09/01/2026
The calendar has officially flipped to September, and that means many fall hunting seasons are officially here! September 1 kicks off with the much-anticipated dove, archery deer, and Unit 1 goose seasons.
The second weekend of September is a favorite of new hunters, with the youth only waterfowl season and apprentice, youth, and mentored deer seasons set to open.
Conditions are looking overall positive for upland game hunting seasons. These seasons will begin with grouse and partridge opening September 19, and youth only and mentored pheasant season opens September 26! This is going to be a fall you won't want to miss, so start it early and enjoy some of the awesome upland game hunting opportunities we have!
As you're planning your fall calendar, we've pulled out a few dates you'll want to make sure you note. You can find all season dates and information on our website, or pick up a copy of the Hunting Handbook!
It's the best of time year in South Dakota, whether you're in the field, the parks, or on the water take some time and enjoy it! We hope you have a fun and safe season!
Upcoming Season Dates:
• Archery Antelope: August 15-October 2 and October 19-31
• Archery Deer: September 1-January 1
• Mourning Dove: September 1-November 9
• Black Hills and Custer State Park Archery Elk: September 1-30
• Prairie Elk: September 1-December 31
• Bighorn Sheep: September 1-December 31
• Cottontail Rabbit and Tree Squirrel: September 1-March 31
• Crow and Snipe: September 1-October 31
• Canada Goose Unit 1: September 1-December 16
• Youth and Mentored Only Waterfowl: September 12-13
• Apprentice, Youth, and Mentored Deer: September 12-January 1
• Grouse and Partridge: September 19-January 31
• Youth and Mentored Only Pheasant: September 26-October 4
• Low Plains Middle and North Zone Duck: September 26-December 8
• Light Geese: September 26-January 8
• White-fronted Geese: September 26-December 8
• Sandhill Crane: September 26-November 22
Purchase your license: license.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com