It is officially deer season in South Dakota! While archery deer season began September 1 and other seasons such as Black Hills and Refuge Deer have been underway as well, the two major firearm seasons in South Dakota are West River and East River Deer. The West River Deer/Special Buck season runs November 16-December 1, while East River Deer/Special Buck season runs November 23-December 8.
Cooling weather conditions are setting up for ideal conditions to hunt the rut, though a full moon for the beginning of West River deer season can mean increased nighttime activity and more difficult hunting. Warmer weather means reduced deer movement overall, as bucks chasing does can become too hot, but an incoming cold snap should trigger increased chasing particularly during the daylight hours. Overall, conditions are setting up very nicely for hunters.
East River Deer Voluntary License Returns
While there is excitement across much of the state, there has been concern expressed from southeast South Dakota regarding potential impacts of hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. The early summer flooding, dry late summer, and a delayed frost has combined to create ideal conditions for EHD to present an issue. Due to these concerns, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is offering voluntary license returns for East River deer hunters.
These license returns are entirely voluntary, and hunters with an East River Deer or East River Special Buck are eligible for these returns. License returns for other seasons are not being accepted. East River deer hunters who choose to return their tag will receive a complete refund and preference point reinstatement, provided licenses are postmarked no later than November 22.
License returns must be mailed to:
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
20641 SD Highway 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
Hunters are encouraged to scout, visit with local landowners and conservation officers, and get a feel for the local conditions in the area they plan to hunt so they can make an informed decision about the deer population in their area.
Show Respect in the Field
When out in the field, hunters are reminded to recreate with respect. Many public hunting lands such as Walk-In Areas, Controlled Hunting Access Programs, and other private lands are working operations. Hunters should avoid parking on approaches that block access to fields, close any gates they open, pick up any trash they see, and avoid parking on dry vegetation or spinning tires in wet areas.
Slow the Spread of CWD
Hunters who are fortunate to harvest a deer should also be mindful of transportation requirements and how they can do their part to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). When field dressing a deer, ensure as much of the carcass is left at the harvest site in a discrete location.
Hunters can legally transport a deer anywhere in the state, but if the carcass leaves the county of harvest the carcass must be properly disposed of with a waste management provider or permitted landfill. Dumping carcasses on public lands or road ditches is illegal.
Show Respect on Social Media
Lastly, hunters are reminded to show respect to the animal with their pictures and social media posts. Hunting is more than about the harvest, it is about the hunt itself, and it is a good idea to showcase this in any posts. A gorgeous sunrise, view from the stand, or other memorable moments help tell the story of the hunt and make a great addition to any post.
The photo of the animal is also important. The best photos are taken right after the tag has been notched, and before the animal has been field dressed. Minimizing blood is critical, as well as cleaning dirt, mud, grass, or other debris from the animal and yourself prior to the picture. Placing the tongue back in the mouth, or cutting it off, is also a good way to respect the animal. Lastly, and most importantly, avoid the tailgate and garage pictures. The area you harvested the deer is the best background and gives dignity to animal after harvest.
Good luck, have fun, and be safe to all hunters taking to the field this deer season!
