South Dakota offers big game, small game and waterfowl hunting as well as trapping opportunities. According to the GFP website, the state is known for its pheasant hunting with an annual harvest of around 1 million birds each of the past 20 years. Fishing sites around the state offer nearly 30 fish species including bass, catfish, pike and trout.
The South Dakota GFP issues licenses to persons interested in hunting and fishing in the state. General licenses are available for fishing, small game hunting, predator and varmint hunting, and shooting preserve hunting. Limited-issue licenses are available to hunters wishing to hunt big game and non-residents hunting waterfowl, as well as paddlefish fishing.
Both residents and non-residents of South Dakota can obtain hunting and fishing licenses, though the non-resident rates are often higher. According to the GFP website, persons wishing to purchase general licenses may do so at many GFP agent locations across the state or online, while limited issue licenses are available through a lottery system.
