South Dakota Waterfowl Season 2026-27
South Dakota waterfowl season dates start with Sep 26-Dec 8, 2026. The table below keeps every listed waterfowl row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
South Dakota's listed 2026-27 waterfowl season runs Sep 26-Dec 8, 2026.
General Duck opens Sep 26, 2026 and closes Dec 8, 2026.
General Light Goose opens Sep 26, 2026 and closes Jan 8, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to South Dakota GF&P.
Waterfowl
16 listed rowsCanada Goose
General
2025 season
Zone: Unit 2
Canada Goose
August Management Take
August Goose Management Take
Canada Goose
Early
Early season
Canada Goose
General
Zone: Unit 1
Canada Goose
General
Zone: Unit 2
Duck
Youth
Youth Waterfowl
Duck
General
Zone: Low Plains Middle
Duck
General
Zone: Low Plains North
Duck
General
Zone: High Plains
Duck
General
Zone: Low Plains South
Light Goose
Conservation Order
Light Goose Conservation Order
Light Goose
General
Waterfowl
Youth Only - Nonresident
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
See respective unit and species for specific dates. Online Application: Jul 1, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Waterfowl
General - Nonresident
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
See respective unit and species for specific dates. Application: May 26, 2026 - Jun 8, 2026
Waterfowl
Youth Only
Youth Waterfowl season
White-fronted Goose
General
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Nearby waterfowl seasons
South Dakota Waterfowl Season FAQ
When does waterfowl season open in South Dakota?
November 4, 2025 is the earliest listed waterfowl opener in South Dakota — general canada goose runs Nov 4, 2025-Feb 15, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with South Dakota GF&P.
What are the 2026-27 waterfowl season dates in South Dakota?
South Dakota lists 14 waterfowl season windows: General Canada Goose (Nov 4, 2025-Feb 15, 2026); August Management Take Canada Goose (Aug 15-31, 2026); Early Canada Goose (Sep 1-30, 2026); General Canada Goose (Oct 1-Dec 16, 2026); General Canada Goose (Nov 2, 2026-Feb 14, 2027); Youth Duck (Sep 12-13, 2026); General Duck (Sep 26-Dec 8, 2026); General Duck (Sep 26-Dec 8, 2026); and more. Always verify against South Dakota GF&P before hunting.
Are there different waterfowl seasons in South Dakota?
Yes — South Dakota lists separate waterfowl seasons for General Canada Goose, August Management Take Canada Goose, Early Canada Goose, Youth Duck, General Duck, Conservation Order Light Goose. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and South Dakota GF&P.
Do I need a license to hunt waterfowl in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and waterfowl hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with South Dakota GF&P.