SD 2021 Pheasant Hunting Season Dates and Information

Hunt the Greatest in South Dakota

With rolling hills and endless prairies, South Dakota is home to the best pheasant hunting in the country.  With abundant public land hunting opportunities, pheasant hunters have access to some of the greatest spots to chase birds and work their dogs. We do not have to be the ones to tell you that pheasants and pheasant hunting are solidly engrained in the South Dakota culture - because that speaks for itself.  Whether you live here or are here for the hunt, you will never forget that South Dakota is where you hunt the greatest land, live the greatest traditions, and make the greatest memories.

Since 1919, the tradition of pheasant hunting has brought friends and families together. Every fall, opening weekend brings unprecedented enthusiasm, excitement, and activity to cities and rural communities across the state.

Traditional Pheasant Season

Daily Limit:

3 rooster pheasants

Possession Limit:

15 rooster pheasants, taken according to the daily limit. The limit accrues at the rate of 3 birds a day, and 15 birds may not be possessed until after the fifth day of hunting.

Open Area:

All of South Dakota except the following: Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Brown County is open Dec. 14, 2020-Jan. 31, 2021. Renziehausen Game Production Area and Game Bird Refuge in Brown and Marshall Counties, Gerken Game Bird Refuge in Faulk County and White Lake Game Bird Refuge in Marshall County are open Dec. 1, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021.

Shooting Hours:

10 a.m. Central Time, to sunset all season. Central Time is used for opening shooting hours statewide.

License Requirements:

Residents: Small Game License, any Combination License, Youth Small Game License or 1-Day Small Game License Nonresidents: Nonresident Small Game License or Nonresident Youth Small Game License (each valid for two 5-day hunting periods; start dates must be identified before license issued). Multiple licenses may be purchased to hunt more than the two 5-day periods allowed by one license.

Youth Only

Resident Only

2021 Pheasant Outlook

2020 Pheasant Economics

Key Dates

Description	Dates
Pheasant Season -Youth Only	Season Dates Start: Sep 25, 2021 End: Oct 3, 2021
Pheasant Season - Resident Only	Season Dates Start: Oct 9, 2021 End: Oct 11, 2021
Pheasant Season - Traditional	Season Dates Start: Oct 16, 2021 End: Jan 31, 2022
Pheasant Season -Youth Only | 2022	Season Dates Start: Sep 24, 2022 End: Oct 2, 2022
Pheasant Season - Resident Only | 2022	Season Dates Start: Oct 8, 2022 End: Oct 10, 2022
Pheasant Season - Traditional | 2022	Season Dates Start: Oct 15, 2022 End: Jan 31, 2023

Make sure to check with the official state DNR / Game / Hunting authorities to confirm that no changes to the seasons have taken place.