1. Book your dates
Call or email to hold a rifle week or an archery block. Facilities are limited, so early bookings get the dates they want.
Licenses & Draw Information
South Dakota rifle tags are drawn by lottery. Here is how the draw works, when to apply, and what we do for you once you book.
Before you hunt
Apply in April, hunt in November
In this part of South Dakota the rifle season usually opens the second Saturday in November. Archery opens the end of September and runs through the end of December. Hunts with Dakota Safaris are 4–5 days. Contact us as soon as you can to secure your hunt and to get the details of dates, costs and procedures for licensing — now is the time to start planning, and we will be happy to send you the applications.
We send license applications to all clients who have a confirmed booking with Dakota Safaris. All big game rifle licenses in South Dakota are selected by a lottery system, and the first application period begins in April. An unlimited number of archery tags are sold, so a bow hunt does not depend on the draw at all.
The best chance to get a license is to apply for the “special buck”. Additional licensing information can be found at South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, and we will walk you through the application when you book.
The season, plainly
| Rifle opener | Usually 2nd Saturday in November |
|---|---|
| Our rifle weeks | Nov 14–17 & Nov 20–23, 2026 |
| Archery season | Late September through December |
| Archery bookings | Sep 1, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027 |
| First draw period | Opens in April |
| Best draw odds | Apply for the “special buck” |
| Deposit | $1,500 non-refundable after you draw |
Season frameworks, fees and deadlines are set each year by SD Game, Fish & Parks. Always confirm current rules at gfp.sd.gov.
How booking and licensing fit together
2. We send applications
Every client with a confirmed booking gets the license applications from us, with guidance on which tag to apply for.
3. The April draw
The first application period begins in April. Rifle licenses are drawn by lottery; archery tags are unlimited and need no draw.
4. Deposit and balance
A $1,500 non-refundable deposit is due after you draw. Rifle balances are due October 15; archery balances before your hunt.
Answers
Licensing FAQ
How do I get a South Dakota deer license?
All big game rifle licenses in South Dakota are selected by a lottery system, and the first application period begins in April. We send license applications to all clients who have a confirmed booking with Dakota Safaris.
What is the best tag to apply for?
The best chance to get a license is to apply for the special buck. We will tell you exactly what to put on the application when you book.
Do archery hunters need to draw?
No. An unlimited number of archery tags are sold, so a bow hunt does not depend on the lottery.
When does the season open?
In this part of South Dakota the rifle season usually opens the second Saturday in November. Archery opens at the end of September and runs through the end of December.
What if I do not draw a tag?
Talk to us as soon as results are out. Deposits are due after you draw, and we will work with you on archery options or another year.
Where can I read the official rules?
Additional licensing information, fees and deadlines are published by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks at gfp.sd.gov.
Now is the time to start planning.
Book the dates first — the application comes from us as soon as the draw opens.