Public Hunting Land in South Dakota

South Dakota is a dream destination for upland bird and big game hunters alike, offering over 5 million acres of publicly accessible land. With rolling prairies, river bottoms, and pine-covered hills, the state provides ample opportunity to pursue pheasants, deer, turkey, waterfowl, antelope, and more.

Types of Public Land Available in South Dakota:

• Game Production Areas (GPAs): State-owned lands managed by South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) specifically for wildlife habitat and public hunting.

• Walk-In Areas (WIAs): Privately owned land leased for public hunting access — clearly marked and mapped each season.

• National Forest & Grasslands: Black Hills National Forest and Buffalo Gap Grasslands offer excellent deer, elk, and turkey opportunities.

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) & Corps of Engineers Lands: Open to hunting with general state and federal regulations.

Seasons & Access Info

South Dakota has both resident and nonresident seasons, with specific licenses for deer, elk, pronghorn, turkey, and waterfowl. Most upland and small game hunting is available over the counter with the appropriate license.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Seasons & Application Info

• License & Tag Purchase Portal

• Walk-In Area & Landowner Programs

Pro Tip: South Dakota’s pheasant opener is a national event, but mid- to late-season hunts often deliver less pressure and excellent success on WIAs and GPAs.

Explore Hunting Areas in South Dakota

Use these tools to find access-friendly lands and plan your hunt:

• GFP Public Hunting Atlas (Interactive & PDF)

• Walk-In Area Maps (Updated Annually)

• Black Hills National Forest Hunting Info

From iconic pheasant fields to backcountry mule deer ridges, South Dakota’s public lands offer vast opportunity for DIY hunters across the state.