South Dakota

South Dakota is home to several iconic areas including Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, and Crazy Horse Memorial. South Dakota’s public lands cover over 4 million acres, and these lands provide ample opportunities for hunting and fishing, with game species such as pheasant, elk, deer, and waterfowl. In fact, in recent years South Dakota has become renowned for her pheasant and duck seasons, specifically. The state’s abundant rivers and lakes are also home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, bass, and trout. The state’s agricultural heritage is also celebrated through annual festivals and events, such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the South Dakota State Fair.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in South Dakota, please contact: Jake Gould

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Representative Dusty Johnson Senator Mike Rounds Senator John Thune

South Dakota Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Member

Governor Larry Rhoden

South Dakota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Representative Jessica Bahmuller Senator Taffy Howard Senator Liz Larson Representative Kadyn Wittman

South Dakota Policy Highlights

2024 - SB 39 protected state preemption of firearm laws, allowing responsible firearm owners to confidently possess, transport, and use these sporting tools without having to worry about violating local restrictions.

2021 – HB 1034 revised certain youth hunting requirements. The bill states that a fur-bearing license is not required for anyone under the age of 18 and allows anyone under the age of 16 to hunt with a licensed mentor.

2020 – SB 75 established a habitat stamp to fund ongoing efforts to maintain and expand fish and wildlife habitat in the state.

Paid Hunting License Holders

Paid Angling License Holders

.7 M

Generated for Wildlife Conservation

Federal Land Hunting & Angling Access

Many sportsmen and women depend on federal lands managed by agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and… Read more.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a progressive, fatal, degenerative neurological disease occurring in farmed and free-ranging deer, elk, caribou, and moose. The disease was first… Read more.

Federal Land Habitat Management

Properly managed wildlife habitat is essential for supporting sustainable and healthy wildlife populations. Well-managed lands containvarious successional stages that provide a diversity of habitats capable… Read more.

Invasive Species

Exotic invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that are non-native to the U.S., or regions of the U.S., and that harm, or are likely… Read more.

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February 17, 2026

Drone-Assisted Game Recovery Legislation Introduced in the Great Plains

Why It Matters: Drone technologies present an opportunity for lawful hunters to minimize harvest loss and increase recovery rates. Recognizing this, states like Iowa and South Dakota have introduced legislation to allow the use of drones to recover mortally wounded game, which the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has been active in supporting. Highlights: The Congressional…

January 26, 2026

Early Legislative Action Signals a Busy Year for Sportsmen in the Great Plains

Why It Matters: The 2026 legislative session is off to a hot start in the Great Plains, with legislation impacting sportsmen and women already on the move. Some states have CSF priority legislation that is carried over from the 2025 legislative session in addition to new legislation that was introduced in 2026. Highlights: Iowa Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJR 7) is a proposed constitutional amendment for…

November 24, 2025

Before the Freeze: Fall Offers Exceptional Opportunities for Great Plains Anglers

Why it Matters: While many, including many of us at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, are spending their fall chasing pheasants, sitting in deer stands, or calling ducks in, there is still plenty of time to hit the open waters for fishing. With lakes in the upper part of the Great Plains region likely freezing soon,…

November 10, 2025

CWD Testing Encouraged as Deer Season Peaks Across the Great Plains

Why it Matters: With the deer hunting season in full swing across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies recommend hunters get their deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease. Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, is a fatal, degenerative disease occurring in both farmed and free-ranging deer, elk, caribou, and moose. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation encourages…

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