Archery Deer Season: South Dakota's End Date

The South Dakota deer archery season for residents ends on January 1st, 2025. This includes the Apprentice and Mentored season, which runs from September 14th, 2024, to January 1st, 2025. The Nonresident Archery Public and Private Land season also ends on January 1st, 2025, but it starts on October 1st, 2024, for public land.

Archery season dates

The archery season dates for deer hunting in South Dakota vary depending on the type of hunt and the region. Here is a breakdown of the archery season dates for the 2023-2024 deer hunting season:

Nonresident Archery Public and Private Land:

Nonresident archery hunters can hunt on private property from September 1 to January 1. For public land, the season opens on October 1 and also runs until January 1.

Apprentice and Mentored Hunts:

The season for apprentice and mentored hunts runs from September 9 to January 1.

Custer State Park Archery:

The archery season for Custer State Park is from September 1 to September 30.

Black Hills Archery:

The Black Hills archery season typically runs from November 1 to November 30.

East River and West River Archery:

The East River and West River regions have different archery season dates. The East River season usually runs from November 23 to December 8, while the West River season runs from November 16 to December 1.

It's important to note that these dates may vary slightly from year to year, and hunters should always check the official South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website for the most up-to-date information and regulations. Additionally, hunters must follow the specific rules and regulations for archery equipment and obtain the necessary licenses and permits before participating in the deer hunting season.

Required permits and licenses

South Dakota is a popular destination for hunters, with its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Deer hunting seasons have been established by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks Commission to ensure the sustainable management of deer populations. The state offers various hunting opportunities, including archery deer hunting, which has specific requirements for permits and licenses.

Non-Resident Archery Deer Hunting:

• Application Deadline: Non-resident hunters must apply for their hunting license by April 1. This deadline is crucial as applications received after this date will only be valid for hunting on private lands, excluding department-leased grounds.
• Hunting Seasons: For non-resident archery deer hunting, the season typically starts on October 1 for public lands and private lands leased by the department. These leased private lands include Walk-In Areas (WIA), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) lands, Controlled Hunting Access Program (CHAP) areas, and Cooperative Hunting Access Areas. However, non-resident archery hunters are permitted to start hunting on private lands from September 1.
• Access Permits: Access permits for Unit 35L are limited and distributed through a lottery system. There are 500 resident permits and 125 non-resident permits available for free.
• License Types and Costs: Non-resident archery deer hunting licenses vary in cost depending on the type of deer and the hunting location. For example, the license for "Any Whitetail" deer is $286, while the license for "Antlerless Whitetail" is $31. These licenses are required for hunting during the designated seasons.

Resident Archery Deer Hunting:

• Hunting Seasons: For residents of South Dakota, the archery deer hunting season typically runs from September 1 to January 1. This extended season provides ample opportunity for resident hunters to participate in the sport.
• License Types and Costs: Resident hunters have various license options available, depending on their preferences and qualifications. The standard resident hunting license allows individuals aged 18 or older to hunt specific game species, including pheasant, grouse, partridge, quail, cottontail rabbit, and tree squirrel. Additionally, this license covers species included in the Predator/Varmint License, such as coyote, red and gray fox, skunk, raccoon, badger, and others.

For senior residents aged 65 or older, a Senior Combination License is required for similar hunting privileges. Youth residents under the age of 16 do not require a license to hunt Predator/Varmints or trap Furbearers.

General Considerations:

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): CWD is a fatal brain disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. When participating in archery deer hunting, it is important to be aware of this disease, as it has been detected in several counties and parks in South Dakota. Information about CWD, approved carcass disposal sites, and other regulations can be found on the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website.
• Application Deadlines: Regardless of the hunting season or license type, it is crucial to pay attention to application deadlines. All applications close at 8 a.m. Central Time on the specified deadline date.
• License Availability: The availability of certain licenses and the percentage allocation for specific hunting units may vary from year to year. It is important to stay informed about any changes or updates to license allocations before applying.

Hunting weapons

The South Dakota deer hunting season for 2023-2024 runs from September 1st to January 1st. The state offers a variety of hunting possibilities, including spot-and-stalk and stand hunting. Hunters are required to purchase a Big Game hunting license and can only apply for two deer hunting seasons.

When it comes to weapons, South Dakota permits the use of any legal weapon. However, there are specific restrictions and regulations in place. Here is a comprehensive guide to the allowed hunting weapons and their requirements:

Archery Weapons

• Bow and Arrow: Hunters can use a bow and arrow during the archery-only season. The minimum draw weight for hunting deer is specified to be 30 lbs for archers.
• Crossbow: A crossbow can be used with a minimum pull weight of 120 lbs and a working mechanical safety.
• Arrows: Only broadhead-tipped arrows with a minimum of two cutting edges are permitted. The broadheads must be at least seven-eighths of one inch (7/8") at their widest point.

Muzzleloading Rifles

The use of muzzleloading rifles is permitted during the muzzleloader-only season. The following are the requirements for muzzleloading firearms:

• Caliber: Muzzleloading rifles must be .44 caliber or larger.
• Ammunition: Single lead or alloy projectiles, including rifled slugs or sabot rounds of at least one ounce, are allowed. Expanding bullets are permitted.
• Reload: All firearms must be reloaded manually, and self-loading weapons are prohibited.
• Capacity: Firearms cannot hold more than six cartridges and must be non-automatic.
• Energy: The weapon must produce at least 1,000 foot-pounds of energy.

Prohibited Weapons and Ammunition

• Buckshot: The use of buckshot is prohibited at all times.
• Crossbows: Crossbows are not allowed unless the hunter has the proper permit.
• Drawlocks: Drawlocks are prohibited unless the hunter has obtained the necessary permit.
• Explosive Arrows: Archery weapons must not have explosive or toxic arrows.
• Electronic Devices: Electronic devices that aid in taking deer cannot be mounted on the bow. However, video cameras, cell phones, and illuminated arrow nocks are permitted.
• Telescoping Sights: Telescoping sights are not allowed on archery equipment.

It is important to note that South Dakota has specific regulations for each hunting season and weapon type. Hunters are responsible for ensuring they comply with all applicable rules and restrictions for their chosen hunting method.

Chronic Wasting Disease

The South Dakota deer hunting season for archery runs from September 1 through January 1. The state is known for its stunning natural beauty, many animals, and excellent hunting opportunities.

The disease has an extended incubation period, with an average of 18-24 months between infection and noticeable signs. During this time, animals may experience progressive weight loss and behavioral changes, such as decreased social interaction and a loss of fear of humans.

CWD is transmitted through direct animal-to-animal contact and indirect contact with contaminated objects or environments. Scientists believe it spreads through contact with the saliva, blood, urine, or feces of an infected animal. It can also spread through the environment, such as in soil, drinking water, or food.

CWD poses a significant concern for wildlife managers and researchers. While it has not been known to infect livestock or humans, studies are ongoing to understand the potential risk to humans who hunt or consume meat from infected deer.

To manage the spread of CWD, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has implemented a voluntary national herd certification program, where states and herd owners work to reduce the risk of CWD in their herds. Additionally, early detection and effective response tools are being developed to promote an adaptive management approach to the disease.

Hunting regulations

South Dakota is a haven for deer hunters, with an estimated population of over 400,000 white-tailed deer and 80,000 mule deer. The state's deer hunting season runs from September 1 to January 1, with various dates for specific hunting types and locations.

Hunters must adhere to the following regulations during the South Dakota deer hunting season:

• A big game hunting license is required for deer hunting in South Dakota. Hunters can apply for this license online by creating an account and selecting the type of deer season and unit they are applying for.
• Hunters can only apply for two deer hunting seasons, not the same one twice. After the license draws, hunters can apply for any surplus licenses available.
• Hunters must purchase deer tags through a lottery system. Each deer hunting license comes with a single deer tag, and additional tags can be obtained through the lottery.
• Deer licenses and tags cannot be transferred to another hunter. Hunters must carry their licenses and tags at all times while hunting.
• Archery and firearm shooting hours for big game are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
• Archery equipment regulations prohibit the use or possession of explosive, poisonous, hydraulic, or pneumatic points; crossbows and draw-lock devices (except for qualified individuals with a valid permit); arrow rests with more than three inches of continuous contact with the arrow; electronic devices mounted to the bow that aid in taking game (cameras and cell phones for photography are allowed); electronic arrow or string releases; telescopic sights; arrows without broadheads (blunt points are allowed for turkey hunting); bows measuring less than 40 pounds pull for elk or less than 30 pounds for other big game; and electronic broadheads that do not have at least two cutting edges and are not at least 7/8" at the widest point.
• Only specific types of weapons are permitted for deer hunting in South Dakota. Archery (bow and arrow), muzzleloading rifles, and firearms that require manual reloading and have a capacity of six cartridges or less are allowed. Firearms must produce at least 1000 foot-pounds of energy and cannot be self-loading or automatic. Single lead or alloy projectiles, including rifled slugs or sabot rounds of at least one ounce, are permitted, and expanding bullets are allowed. Buckshot is prohibited.
• For archery, the minimum draw weight for hunting deer is 30 lbs, and for crossbows, the minimum pull weight is 120 lbs.
• South Dakota has no bag limit restrictions on the amount or type of deer a hunter may harvest, but hunters can only take the amount specified by their license and tags.
• Hunters should be aware of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal brain disease affecting deer, elk, and moose, which has been detected in several counties and parks in South Dakota.

Frequently asked questions