When does deer season start in South Dakota?

September 1, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for South Dakota; it is archery - municipal deer Sep 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027.

When is South Dakota's firearm deer season?

Nov 1-Dec 15, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for South Dakota. Check zone and permit details with South Dakota GF&P before hunting.

When does spring turkey open in South Dakota?

A current spring turkey opener is not listed for South Dakota yet. Check South Dakota GF&P for the latest turkey dates.

Do I need a license to hunt in South Dakota?

Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate South Dakota hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with South Dakota GF&P.

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South Dakota Deer Season 2026-27

South Dakota deer season dates start with Sep 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.

Quick answer

South Dakota's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 1-Dec 15, 2026.

Archery - Municipal Deer opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Jan 1, 2027.

Archery Deer opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Jan 1, 2027.

The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to South Dakota GF&P.

Last verified: June 15, 2026 · Source: South Dakota GF&P

Deer

19 listed rows

Deer

Firearm - National Wildlife Refuge

Closed

—

dates not listed

Exact dates not listed in the current data.

See application for season dates. Online Application: Jun 3, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026

Zone: National Wildlife Refuge

Deer

Archery - Municipal

Upcoming

59d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027

Application: Jul 6, 2026 - Jul 20, 2026

Zone: Municipal

Deer

Archery

Upcoming

59d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027

Application: Jun 17, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027

Deer

Archery - Nonresident Public/Private Land

Upcoming

59d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027

Application: May 20, 2026 - Jun 9, 2026

Deer

Archery

Upcoming

59d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027

Application: Jun 17, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027

Zone: General

Deer

Archery

Upcoming

59d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027

Application: Jul 6 - Jul 20, 2026

Zone: Municipal

Deer

Archery

Upcoming

59d

Sep 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027

Application: May 20 - Jun 9, 2026

Zone: Nonresident Public/Private Land

Deer

Apprentice and Mentored

Upcoming

70d

Sep 12, 2026-Jan 1, 2027

Online application: Jun 17, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027

Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming

120d

Nov 1-Dec 15, 2026

Online application: Jun 3 - Jun 23, 2026

Zone: Custer State Park

Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming

120d

Nov 1-30, 2026

Online application: Jun 3 - Jun 23, 2026

Zone: Black Hills

Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming

133d

Nov 14-29, 2026

Online application: Jun 3 - Jun 23, 2026

Zone: West River

Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming

140d

Nov 21-Dec 6, 2026

Online application: Jun 3 - Jun 23, 2026

Zone: East River

Show 7 more deer rows

Deer

Firearm - East River Nonresident Landowner

Upcoming

140d

Nov 21-Dec 6, 2026

Nonresident Landowner. Online Application: Sep 10, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026

Zone: East River

Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming

140d

Nov 21-Dec 6, 2026

Online application: Sep 10 - Sep 24, 2026

Zone: East River Nonresident Landowner

Deer

Muzzleloader

Upcoming

150d

Dec 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027

Online application: Jun 3 - Jun 23, 2026

White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming

133d

Nov 14-29, 2026

Online application: Mar 19 - Apr 14, 2026

Zone: West River Special Buck

White-tailed Deer

Special Buck Firearm

Upcoming

133d

Nov 14-29, 2026

Online Application: Mar 19, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026

Zone: West River

White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Upcoming

140d

Nov 21-Dec 6, 2026

Online application: Mar 18 - Apr 14, 2026

Zone: East River Special Buck

White-tailed Deer

Special Buck Firearm

Upcoming

140d

Nov 21-Dec 6, 2026

Online Application: Mar 18, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026

Zone: East River