Updated October 31, 2025: The Can-Am Defender for Habitat Raffle successfully raised $150,000 to support habitat conservation in South Dakota! Casey Crooks was the lucky winner of the Can-Am, and everyone who participated supported grassland habitat for pheasants, deer, and other wildlife! Learn more in Can-Am Defender for Habitat Raffle Raises Over $150,000.
In May, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF), and Can-Am announced the Defender for Habitat raffle. This opportunity gives one lucky winner the opportunity to drive away in a Can-Am Defender Max Limited, and all the proceeds will support habitat programs across South Dakota!
Learn More: Can-Am Raffle Accelerating Habitat Conservation in South Dakota
Conservation relies on partnerships, and this raffle is a perfect example of this. This partnership began back in 2021, when GFP, SCHF, and Can-Am worked together to raffle off a Defender to support habitat as well. This raffle was a tremendous success, raising $500,000 for habitat.
“We were blown away by the support in 2021,” said Nick Harrington. “We’re thrilled to offer this opportunity again and have even higher goals for 2025.”
After raffling off an Indian Motorcycle, Toyota truck, and Alumacraft boat in the following years, SCHF is returning to its original raffle with Can-Am. Working closely with Can-Am and GFP, the hope is this raffle will be even more successful than the original.
About the Vehicle:
The raffle prize is a 2025 Can-Am Defender Max Limited in Desert Tan/Stealth Black.
The vehicle comes equipped with premium features including:
- power windows;
- climate-controlled interior;
- built-in light bar;
- winch, and more.
About the Raffle:
The proceeds from the raffle will go directly to the Second Century Habitat Fund. The Second Century Habitat Fund, Inc is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that works to educate landowners on the importance of grassland to improve pheasant habitat in South Dakota.
“All proceeds from this raffle go directly into habitat restoration and conservation programs led by SCHF,” said Liz Kierl, Executive Director of the Second Century Habitat Fund. “This is a tremendous win for South Dakota’s hunters, ranchers, wildlife, and future generations.”
Why this Raffle is Important:
Conservation at all levels, whether it’s a federal, state, or local program relies heavily on partnerships. These include USDA, GFP, county conservation districts, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, SCHF, and other conservation organizations. Habitat and access programs do not happen in a vacuum.
A major component of SCHF’s mission is fundraising. This is included directly in SCHF’s Mission: By raising funds and supporting conservation efforts, we can help protect our sporting heritage and the South Dakota landscape for generations to come.
These types of raffles provide an exciting way to participate in conservation for hunters, trappers, anglers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. This allows these individuals the opportunity to win a special prize, while knowing their contribution is supporting the lands and wildlife they care about.
Can-Am plays a crucial role in this as they can provide this special prize, and help generate excitement and awareness regarding this raffle. GFP works closely with SCHF to implement these habitat programs, and similarly can provide additional support to generate excitement regarding this opportunity.
Overall, this raffle is another example of how conservation is about partnerships, and these partners are strong in South Dakota!
How to Get Involved:
You can get involved in the raffle as simply as purchasing tickets online.
Ticket prices are:
- 1 for $20;
- 3 for $50;
- 10 for $100; and,
- 50 for $500.
Anyone is eligible to purchase tickets, and the raffle will close on October 25, 2025.
