South Dakota Whitetail Hunting
Plan your South Dakota whitetail 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 whitetail hunts across South Dakota, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
South Dakota Whitetail Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Archery
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Mentored
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Youth hunters
Black Hills
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Custer State Park
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West River
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East River
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Muzzleloader
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East River
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Only antlerless deer tags are valid during this period.
West River
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Only antlerless deer tags are valid during this period. Gregory County has different season dates; see the deer application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whitetail season in South Dakota runs approximately from September 1, 2025 through January 1, 2026, with specific phases including archery from September 1 through January 1, a mentored season starting September 13, Black Hills and Custer State Park seasons from November 1 through November 30, West River season from November 15 through November 30, East River season from November 22 through December 7, and muzzleloader season from December 1 through January 1; antlerless-only periods occur in East River from December 13 through December 21 and in West River from December 13 through December 21, with Gregory County having different dates for the West River antlerless period.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering whitetail hunts in South Dakota.
Data Sources
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- South Dakota Whitetail Unit 11B
- South Dakota Whitetail Unit 23A
- South Dakota Whitetail Unit 24A
- South Dakota Whitetail Unit 26A
- South Dakota Whitetail Unit 47A
- South Dakota Whitetail Unit 53A
- South Dakota Whitetail Unit Bh1
- South Dakota Whitetail Unit East River Zone 03A
- South Dakota Whitetail Unit West River 11B