Fishing, hunting, camping, and getting outside are our passion in South Dakota, and we’ve got important updates regarding everything going on across the South Dakota outdoors! We have everything from South Dakota fishing news, South Dakota State Park updates, hunting season outlooks, and more! Stay up to date on everything going on outside across South Dakota!
South Dakota Fishing News
Fishing is our passion in South Dakota, so much our state fish is of course the walleye! Stay up to date on everything regarding South Dakota’s fisheries and fishing news!
Fishing isn’t a summer activity in South Dakota, it’s a tradition that takes place all year long. Whether it’s sneaking the boat onto the Missouri River below the dam on a warm January day, or ice fishing across the Glacial Lakes region, anglers are on the water throughout the entire year. The bite doesn’t slow down either, which means there are always fish to clean, and there are now even more opportunities to do this across the state.
A new program in eastern South Dakota dedicated to creating and empowering female anglers made waves throughout the summer months and is continuing to build momentum for recruiting additional female anglers to the sport of fishing.
The second year of Casting for Recovery-South Dakota has continued to build on last year’s success, holding a second successful retreat and announcing a grant award as the chapter continues to positively impact the lives of women impacted by breast cancer.
Each fall, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) fisheries biologists conduct their annual fall lake sampling. This data is then made available to anglers, who may use it to learn more about their favorite fisheries and discover new ones as well.
South Dakota Hunting News
South Dakota is the greatest state to pheasant hunt, and is a destination for anyone who enjoys upland bird hunting! South Dakota also is home to excellent deer hunting, duck hunting, and of course our state bird, the pheasant! Find the latest hunting outlooks and updates right here!
Pheasant season is upon us, and the outlook for the 2024 pheasant hunting season in South Dakota is extremely positive! Hunters should expect to find both great numbers of birds and ample public hunting opportunities as South Dakota continues to prove it is the greatest state to pheasant hunt.
South Dakota Hunting Applications and Updates
Stay up to date on major changes with South Dakota big game seasons, as well as in the loop on major application deadlines!
More Time to Grouse Hunt in South Dakota
At their May 2024 meeting in Custer, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission extended the quail, partridge, and grouse seasons to January 31, aligning these seasons closing date with the close of the pheasant season.
South Dakota Nonresident Black Hills Spring Turkey Season to See Changes
Beginning in 2025, nonresident Black Hills spring turkey licenses will be issued by a lottery drawing, which means nonresident hunters must apply for their licenses prior to their hunt. Unlimited licenses will no longer be available for purchase for nonresidents. Applications must be received by Wednesday, February 12 at 8 a.m. CT.
Lake Francis Case Paddlefish Application Deadline Approaching
The deadline to apply for the 2025 Lake Francis Case Paddlefish season is quickly approaching. Applications must be received by Monday, February 10, 2025, at 8 a.m. CT.
South Dakota State Park News
South Dakota is home to a world-class state park system, and whether it’s Custer State Park, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area or every other state park, recreation area, nature area, and lakeside use area in-between we’ve got all the latest updates from across the state!
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks has announced the 2025 South Dakota State Park Entrance License is now available for purchase.
Purchase Park Entrance License by March 15 for Limited Edition Collectors Sticker
The 2025 South Dakota State Parks theme is “Make a Splash”, and individuals that order their South Dakota State Park Entrance License by March 15 through Go Outdoors South Dakota will receive this limited-edition sticker as well.
Additional South Dakota Outdoor Updates
For students and young adults looking to start their careers, they can both maximize their summer and gain valuable experience by checking out an intern or seasonal position with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).
Find the Latest Fishing Reports
Looking for the latest fishing reports? We’ve got you covered! Find the latest fishing reports and the best bites the boys are currently on by visiting our Fishing Reports page!
Fishing Tournament News
Looking for the latest schedules, results, and updates regarding fishing tournaments across South Dakota and the rest of the country? Find the most recent schedules, results, and recaps of walleye tournaments on our Fishing Tournament News page!
