South Dakota Waterfowl Hunting
Plan your South Dakota waterfowl hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land waterfowl hunts across South Dakota, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
South Dakota Waterfowl Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
August Management Take Resident Only
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Resident only
Unit 1 August Management Take
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Nonresident Early Fall
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Unit 1
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Only
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Youth hunters
Youth Waterfowl
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Youth hunters
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset shooting hours. Approved non-toxic shot required. See Mentored and Youth Waterfowl section in the back of the book.
Sandhill Crane
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Low Plains North And Middle
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White-fronted Geese
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White-fronted Goose
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Light Geese
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Light Goose
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Tundra
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High Plains
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Bonus blue-winged teal season applies during the first nine days.
Low Plains South
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Bonus blue-winged teal season applies during the first nine days.
Unit 2
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South Dakota Waterfowl Licenses
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Fall Canada Goose | — | — | $51.00 |
Fee includes a $6 surcharge mandated by state law. Revenue derived from this surcharge is dedicated to hunting access, wildlife damage management, and animal damage control programs. | |||
| Spring Light Goose Conservation Order | — | — | $61.00 |
Fee includes a $6 surcharge mandated by state law. Revenue derived from this surcharge is dedicated to hunting access, wildlife damage management, and animal damage control programs. | |||
| Youth Spring Light Goose Conservation Order, ages 12-17 | — | Ages 12–17; Youth hunters | $21.00 |
Fee includes a $6 surcharge mandated by state law. Revenue derived from this surcharge is dedicated to hunting access, wildlife damage management, and animal damage control programs. | |||
| Waterfowl (valid 3 days, lottery application only) | Draw | — | $106.00 |
Fee includes a $6 surcharge mandated by state law. Revenue derived from this surcharge is dedicated to hunting access, wildlife damage management, and animal damage control programs. | |||
| Waterfowl (valid two 5-day periods, lottery application only) | Draw | — | $145.00 |
Fee includes a $6 surcharge mandated by state law. Revenue derived from this surcharge is dedicated to hunting access, wildlife damage management, and animal damage control programs. | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Waterfowl E-Stamp | — | — | $29.00 |
Online Only | |||
| Federal Waterfowl E-Stamp (Online Only) | — | — | $29.00 |
Online Only. The electronic Federal Waterfowl Stamp is valid from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The electronic Federal Waterfowl Stamp will not have a physical stamp mailed to the purchaser until March 15, 2026. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Waterfowl season in South Dakota runs approximately from August 16, 2025 through February 15, 2026, with multiple phases and opportunities varying by species, location, and hunter type. Resident-only August management take runs August 16–31, 2025, while nonresident early fall opportunities run September 1–30, 2025. Youth waterfowl season occurs September 13–14, 2025, with shooting hours from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset using approved non-toxic shot. Unit 1 runs September 1 through December 16, 2025, and Unit 2 runs November 3, 2025 through February 15, 2026. Sandhill crane season runs September 27 through November 23, 2025. White-fronted geese and Low Plains North and Middle seasons run September 27 through December 9, 2025. Light geese season runs September 27, 2025 through January 9, 2026. Tundra swan season runs October 4, 2025 through January 9, 2026. High Plains season runs October 11, 2025 through January 15, 2026, with a bonus blue-winged teal season during the first nine days. Low Plains South season runs October 25, 2025 through January 6, 2026, also with a bonus blue-winged teal season during the first nine days.
Yes. Nonresidents can hunt waterfowl in South Dakota through a Nonresident Waterfowl License available via draw.
Data Sources
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