Step Inside Huntin' Fool: Membership Drives
West River Special Buck: April 14, 2026
Sheep, Mtn Goat, Elk (Residents Only): May 19, 2026
Archery Deer: June 9, 2026
Firearm Deer: June 23, 2026
Archery Limited Access Permits: July 1, 2026
Bison: August 6, 2026
Firearm Antelope: July 7, 2026
Points Only: December 15, 2026
| FEES | |
|---|---|
| Habitat Stamp Fee | $25.00 |
| Trophy Bison | $6,506.00 |
| Non-Trophy Bison | $3,256.00 |
| Deer (West River, Black Hills, Refuge, Archery) | $375.00 |
| Deer (West River Special Buck) | $650.00 |
| Deer (Youth Only Antlerless) | $10.00 |
| Antelope | $375.00 |
| Antelope (Special Buck) | $650.00 |
| Preference Point Only (Per Species) | $20.00 |
| FEES | |
|---|---|
| Habitat Stamp Fee | $10.00 |
| Trophy Bison | $6,506.00 |
| Non-Trophy Bison | $3,256.00 |
| Deer (West River, Black Hills, Refuge, Archery) | $45.00 |
| Deer (West River Special Buck) | $200.00 |
| Deer (Youth Only Antlerless) | $5.00 |
| Antelope | $45.00 |
| Antelope (Special Buck) | $200.00 |
| Preference Point Only (Per Species) | $5.00 |
| SOUTH DAKOTA BISON SEASON DATES | |
| Trophy Bull Hunts (Custer State Park) | Nov 16, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027 |
| Non-Trophy Hunts (Custer State Park) | Oct 5 – Nov 13, 2026 |
| SOUTH DAKOTA DEER SEASON DATES | |
| Archery (All Areas) | Sep 1, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027 |
| Firearm – West River | Nov 14 – Nov 29, 2026 |
| Firearm – East River | Nov 21 – Dec 6, 2026 |
| Firearm – Black Hills | Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2026 |
| Firearm – Custer State Park | Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2026 |
| Muzzleloader (All Zones) | Dec 1, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027 |
| SOUTH DAKOTA ANTELOPE SEASON DATES | |
| Archery | Aug 15 – Oct 31, 2026 (closed during firearm season) |
| Firearm & Special Draws | Oct 3 – Oct 18, 2026 |
| SOUTH DAKOTA ELK SEASON DATES | |
| Archery – Black Hills | Sep 1 – Sep 30, 2026 |
| Firearm – Custer State Park | Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2026 |
| SOUTH DAKOTA SHEEP SEASON DATES | |
| Black Hills & Custer State Park Bighorn | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2025 |
Disclaimer: Season dates vary by species and unit. Emergency orders may adjust dates. Verify with South Dakota GFP: https://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/
2026:
Bighorn Sheep, Goat, Elk: Late May
Archery Deer: June 9 (same day)
West River/Black Hills Deer: June 25
Antelope: July 7 (same day)
Bison: August 11
The bison herd on Custer State Park is doing really well. Both residents and non-residents may apply for bison hunts. Hunting opportunities are broken down into two categories: trophy bull and non-trophy bison. Hunting bison within Custer State Park is highly regulated. Bison taken in Custer State Park are eligible for Boone and Crockett’s record book program. Many top-scoring bison in the B&C record book come from this herd in South Dakota. Archery equipment is now allowed for all bison hunts.
Hunters are required to schedule and hunt with a park-provided guide for all bison hunts at no additional charge. Custer State Park will also provide field handling and may provide transportation of the carcass. The guide will indicate which animals are eligible and will approve the location to harvest. Applications will be available online for all bison hunts in July. Group applications are not allowed for trophy bull hunts. You must have 2 or more preference points to be considered in the draw.
One of our Advisors’ sons drew the non-trophy bull hunt last season. He enjoyed a memorable hunt and successfully harvested an impressive bull with his bow. The operations and herd managers overseeing the bison program are outstanding people who have done an excellent job managing the herd and creating a quality hunting opportunity. For anyone considering applying, we strongly recommend it. The hunt is very manageable from a physical standpoint, and it’s been consistently described as a rewarding and unforgettable hunt by all previous Huntin’ Fool members who were fortunate enough to draw the tag.
The deadline for bison in South Dakota is August 6, 2026.
Our magazine, which is available in print and online, has everything in one location - application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunites, hunt planning, and much more. If you would like access to all of our research, join today!
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Advisor Articles from Our Magazine on South Dakota Application and Hunting Strategy
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