Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
SD
Deer Hunting in South Dakota: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in South Dakota starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $45 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $375 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 1 – Jan 1 Archery
Draw Required? Draw deer plus nonresident archery public/private access rules Check state wildlife agency for application deadlines
DEER QUICK ANSWER
South Dakota Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for South Dakota deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Check state wildlife agency for application deadlines
Archery; also check West River Rifle.
For South Dakota deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Most firearm deer licenses use draw applications; nonresident archery access depends on public/private eligibility and license type. Because this page lists mixed access, confirm the exact tag type, zone, and application rule before planning travel. CWD has been detected in South Dakota, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in South Dakota
South Dakota deer access is draw-heavy for firearm seasons, while archery planning depends on residency and the public/private access rules attached to the license type. The standard resident any-deer price is now higher than the old $40 row, while many nonresident firearm deer opportunities remain draw products at much higher nonresident prices. Preference points can be purchased, but they do not make every license available over the counter. CWD testing is generally voluntary, and carcass-disposal rules focus on what hunters do after moving a carcass outside the harvest county. The state does not use a statewide antler point minimum for any-deer tags.
Species present: White-tailed DeerMule Deer
SEASONS
South Dakota Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
South Dakota offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
South Dakota Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$45
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$375
Access depends on hunt type or residency.
Most firearm deer licenses use draw applications; nonresident archery access depends on public/private eligibility and license type
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right South Dakota deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full South Dakota license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in South Dakota
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Found in 23 counties, heavily concentrated in the Black Hills region (Fall River, Custer, Pennington, Lawrence)
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: Found in 23 counties, heavily concentrated in the Black Hills region (Fall River, Custer, Pennington, Lawrence)
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 per tag
Multiple tags possible with successful draws
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, muzzleloader
Access Planning
Access: Draw deer plus nonresident archery public/private access rules
Deadline: Check state wildlife agency for application deadlines
Points system: Yes
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in South Dakota — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in South Dakota?
Testing is currently voluntary. Hunters can pick up free CWD testing kits from any GFP office across the state.
What are the antler point restrictions in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not use antler point restrictions. If you draw an 'Any Deer' tag, you can harvest a buck of any size or point count.
Can I dump my deer carcass in a ditch?
No. If a hunter transports a carcass outside the harvest county, South Dakota requires remaining carcass parts to be disposed of through a permitted landfill or waste-management provider rather than dumped on public or private ground.
What deer species can I hunt in South Dakota?
South Dakota is home to White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in South Dakota?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in South Dakota. The non-resident deer tag costs $375. Non-residents must apply through the draw system, and available tags may be limited.