South Dakota Bison

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Dates & Fees | South Dakota Bison Hunting

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


523 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501
ph. 605-223-7660

 

South Dakota Bison Hunting 2026

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.

Application Deadline for South Dakota Bison Hunting

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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