Hunting in South Dakota: 6 Great Public Hunting Lands

With over 5 million acres of public hunting land available, South Dakota hunters have their pick. There are seemingly endless options for big game and fowl. So, how do you choose where to head for the next hunting season? Consider one of these 6 great hunting lands in South Dakota. 

1. Badger Game Production Area

Game Production Areas are protected locations set aside to preserve and maintain wildlife populations. Many of them also serve as outstanding public hunting rounds. One of those is the Badger Game Production Area. It sits just north of Deadwood, on the western edge of the state. Hunting licenses may be granted for elk, turkey, or deer. 

2. Black Hills National Forest

A true hunting gem sits in the southwestern corner of the state. Black Hills National Forest covers 1.2 million acres and has abundant ponderosa pine forests. There is a large population of whitetail deer throughout the entire area. But that’s not all! The abundance of game in the region includes bighorn sheep, turkey, elk, mountain goats, rabbits, and more.

Hunters have convenient access to a place to sleep. Plenty of easily accessible roads are available for those who are tight on time. Those wanting a bit more of a challenge or fewer competitors can head to the Deerfield Lake area. 

A hunting permit is required throughout the Black Hills National Forest.

3. Ducks Unlimited

Yes, spending your hunting trip on Ducks Unlimited land may sound odd. But hear us out. The company owns several properties in South Dakota and opens some of them to the public for hunting. It also made sure to enroll those areas in the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks (SDGFP) public walk-in area program. So, they are legitimate. Ducks Unlimited requires that hunters follow all SDGFP rules, regulations, and guidelines.

Regardless of which properties you choose to visit, you will have a unique and memorable trip. Some of the big and small game available include white-tailed deer, ducks, gray partridge, tundra swam, and sharp-tailed grousee.

4. Huron

Head to East Central South Dakota for an unmatched hunting experience. Many hunters who prefer fowl flock to this region annually. The region is particularly noted for its pheasant hunting (some of the best nationally). There is even an annual hunting festival called the Ringneck Festival. It features a hunting competition where six-man teams compete to bring in the most pheasants (using limited ammunition). There is also a festival to celebrate your canine companion! Check out the Bird Dog Challenge for a real treat. 

However, you don’t have to partake in the festivals to enjoy the Huron experience. The area boasts over 50,000 acres of public hunting land in South Dakota! There are plenty of lodges (pet-friendly, of course) to make your stay more comfortable. And if you are new to the pheasant hunting world, you can schedule a trip with one of the many outfitters or guides.

Take the time to get the appropriate license before going. That way, there are no hiccups in your trip. And, if you are wondering what to do with your new haul, the locals have plenty of tasty recipes to help you out.

5. Lower Brule Sioux Reservation 

The Lower Brule Sioux Reservation sits on the western edge of the Missouri River Valley and offers spectacular hunting lands in South Dakota. You will not be disappointed with this choice of hunting grounds. However, most of the reservation is open for tribal members only. Non-members can only access the two NAWCA tracts and the William’s Unit.

The animals living throughout the reservation include prairie chickens, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pheasants, and sharp-tailed grouse. Contact the reservation for more details or to get boundary maps. 

6. Winner

Winner is in the south-central part of the state. And it has excellent fowl hunting lands in South Dakota. It boasts hills, creeks, and open spaces. So hunters can get their fill of challenge. However, its claim to fame is pheasant hunting. Winner was voted the top spot in the state for pheasant hunting for the last several years.

But fowl isn’t the only option available in Winner. The region also has antelope, whitetail deer, and mule deer. Check with the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks for specific seasons and inquire about licenses.

Summary of 6 Great Public Hunting Lands

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Jeff Edwards