White-tailed deer and mule deer are the most highly sought after big game species in South Dakota and throughout North America.
What kind of deer are in South Dakota?
White-tailed deer and mule deer represent the two most popular big game animals in South Dakota. Areas east of the Missouri River are dominated by whitetails with isolated pockets of mule deer.
How many deer are in South Dakota?
17,086 deer
In 2020, SDGFP staff counted and classified 17,086 deer (5,985 mule deer; 11,101 white-tailed deer) to estimate herd composition across the state.
Does South Dakota have good deer hunting?
With good deer populations, big-buck potential and fewer hunters than in surrounding states, it’s hard to pass up. However, the tag system is complex in South Dakota, and the state recently made it more difficult to obtain nonresident licenses.
Does South Dakota have big deer?
Bob’s buck hit legend status, and for good reason. An unofficial measurement puts the deer at 245-inches, with 31 scoreable points. If that number holds true, this is the biggest rifle buck killed in South Dakota in over 50 years.
Do mountain lions live in South Dakota?
Mountain lions are native to South Dakota. They live primarily in the Black Hills, ideal habitat for lions, but they may occasionally travel through other parts of the state as they attempt to disperse and find territory.
Is there moose in South Dakota?
While South Dakota isn’t home to many moose, Cochran said that it’s not uncommon for moose to come from North Dakota and Minnesota. “It seems like every year we have anywhere from five to 10 moose roaming the area.
How much is a deer tag in South Dakota?
License Types & Costs
| Season | Resident Fee | Non Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Deer | Muzzleloader | 1 Any Deer $40 1 Doe Tag $20 | 1 Doe Tag $80 |
| Deer | National Wildlife Refuge | 1 Any Deer $40 1 Doe Tag $20 | 1 Any Deer $286 1 Doe Tag $80 |
| Deer | Special Buck East River | $175 | N/A |
| Deer | Special Buck West River | $175 | $560 |
Is there elk in South Dakota?
Elk are found primarily in the Black Hills; however, other populations can be found scattered across the prairie landscapes of South Dakota. Currently, the Black Hills elk population consists of over 6,000 Rocky Mountain elk.
Is hunting good in South Dakota?
Hunting in South Dakota
South Dakota is renowned world-wide for its pheasant hunting, and rightfully so. Did you know the average annual pheasant harvest during the past 10 years is 1.2 million roosters? Pheasants are just part of the hunting package you can enjoy.
How many deer tags can you get in South Dakota?
In the fourth draw, resident hunters may submit up to five applications. Only those nonresidents without a license may apply for a license remaining in pools originally designated (8%) for nonresidents (West River, Black Hills or Refuge).
Can non residents hunt deer in South Dakota?
Nonresident Hunting in South Dakota. South Dakota has a variety of hunting opportunities that non-residents can enjoy, including pheasant hunting, turkey, West River and Black Hills deer, limited waterfowl and other small game and upland birds.
Can you buy over the counter deer tag in South Dakota?
There are also plenty of leftover doe tags. Like Nebraska and South Dakota, resident and nonresident archery hunters can purchase an over-the-counter tag.
Where is the best deer hunting in South Dakota?
Two notable formations exist in western South Dakota: the Black Hills and the Badlands. The Black Hills National Forest encompasses 1.2 million acres and has great whitetail and mediocre mule deer hunting.
Is baiting deer legal in South Dakota?
PIERRE, S.D. – As South Dakota big game hunters prepare for the opening of hunting seasons, the Game, Fish and Parks Department is taking the opportunity to remind them that the use of salt or salt licks for the purpose of enticing or baiting big game animals is prohibited by state law.
Can you hunt on your own land in South Dakota?
Trespassing
It notes that “No person may hunt or trap any species of game, including unprotected species, on private land without permission from the owner or lessee except in that part of the Black Hills Fire Protection District south of Interstate 90.
Are there wolves in South Dakota?
The gray wolves that have been present in South Dakota are transient animals that have dispersed from populations east and west of the state.
Are there black panthers in South Dakota?
Officially, there are no black panthers in North America, and any sighting must therefore be something else—Black Labs or feral house cats), they say—but we are persuaded that, on this issue, as is not uncommon, those sitting in their offices have a lot to learn from people on the ground.
Are there wolves in the Black Hills of South Dakota?
“We have no evidence of a pack of wolves or a breeding population of wolves in South Dakota.”
Is there any bears in South Dakota?
The Regional Wildlife Supervisor for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, Mike Klosowski, says black bears are the only type of bear in the state, and like so many visitors, they are new to town. “Since 2001 South Dakota has seen an increase in bear sightings.
Are there grizzly bears in the Black Hills?
In the late 1800s, black bears and grizzly bears were common in the western Black Hills. Decades later, the animals were forced out of the area by unregulated hunting and destruction of their habitat. But in recent years, bears have started to move back into the region.