South Dakota
The Pheasant Capital of the World, millions of birds flushed annually, Black Hills elk, and prairie mule deer.
Weapons & Regulations in South Dakota
Official Regulatory Authority
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP)
Centerfire Rifle
Centerfire rifles of .24 caliber (6mm) or larger firing expanding bullets are legal for deer, pronghorn, elk, and bighorn sheep. .243 Win to .300 Win Mag are premier choices for Black Hills timber and West River prairie draws. Suppressors are legal with federal compliance. FMJ prohibited.
Muzzleloader
Minimum .44 caliber single-barrel muzzleloaders firing a single bullet or ball. In-line muzzleloaders with 209 ignitions, sabots, and magnifying scopes are fully legal during the dedicated December Muzzleloader season on state and private lands. Black powder or commercial synthetic powders only.
Archery (Vertical Bow)
Compound, recurve, and longbows with minimum 40 lb draw weight. Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting width. Fixed and mechanical broadheads legal. Archery deer season opens September 1 and runs through January 1.
Crossbows
Permitted during general firearms rifle seasons. Crossbows are prohibited during archery seasons unless the hunter possesses a certified South Dakota Disabled Hunter Crossbow Permit. Minimum 125 lb draw weight with working safety and legal broadheads.
Handguns
Centerfire handguns .24 caliber or larger with minimum barrel length of 4 inches firing expanding bullets are legal for big game. .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and 10mm Auto popular in Black Hills pine timber.
Shotgun
10, 12, 16, 20 gauge shotguns firing non-toxic shot required for all waterfowl on Missouri River reservoirs and prairie wetlands. 12 and 20 gauge shotguns with slugs legal for deer in limited weapons units.