When is Turkey Season in South Dakota? A Complete Guide

Turkey season is an exciting time for hunters in South Dakota. The state offers ample opportunities to bag these challenging birds. Knowing when turkey season occurs and preparing accordingly is key to having a successful hunt. This article provides a comprehensive guide on turkey seasons in South Dakota, covering key dates, license info, regulations, tips, and more.

Overview of Turkey Season Dates

South Dakota offers both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons. The seasons occur in distinct periods

  • Spring Turkey Season runs from April 11th – May 31st, 2023. This is the more popular season with the most permits issued.

  • Fall Turkey Season is split into two segments

    • September 1st – January 1st, 2023 for archery only.

    • October 22nd – January 1st, 2023 for shotgun/archery.

So spring focuses on gobblers, while fall targets hens and young turkeys. The split fall dates allow both bow and firearm hunters to participate.

Turkey Hunting Licenses in SD

To hunt turkeys in South Dakota, you need to purchase the appropriate license. Several options exist:

  • Spring Turkey License – valid for the spring season only. South Dakota residents pay $28, non-residents pay $135.

  • Fall Turkey License – valid for the fall season only. Residents pay $28, non-residents pay $135.

  • Annual Combination Turkey License – valid for both spring and fall. Cost is $40 for residents, $195 for non-residents.

You must carry your license on your person while hunting. Licenses can be purchased online, at local vendors, or Game, Fish & Parks offices.

Bag Limits and Other Turkey Regulations

When hunting turkeys, be sure to follow all rules and regulations:

  • Bag Limit – The daily bag limit is 1 bearded turkey in the spring, 1 turkey of either sex in the fall. Possession limit is 3.

  • Legal Shooting Hours – 1⁄2 hour before sunrise to sunset.

  • Hunting Methods – Shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows are allowed. Electronic calls are legal.

  • Tagging – All harvested turkeys must be tagged immediately upon kill. Tags are provided with licenses.

Knowing the regulations is critical to staying legal during your hunts. Review the full SD turkey hunting rules guide for additional details.

Tips for Hunting Turkeys in South Dakota

Preparation and strategy are key for a successful turkey hunt:

  • Scout – Locate flocks in your chosen hunting area and identify roosting spots. Arrive before dawn to intercept returning birds.

  • Use Decoys and Calls – Set up hen decoys and use turkey calls to draw in wary toms. Take care not to overcall.

  • Stay Hidden and Still – Camouflage clothing and minimal movement are essential. Sit against a tree and avoid quick motions.

  • Be Patient – Calling in a gobbler can take 30+ minutes. Don’t give up too quickly if he hangs up out of range.

  • Aim Carefully – Turkeys have small vital areas. Wait for neck or head shots at 20-30 yards. Pattern your shotgun accordingly.

With smart preparation and persistence, you can experience the thrill of bagging a spring tom or fall hen in South Dakota’s excellent turkey habitat.

Prime Public Hunting Areas for Turkeys

South Dakota features many public lands open to turkey hunting. Top destinations include:

  • Black Hills National Forest – Mixed pine forest with Merriam’s turkeys. Open terrain allows longer shots.

  • Fort Pierre National Grassland – Rolling plains with cottonwood draws holding Rio Grande turkeys.

  • Buffalo Gap National Grassland – Prairie river bottoms near the Badlands support turkeys. Limited tree cover.

  • Waubay National Wildlife Refuge – Woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands holding eastern subspecies.

  • Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Substantial oak forest habitat attractive to turkeys.

On public lands, scouting is critical to locate where birds are congregating. Be flexible and mobile to find more private land access through Farm Bureau programs.

For thrilling spring turkey hunting, South Dakota delivers ample opportunities. With the season running April 11th – May 31st in 2023, make plans now. Purchase required licenses, scout areas, pattern your firearm, practice calling, and study regulations. Careful preparation will lead to success when that big tom finally struts into range.

The fall season also offers a chance at unique turkey hunting from September through January. Hunters with proper licenses can pursue birds in either archery or firearm seasons. With open public lands and the possibility of private access, South Dakota provides prime turkey habitat for all hunters.

Time your vacation right to experience spring or fall turkey hunting in South Dakota. With the tips and info provided here, you will be set for an exciting hunt. Gobble at sunrise with wary spring toms or outsmart cagey fall hens. Savor the camaraderie and challenge of turkey hunting alongside welcoming South Dakota locals.

when is turkey season in south dakota

FAQ

Where is the best turkey hunting in South Dakota?

Carpenter and mouth of White River area has a good bit of public hunting ground that is rough, tough to get around on but lots of turkey. Look at Lyman Co. in Atlas south of Ocoma.

Can you hunt turkeys all day in South Dakota?

The spring prairie wild turkey hunting season is open from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day from the second Saturday of April through May thirty-first.

How much does it cost to hunt turkeys in South Dakota?

License Types & Costs
Season Resident Fee Non Resident Fee
Turkey | Prairie Spring 1 Male Turkey $28 2 Male Turkeys $40 1 Male Turkey $121 2 Male Turkeys $151
Turkey | Prairie Fall 1 Any Turkey $20 2 Any Turkey $25 1 Any Turkey $106 2 Any Turkey $131
Turkey | Mentored Spring $5 $10
Turkey | Mentored Fall $5 $10

Can non-residents hunt turkey in South Dakota?

Nonresidents are eligible for one Black Hills turkey license.

Is there a spring turkey season in South Dakota?

Within spring turkey there are also separate regular archery-only, and mentored hunting seasons. Below are the 2024 and 2025 turkey season dates for the major South Dakota hunting areas Spring 2024 Spring 2025 Fall So your main options are prairie or Black Hills for spring turkey, plus statewide fall turkey.

When is turkey hunting in South Dakota?

South Dakota offers turkey hunting in the spring and fall seasons Spring Turkey – Available for prairie, Black Hills, and Custer State Park regions from mid-April through May. Specific season start and end dates vary. Fall Turkey – Runs November 1st through January 31st with no region restrictions.

Will South Dakota have a turkey season in 2023?

Many hunters are preparing for a successful 2023 South Dakota turkey season. The state’s rich animals and picturesque scenery attract hunters nationwide. South Dakota’s turkey season is exhilarating and memorable for hunters of all levels.

Do you need a permit to hunt a Turkey in South Dakota?

South Dakota’s April and May turkey hunting season draw sportsmen throughout the state and nation. Except for Davison/Hanson and Lincoln, hunters may apply for the season during this period. Archery turkey hunters at Adams Homestead, Nature Preserve, and Good Earth State Park need a Residents-Only Access Permit.

Can you shoot a Turkey in South Dakota?

Finally, wild turkey bows must draw at least 30 pounds. However, cameras, video cameras, and cell phones used solely for photography are allowed. Note: For complete regulation for Turkey season in South Dakota, you may review the SD Game & Fish Park Website. FAQs on SD Turkey Hunting Season When is the South Dakota turkey hunting season?

Can the Black Hills spring turkey season be changed?

The Black Hills spring turkey season’s start date may be changed. South Dakota turkey hunters should have a productive season. Residents and nonresidents must be 12 to hunt. Nonresidents under 16 must give their hunter safety card certificate number or a current or past hunting license from any state.

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