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Fall and beyond in the South Dakota Outdoors
Summer may be over, but there is always a lot to do in the South Dakota outdoors, no matter the season! Keep the fun going year-round!
FALL
Hunt safely – Hunting is a South Dakota tradition, but there are a few things to keep in mind when you are out in the field.
- A vast majority of hunting accidents happen around vehicles before or after the actual hunt. Make sure your guns are empty and magazines are open when not actually hunting.
- When hunting with anyone else, always make sure you know where your other hunters are. Wear blaze orange and be aware of your surroundings.
- The good old “blue sky rule” is a good reminder to not shoot at low flying birds.
Fall camping – The cooler temps and quiet campgrounds make fall a great time to go camping. Bathrooms and shower facilities stay open until it freezes and electricity stays on year-round. You don’t even have to plan ahead! Reservations are taken right up to the day you arrive.
Mentored hunts - The mentored hunt program is a great way to teach your little hunting buddies safe and ethical habits in a one-on-one atmosphere. Children 10-15 years old can take advantage of mentored hunts, while spending quality time with you in the field. Kids hunt under your license and can take advantage of early youth seasons. Mentored deer licenses need to be applied for in advance (they are a guaranteed antlerless deer license). Mentored hunting is all about them. Mentors can’t carry a gun, but a camera is a necessity! Mentored hunters hunt under your license, all you need is a valid license for the season you are hunting and a hunter education certification. (If you don’t have your card anymore, call our Fort Pierre office at 605-223-7700.) A mentor and mentored hunter are allowed one daily limit combined.
Park events – From fall festivals and Halloween events to the famous Buffalo Roundup, autumn offers many fun events in the state parks. Join us!
WINTER
Snowshoeing – This year when the snow falls, we encourage you to try snowshoeing. It’s an easy sport that requires no more expertise than knowing how to walk. Several state parks have snowshoes that you can borrow for free, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for hikes held in the parks and at the Outdoor Campuses.
Coyote/predator calling/hunting - Calling coyotes with mouth or electronic calls is a fun way to help control predator populations in an area. Access to private lands can be easier too, as controlling predators helps ranchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Renew your licenses - Before hitting the late season ice, or heading to the fields to chase predators, check your pocket (or your phone). South Dakota small game hunting and fishing licenses expire on January 31, 2018.
Camping reservations – Camping reservations for most parks open 90 days before arrival (one year for Custer), which means that you can start reserving summer stays in February.
SPRING
Outdoor skills - Brush up on your outdoor skills before the summer starts with help from our Outdoor Campuses in Rapid City or Sioux Falls. They provide a ton of outdoor programming for all skill levels, including hunting, camping, fishing, outdoor cooking, equipment building and more. Best of all, most of the classes are free!
Shed hunting - Shed hunting is now legal in South Dakota’s state parks and game production areas. It is a great way to get some exercise and an even better way to get kids hooked on the outdoors. Reminder: Walk-In Areas are private lands and you must get permission from landowners to shed hunt any of those lands.
Spring turkey - The gobble of a nearby strutting tom turkey is something a hunter will never forget, but calling that wily bird into range is fun and challenging. Remember to stay still, wear good camouflage, and practice different calling techniques. It may seem daunting, but with a little practice, you can make a mouth, box, slate or glass call sound like a lonely hen or an angry gobbler.
Paddlefishing – Spring is a great time to try to catch one of the prehistoric monsters that still swim in the Missouri River. Lake Francis Case’s paddlefish snagging season has turned up fish weighing 70-100 pounds! These filter feeding fish don’t bite lures, but it is legal to snag them with a paddlefish license. Licenses are in high demand, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get one right away. For a look into the world of a paddlefish snagger, check out our YouTube video.
Birdwatching – Keep your eyes to the sky as our feathered friends make their way home in the spring. State parks are great places to spot of variety of species, and camping cabins provide a nice option for overnight birdwatching stays.
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