Ever thought about dove hunting in South Dakota? Fall offers the perfeÂct setting for it. Imagine ending the day, breathing in the cool breeÂze, enjoying exciting hunts and tasty gameÂ. Doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or a beÂginner, it’s sure to be a heÂart-racing experienceÂ.
This guide is available to you. It has all the essential information you need for a successful dove trip in South Dakota.
Highlights for Doves in South Dakota
Every year, the South Dakota dove season usually begins on September 1st and lasts until November 9th. To be sure there are no changes, it is always important to confirm rules with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP).
The season structure is broken down as follows:
- Resident-Only Early Season (Optional): On October 12th, 13th, and 14th, residents will have the chance to go dove hunting alone.
- General Season: For all licensed hunters, the general dove season begins on September 1st and ends on November 9th.
Dove Regulations in South Dakota
Mourning doves are a common sight in South Dakota, flitting between fields and watering holes. But these feathered friends also make for exciting fall hunting opportunities! Here’s what you need to know to get ready for dove season.
Season Opener: Mark your calendars! South Dakota’s dove season kicks off on Thursday, September 1st. Get ready for some early morning or dusk action as doves fly between feeding grounds (often grain fields) and water sources.
Be Aware: Doves are sensitive to chilly weather and may head south before the season ends.
Interesting Fact: Did you know biologists track dove migration by banding them? Some doves banded in South Dakota end up harvested all the way down in Central America!
Know the Rules:
- Safety First: You can only shoot doves while they’re in flight.
- Respect the Land: Dove hunting is not allowed in state parks or recreation areas, except for the area west of the dam at Angostura Recreation Area.
- Shotgun Limits: Keep your shotgun fair; it can’t hold more than three shells during dove hunting.
Licensing Up:
Resident hunters need a Small Game, Combination, Youth Small Game, or 1-Day Small Game license. Non-residents require a Nonresident Small Game or Nonresident Youth Small Game license.
Don’t Forget: All dove hunters, regardless of residency, must purchase a Migratory Bird Certification. Both licenses and certifications can be easily obtained online or from license agents across the state.
Hunting with Minors: Hunters under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult (at least 18 years old) while dove hunting.
Bag Limits: Stock your freezer! The daily bag limit is 15 doves, with a possession limit of 30.
Shot Shell Requirements: Be environmentally conscious! Nontoxic shot is mandatory for dove hunting in specific areas like state Game Production Areas, federal Waterfowl Production Areas, and other designated lands managed by Game, Fish, and Parks.
Firearm Restrictions: Pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns used for dove hunting must be plugged to hold no more than three shells at a time.
Licenses and Fees
| License Type | Resident Cost (USD) | Non-Resident Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| (Annual) | $29 | $100 |
| Small Game (Annual) | $16 | $51 |
Get it from approved license dealers around the state or online at the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website, https://gfp.sd.gov/hunt-fish-license/.
Top Dove Locations in South Dakota
With options for both eastern and western hunters, South Dakota’s varied terrain is ideal for dove seeking. The following are a some of the most popular spots:
The eastern region of South Dakota
- Sioux Falls Area: Doves have plenty of food in the rich farmlands around Sioux Falls, which is why hunting is so popular there. Seek for regions with fields of just harvested corn or sunflowers, or those close to lakes and rivers where doves gather to drink.
- Pheasant Country: The well-known pheasant hunting areas in eastern South Dakota provide outstanding dove shooting possibilities as well. Doves have access to a variety of habitats thanks to public hunting places like the Sand Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Pickerel Lake WMA.
Western South Dakota:
- Black Hills: With its undulating hills, mixed woodlands, and farmland, the Black Hills provide a distinctive scenery. Find places where doves congregate to drink, such as those next to stock ponds or grain fields. There are many hunting chances on public properties like Custer State Park and the Black Hills National Forest, but be careful to verify the restrictions regulating hunting in these particular regions.
- Missouri River Basin: Throughout the year, doves flock to the Missouri River Basin because of its abundant riparian zones and agricultural fields. Excellent hunting grounds with a variety of habitats may be found in public hunting places like the Oahe WMA and the Lewis and Clark WMA.
