South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks

South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks The official page for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Let's share in the outdoor heritage together!

As the official page for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, you will find information and educational posts on items related to hunting, fishing, camping, boating, outdoor activities, regulation changes, weekly news and much more. GFP Mission: The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks provides sustainable outdoor recreational opportunities through responsible management of our state’s parks, fisheries and wildlife by fostering partnerships, cultivating stewardship and safely connecting people with the outdoors.

Heads up...there are just two weeks left of Adventure 250!Four winners across South Dakota will each take home a Plano A...
08/24/2026

Heads up...there are just two weeks left of Adventure 250!

Four winners across South Dakota will each take home a Plano Atlas Tackle Backpack with plenty of room to keep your fishing gear organized.

Now’s the time to finish those challenges, add to your point total, and work toward your spot in the Adventure 250 Club. Want to know how many points you have? Send us an email at [email protected] and we'll let you know!

And remember: once Adventure 250 wraps up after Labor Day weekend, we’ll still have three grand prize packages to give away! Everyone who reached 250 points over the summer will be entered into these drawings.

Two weeks left — keep adventuring!

Your South Dakota in the field this week! Tag SD Game Fish & Parks and use for the chance to see your outdoor adventur...
08/24/2026

Your South Dakota in the field this week!

Tag SD Game Fish & Parks and use for the chance to see your outdoor adventures featured on this weekly post!

Recently, GFP conservation officers held their annual side scan training in northeast South Dakota. Officers conduct tra...
08/21/2026

Recently, GFP conservation officers held their annual side scan training in northeast South Dakota. Officers conduct training with specialized equipment along with standard Humminbird units in patrol boats. In unfortunate situations such as a drowning, our officers are highly trained in the use of this technology and bring closure to families of a lost loved one.

Hunting seasons are upon us, and we wanted to share a few reminders on ways to prevent fire when out in the field this f...
08/21/2026

Hunting seasons are upon us, and we wanted to share a few reminders on ways to prevent fire when out in the field this fall.

Conditions across much of the state have been dry, and this has led to an increased fire danger when out in the field. Hunters can do their part to reduce this risk by taking a few precautions:

• Think about where you will park prior to heading out for your hunt;
• Ensure trailer chains are not dragging on the roadway when traveling;
• Never park a vehicle over dry vegetation or tall grass;
• Park respectfully, considering the potential for grass fires where there may not be gravel parking;
• Bring a shovel, large jug of water, or fire extinguisher to help put out any small fires quickly;
• Fire dangers exist when parking on sides of roads as well, which can also be hazardous for others getting down the same roadways;
• Extinguish ci******es with water or dirt, or use an ashtray inside your vehicle;
• Walk rather than drive and limit all vehicle travel to designated roads and trails;
• Report any smoke or visible fire immediately; and
• Know your location from a nearest town in case you need to report a fire.

We are all excited about getting out to make memories in South Dakota's great outdoors. Taking a little time to make these preparations can ensure those memories are the best they can be.

Adventure 250 participants continue to make the most of every opportunity to explore South Dakota's parks and outdoor sp...
08/21/2026

Adventure 250 participants continue to make the most of every opportunity to explore South Dakota's parks and outdoor spaces.

Congratulations to our Week 14 winners:
• Kristie F | Jasper, MN – LaFramboise Nature Area
• Jacki W | Elk Point – Lake Herman State Park & Walker's Point Recreation Area
• Kelly B | Harrisburg – Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
• Mara D | Rapid City – Custer State Park

A big thank you to the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota for helping make Adventure 250 a success.

Week 15 prize: Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard

Every adventure counts, and there are still opportunities to participate and win.

Learn more: gfp.sd.gov/history2026

GFP has received reports of hemorrhagic disease in deer at varying levels across South Dakota and asks for assistance in...
08/20/2026

GFP has received reports of hemorrhagic disease in deer at varying levels across South Dakota and asks for assistance in reporting dead deer.

Landowners who are in the field, hunters who are scouting and beginning the early hunting seasons, and anyone else who encounters dead deer of unknown causes are encouraged to contact their local Conservation Officer or GFP Office.

Any and all reports of sick or deceased deer are welcomed and encouraged to help us make better proactive management decisions as we consider license returns and season structure changes.

Currently, two units are going to have licenses removed in the 4th Combined Deer Draw. This will total 62 licenses.

• East River Deer - 47A13 (2 licenses)
• West River Deer - 24A13 (60 licenses)

Hunters with licenses in highly impacted units will likely be eligible to return their licenses and receive both a full refund and preference point reinstatement. Additional information regarding these potential counties or units will be made available as reports are received.

Receiving reports of dead deer is critical to monitor the disease, and determine counties and units that are most impacted.

About Hemorrhagic Disease:

Hemorrhagic disease, caused by epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) or blue tongue (BT) virus, is spread by a biting midge and causes extensive internal hemorrhaging in infected animals. Many deer exhibit no clinical signs and appear perfectly healthy, while others may have symptoms such as respiratory distress, fever, swelling of the tongue, or ultimately death.

The disease will likely persist until cold weather results in a frost to kill these insects, which makes it important for GFP to be aware of the locations and level of impacts to monitor deer populations across the state.

Learn more: gfp.sd.gov/epizootic-hemorrhagic-disease

08/20/2026

Staff has worked to remove a significant amount of silt from West Shore boat ramp. Work will continue to keep West Shore in service over the next several weeks. Please continue to exercise caution with use, silt conditions have been changing rapidly with low lake levels.

Officer Anna Hills was recently given the 2026 South Dakota Operation Dry Water (ODW) Officer of the Year Award. Officer...
08/20/2026

Officer Anna Hills was recently given the 2026 South Dakota Operation Dry Water (ODW) Officer of the Year Award. Officer Hills has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and effectiveness in boating enforcement and consistently performs at a level that distinguishes her statewide.

During the boating season, Officer Hills conducted 215 boating-related contacts and addressed 14 violations through citations or warnings. She administered two Field Sobriety Tests, one of which resulted in a combined Boating Under the Influence and Driving Under the Influence arrest at the Enemy Swim boat ramp. Her willingness to engage in complex and challenging enforcement situations reflects a clear commitment to reducing impaired boat operation and enhancing public safety on South Dakota waters.

Her impact during the entire season has been equally strong. Officer Hills regularly works both high-traffic weekends and busy weekdays, maintaining a consistent presence at boat ramps and on the water. She approaches boating enforcement with enthusiasm and a steady focus on keeping South Dakota’s waterways safe and enjoyable for the public.

Officer Hills brings approximately 1,500 hours of prior boating enforcement experience from Iowa. This depth of background is uncommon and has clearly contributed to her operational proficiency, confidence on the water, and strong enforcement instincts.

She also maintains an exemplary standard of care for her assigned equipment, ensuring her boating assets remain reliable, well-maintained, and mission ready. That attention to detail directly supports her effectiveness in the field.

Officer Hills’ dedication to boating enforcement, her proactive efforts against impaired operation, and her consistently professional performance embody the core values of Operation Dry Water. She is an outstanding representative of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and is highly deserving of the 2026 ODW Officer of the Year Award.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Anna Hills on this well-earned recognition!

Yes, quite a few South Dakota state park campgrounds still have campsites available for Labor Day Weekend. They'll start...
08/20/2026

Yes, quite a few South Dakota state park campgrounds still have campsites available for Labor Day Weekend. They'll start to book up quickly as we get closer to the holiday weekend, so grab yours sooner than later at campsd.com!

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523 E Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD
57501

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Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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