South Dakota Elk hunting
South Dakota is renowned worldwide for its pheasant hunting. But did you know it’s also a great state to hunt elk? South Dakota Elk hunting has several great places to get your trophy. For example, Black Hills consists of over 6,000 Rocky Mountain elk. Only South Dakota residents are eligible to apply for and receive an elk license in South Dakota. If you are eligible, then you may apply for any and all seasons. However, for equitable distribution of licenses, you will be limited to one elk license a year. All Licenses are drawn in sequence from season to season.
Elk Hunting Season in South Dakota
| Season | Season Dates | Application Dates |
| Archery | Start: Sep 1, 2019 End: Sep 30, 2019 | Start: Apr 24, 2019 End: May 22, 2019 |
| Custer State Park Archery | Start: Sep 1, 2019 End: Sep 30, 2019 | Start: Apr 24, 2019 End: May 22, 2019 |
| Black Hills | Start: Oct 1, 2019 End: Dec 31, 2019 | Start: Apr 24 End: May 22 |
| Custer State Park | Start: Oct 1, 2019 End: Oct 31, 2019 | Start: Apr 24 End: May 22 |
Elk License in South Dakota
The South Dakota Game Fish & Parks Commission agreed to raise the fee for a nonresident (10 Day) for small game license by $10 to $120, while an annual shooting license will go up by $35 to $120. Two nonresident shooting preserve licenses are going up to $10, with a (1 Day) cost is $45 and a (5 Day) cost is $75.
Top Elk Hunting Places in South Dakota
Mount Rushmore State Pierre which is situated on the Missouri River, Pierre is the capital of South Dakota. Many other places are Custer State Park, Black Hills, Huron, East River.
Hunting Gear List in South Dakota
- Hunting License, Driver’s License or other Id’s
- South Dakota Guide if Non-Resident
- Camera
- Smartphone
- Pair of gloves
- Hat
- Waterproof pants
- Underwear
- Rain jacket
- Lightweight vest
- Shirts
- Boots
- Socks
- Backpack Rain Cover
- Small Flashlight
- Bow or Rifle with Scope
- Ammo and Ammo Case
- Quality Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Hunting Knife & Sharpener
- Toilet Paper
- Dry Towel
- Sleeping Bag
- Cooking Kit
- Water Cooler
South Dakota Elk Hunting Firearms
Archery Big Game License Holders may not:
- Possess a firearm in the field while hunting with bow & arrow, except if the person is carrying a pistol & possesses a valid concealed pistol permit.
- A person be accompanied in the field and possessing a firearm except if the person is carrying a pistol and possesses a valid concealed pistol permit; or
- A person is accompanied in the field and carrying a bow and arrow if the person does not possess an archery big game license that is valid for the same geographic area and time of year as the licensee.
The Big Game Licensee Firearm
- No person possessing a firearm, including a muzzleloading firearm, or a bow & arrow may accompany a big game hunter in the field or cooperate as part of a big game hunting group unless a person accompanying and possesses a big game license that is valid for the same geographic area and time of year as the licensee. This restriction does not apply to any person who is carrying a pistol and possesses a valid concealed pistol permit, nor does it apply to a person who is legally licensed to hunt small game “or exempt from license requirements as provided by SDCL 41-6-2” and hunting only with a shotgun using shotshells.
- Juveniles under the age of 16 must be accompanied by parents, guardian or other responsible adults while hunting.
- A youth or any of age, who is licensed for the youth deer season must be accompanied by an adult while hunting. The adult must be unarmed except if the adult is carrying a pistol and possesses a valid concealed pistol permit or if the adult possesses a firearm big game license that is valid for the same geographic area and time of year as the youth hunter.