & Guide Service

Hidden Hill Lodge & Guide Service

Roslyn

EyeTime Promotions

EyeTime Promotions

Mellette

Rooster Ridge Lodge

Rooster Ridge Lodge

Chamberlain

Flatland Flyways

Flatland Flyways

Hecla

Pheasant City Lodge

Pheasant City Lodge

Wessington

Pine Shadows Daybreak

Pine Shadows Daybreak

Frederick

The Outpost Lodge

The Outpost Lodge

Pierre

605 Rooster Hive

605 Rooster Hive

Presho

Meadow Creek Pheasant Camp

Meadow Creek Pheasant Camp

Aberdeen

Olsen’s Pheasant Phun

Olsen’s Pheasant Phun

Hitchcock

Eagle Pass Lodge

Eagle Pass Lodge

Ree Heights

Lynn Lake Lodge

Lynn Lake Lodge

Webster

Ken’s Pro Shop

Ken’s Pro Shop

Aberdeen

Short Pines Hunting

Short Pines Hunting

Buffalo

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.